Over the weekend, I spent a night at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, after flying Lufthansa’s A380 first class from Munich. I won’t be writing a full review of my stay, because I wasn’t there for long. I arrived at the hotel at night, I went to sleep within an hour, and I left the hotel shortly after 3AM the next morning.
However, even based on my short stay, I can’t help but reflect on the sad state of some “full service” hotels in the United States. I wanted to touch on a couple of the things that most stood out to me.
In this post:
Hotel room not ready at 7:30PM
No, this didn’t happen to me, but while checking in at 7:30PM, I overheard the guy next to me losing his patience. Why? He was informed that even though it was 7:30PM, his room wasn’t ready yet. “Sorry, we have a housekeeping shortage, but we’ll give you a discount.”
The guy responded with “and you also have a shuttle shortage, and I had to wait a long time.” He continued with “this is a Hyatt Regency, this is supposed to be nice.”
Obviously I can’t generalize whether this is a consistent issue, though I don’t think I’ve ever personally witnessed someone be told that their room wasn’t ready at 7:30PM.
The whole “labor shortage” excuse worked for some amount of time after the start of the pandemic. But at this point it’s not a labor shortage, it’s a major wage shortage. If this is still a problem, it’s time to pay your housekeepers more.
The property is very poorly maintained
The Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is a perfectly pleasant hotel with nice views and it even seems like it was relatively recently renovated. However, I couldn’t help but notice the complete lack of care and ongoing maintenance the property seems to receive.
Just to give an example, below is what the door area in my room looked like. This wasn’t just an isolated situation, as my mom’s room had similar damage.
The elevators looked more like freight elevators than what you’d expect in what’s supposed to be a decent hotel.
And even the door in the restaurant leading outside looked like it just needed a bit of love.
I didn’t use any of the hotel’s facilities, but the lack of any maintenance in the few areas I visited disappointed me. Ordinarily you’d think the general manager and department heads would be focused on ongoing maintenance, so I have to assume there’s some directive from the owners to not spend a dime that’s not essential?
High prices, low value…
Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen a huge increase in the cost of many hotel stays, particularly in the United States. I think what’s so frustrating for consumers is that you pay significantly more than before, and receive significantly less.
For example, the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is really sort of an airport hotel (it has a shuttle), but the rate for my night in a base room was $370 including taxes and fees (I used a Category 1-4 free night award, for what it’s worth). Paying $370 for an airport hotel is simply wild, and then you end up at a property where some people can’t even check-in at 7:30PM, and the hotel just seems to have given up on basic maintenance.
I just don’t stay at many hotels in the United States anymore, and I find that properties internationally continue to do a much better job with this kind of stuff.
Bottom line
I can’t say my quick stay at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor was great. In many ways the hotel impresses — the views are awesome, the staff are friendly, and the restaurant looked decent. But it was disappointing to see the areas in which corners seem to be cut when it comes to housekeeping and maintenance.
Is this just the reality of many “full service” hotels in the United States nowadays, or did I get unlucky?
I agree with you. I have seen consistant downgrade in quality with the overall Hyatt brands but especially the Regency which is supposed to be one of their top of the line. I stayed at the HR in Sarasota, FL past year and they were going through a partial renovation and the service and HR quality was below subpar especially for the price. I have actually been thinking more and more about getting rid of...
I agree with you. I have seen consistant downgrade in quality with the overall Hyatt brands but especially the Regency which is supposed to be one of their top of the line. I stayed at the HR in Sarasota, FL past year and they were going through a partial renovation and the service and HR quality was below subpar especially for the price. I have actually been thinking more and more about getting rid of my card and switching because for what we get in return is becoming not worth it. I have been a Platinum member for years too so it is a shame because I used to love the Hyatt brand.
I stayed at the Hyatt at the airport in Pittsburgh and they were out of soap. No soap during your stay, entire hotel no soap.
I've stayed at this hotel at least 1x a year for the last five years (missed this year). They have a surprisingly good restaurant and very friendly shuttle driver (Andrej), that combined with a great location (by far the best for any of the Boston airport hotels considering you have views, and a great walking area on the shore), it's really the best option. The Hilton may be terminal connected but it's a long walk...
I've stayed at this hotel at least 1x a year for the last five years (missed this year). They have a surprisingly good restaurant and very friendly shuttle driver (Andrej), that combined with a great location (by far the best for any of the Boston airport hotels considering you have views, and a great walking area on the shore), it's really the best option. The Hilton may be terminal connected but it's a long walk to most terminals and costs even more than the Hyatt. Everything else can be 20+ minutes away with any traffic. Considering prices in downtown Boston the price on this hotel seems pretty reasonable, though totally inexcusable to not have a room rotated at 7:30pm -- though i had to wait until 6:30 at the Ritz Carlton MDR last year (and was offered absolutely no compensation).
Hi,
This was an interesting read. I stayed for one night at the TWA hotel at JFK in Junes. By the time I got to the hotel it was just gone 21h00. It then took them until after 22h30 to get a room ready because of staffing issues. And I wasn't the only one waiting either. The entire lobby was crowded with people waiting for a room to become available. It's not what you want to hear coming off a transatlantic flight.
I had a similar problem at the Doubletree Atlanta airport hotel, except that there were NO clean rooms. They shrugged their shoulders, told me other hotels bad rokloms available, and cancelled my reservation without telling me.
These “photos” are not even of the property Hyatt BOS Regency, and this is a fraudulent review. The doors at this property have a completely different key entry system and the doors do not look anything like the “photos”. Also, you’re not special. Everyone in and around BOS is suffering from shuttle wait times due to the major closure of the tunnel. Especially when the first class flight you didn’t even pay for landed from MUC. Do your homework and stop complaining.
Found the hotel employee....
I stayed at a Hyatt in Laguna Nigel a few weeks ago for a conference. When I arrived, I was to to"Wait!" while one of the desk agents talked on the phone about his weekend. The desk staff were really just rude. The hotel was in poor condition. Nice view, right on the ocean. But peeling paint, discolored walls, rude front desk staff and odd layout with only one elevator made it a huge disappointment.
I stay at the Intercontinental Boston Harbor a lot before taking the morning flight to LHR. Though there's no more 24 hour room service, it is a great hotel.
Just stayed one day under day use. Comforter was filthy and dirty. bath tub draining is poor. Hotel apologized and compensated breakfast. However this totally ruined my expectations for Hyatt regency despite the view is fantastic. Will totally avoid it at any cost.
Ben, we actually began experiencing this a few years ago. We'd drive, stay at the highway hotels, be it Hamptons and so forth, have a nice stay, pleasant people. This was enlightening for us.
Then come into the big cities and stay downtown at the higher end of the brands. More than enough times we were highly disappointed downtown. Many of the things you pointed out.
Everyone reading this loves to travel. Unfortunately, we the consumers must speak with our wallets and say no when they're too expensive or poor quality. It's the only way they'll change. But for now, everyone continues travel and they continue to paid so I'm not very hopeful.
To be clear, there are still some awesome properties out there but most of the time you don't know until you're actually there.
I think it is a Boston problem. I have to stay for work at Airport Hotels around Logan and rates are always around the $300 Mark. At mid scale hotel not full service.
It is not unusual to see 6 or 7 hundred dollar per night rate.
Of course it is no excuse to let a property go to hell .
Thanks for the insight Ben about this particular hotel and for giving voice to a definite general trend. It sucks to pay full price and get half quality - if hotels are raking it in again, then they should staff up and do proper maintenance. And if they do not do this, then I hope people will vote with their feet.
Personally - I am currently only traveling for the destination and to visit family/friends....
Thanks for the insight Ben about this particular hotel and for giving voice to a definite general trend. It sucks to pay full price and get half quality - if hotels are raking it in again, then they should staff up and do proper maintenance. And if they do not do this, then I hope people will vote with their feet.
Personally - I am currently only traveling for the destination and to visit family/friends. No more aspirational hotels - just not worth it.
Only "good" airport hotel I have ever stayed at is the Grand Hyatt SFO - that place is actually nice, though also not inexpensive
I just stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Bangkok and everything was well maintained with 5 star service. The Hyatt Regency's here in the US are generally as you have described.
I don't understand the appeal of airport hotels at BOS. Aside from the construction this summer on the Sumner Tunnel making traffic kind of a nightmare, BOS is 12 minutes from most downtown hotels. Get to the city, explore a bit on foot, and avoid the hassle. The Hyatt Centric Fanueil Hall is a solid property in an excellent location.
Agree
Public transport or cab ride to city probably same time length of this shuttle rides, given the wait
Same airport, same time of a different day (August 10), same hotel, but off an A380 from BA, not Lufthansa. It was by the way in a shameful and sore condition (I cannot say whether THAT A380 was in such poor condition or whether they all are...). I hope that Lufthansa's are better.
Endless wait (50 minutes) for the hotel shuttle at the hotel shuttle pick-up point, when all the other brands seemed to be...
Same airport, same time of a different day (August 10), same hotel, but off an A380 from BA, not Lufthansa. It was by the way in a shameful and sore condition (I cannot say whether THAT A380 was in such poor condition or whether they all are...). I hope that Lufthansa's are better.
Endless wait (50 minutes) for the hotel shuttle at the hotel shuttle pick-up point, when all the other brands seemed to be running normally. Another passenger from the same flight and going to the same hotel, an elderly lady, suddenly got very agitated and told me that upon calling the hotel, she was told that 1/ One must call the hotel to be picked-up as their shuttles do not run systematically and 2/ that the Hyatt shuttle stops in an entirely different place. on a different level (departures, not arrivals) than the other shuttles.
I had no problem with my room even though I stayed longer than Ben (I checked out at 11 AM). My other criticism is that the fixed-price Buffet Breakfast is either not lavish enough or not cheap enough. The offering does not match the price.
The Hyatt shuttle drop off at the airport is the departures level. The pick-up area is outside of baggage claim at the arrivals (lower) level.
Thank you for saving me a poor experience.
my experience with Hyatt Regency's has been consistently bad (as someone without Globalist).
Shamefull. These full service properties have been devasted by the pandemic. In the lower end hotels, like Hyatt Place, there wasn't much to cut, and the higher end, Grand/Park Hyatt, they dared not make significant cuts. But these full services hotels, HR, Marriott and Hilton, seem to have got the brunt of service cuts.
As a multi-year Hyatt Globalist, I've noticed the same thing *especially* among Regency properties. I haven't been to the HR Boston, but in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, NYC (now closed), Columbus, Louisville, Indianapolis, Miami, and others it's exactly as you describe. Usually a good location and architecturally interesting lobby (once a Regency hallmark), but extremely run-down facilities with poor maintenance and lousy service.
I don't know what the problem is, but it seems...
As a multi-year Hyatt Globalist, I've noticed the same thing *especially* among Regency properties. I haven't been to the HR Boston, but in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, NYC (now closed), Columbus, Louisville, Indianapolis, Miami, and others it's exactly as you describe. Usually a good location and architecturally interesting lobby (once a Regency hallmark), but extremely run-down facilities with poor maintenance and lousy service.
I don't know what the problem is, but it seems to be consistent within the Regency brand. ☹️
Completely agree. I much prefer a Hyatt Place since they seem better maintained. I stay at this Boston Harbor HR every summer en route to Provincetown. It's exactly as Ben describes. I was there just three weeks ago and it's a shame. The shuttle was very slow & late. Service is an afterthought & the property needs a massive makeover. I usually use a free night reward from my Hyatt Visa but have noticed the...
Completely agree. I much prefer a Hyatt Place since they seem better maintained. I stay at this Boston Harbor HR every summer en route to Provincetown. It's exactly as Ben describes. I was there just three weeks ago and it's a shame. The shuttle was very slow & late. Service is an afterthought & the property needs a massive makeover. I usually use a free night reward from my Hyatt Visa but have noticed the prices are outrageous compared to just a few years ago. The Hyatts in China were much nicer than the US properties.
Absolutely agree. The HRs are really suffering. I'd add HR San Francisco Embarcadero and HR Jersey City to this list too. The other HR Boston that's downtown was just OK but feeling a little worn too.
Stayed there for 2 nights around 4th of July and it was a positive experience. We had no involvement with the airport, we just wanted the view and took the ferry right at the hotel across to the old Boston sightseeing attractions. The staff was pleasant, the room was fine, and the breakfast buffet was good. My only complaint is they refuse to service on their nice harbor front patio for breakfast and sometimes dinner...
Stayed there for 2 nights around 4th of July and it was a positive experience. We had no involvement with the airport, we just wanted the view and took the ferry right at the hotel across to the old Boston sightseeing attractions. The staff was pleasant, the room was fine, and the breakfast buffet was good. My only complaint is they refuse to service on their nice harbor front patio for breakfast and sometimes dinner too. There was adequate staff, but another amenity downgrade in the post Covid hotel world.
Huh, my experience at the hotel last year was quite different. The shuttle was timely and got me to and from the airport as necessary so I could catch the train/bus to downtown. Just a quick overnight so I didn't use any of the extras or eat at the restaurant. Didn't notice any wear/tear or broken things in the room either.
Although I will say for airport stays at BOS, I much preferred the Hilton.
I stayed one night at this hotel in June of 2022, making use of the airport shuttle. I checked in around 4:30 p.m., and my room was ready. I had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant, and the food was excellent. I loved the harbor snd city view and didn't notice any maintenance issues.
I stay very frequently in US hotels (but live in Europe), and I would say that many mid-tier chains such as (newer or newly renovated) HGI, HI Express, Hampton Inns, Springhill Suites, etc are good to VERY good, but that so called full-service hotels have gotten significantly worse over the years.
this blog spots on the hotels in US with high price low value , regardless brands most properties here in US we're paying premium price for nicer hotel catagory with expectation of motel 6. As far loyalty, I personally dont even have any luck even with SNA from marriott so far here in us with exception in Taiwan and Mexico a confirmed upgrade. It is a shame....
I've seen a drop in quality for sure. My theory: people don't want to work for substandard wages anymore and some folks took advantage of the pandemic to retire.
I suspect it's more global than we are seeing, and different countries may have different approaches to the problem. For example, Tokyo hotel prices for the major chains are through the roof this fall, and that's because owners limit 70% (give or take) hotel capacity...
I've seen a drop in quality for sure. My theory: people don't want to work for substandard wages anymore and some folks took advantage of the pandemic to retire.
I suspect it's more global than we are seeing, and different countries may have different approaches to the problem. For example, Tokyo hotel prices for the major chains are through the roof this fall, and that's because owners limit 70% (give or take) hotel capacity to make up for the worker shortage.
I've stayed at two FS hotels in San Francisco recently and thanks to the regional depressed travel demand, I had a great stay. Pismo Beach and Los Angeles FS: crowded and popular yet horrible stays, very similar to yours.
In the US it seems to be acceptable to sell all the rooms and provide substandard service. Free market, baby.
I stayed there for 2 nights back in June, and it was pretty good. I agree that the place could use a facelift but that location was awesome. It's so close to the airport that I just walked so I can't speak on the shuttle. The Globalist breakfast was good though, I got Lobster Eggs Benedict. It was also nice to grab a ferry over to Boston right from the hotel. I'd stay again, I thought it was perfectly fine and all the staff was friendly with us.
Not sure how you managed to walk it since they are on different sides of the main harbor channel and the only way across is either taking a ferry or using one of the two tunnels, neither of which allow pedestrians. So either you have confused your hotels or you are straight up lying because unless your initials are JC I doubt you walked across the harbor
You may be the one confused about hotels. The HR Boston Harbor is located on the Logan side of the harbor and is easily walkable from the airport.
Jack, you are the confused one. It's walkable. Source: have walked from airport to this hotel.
I stay there often and love the hotel. Like most airpprt hotels, there is a lot of traffic and mstly 1 night stays. I agree, there is some wear here and there, but the staff is excellant and breakfast in the restaurant is one of the best in the city.
You’ll be alright
I used to work at that hotel.. about 6 years ago. The management back then didn’t seem to care.. it’s been sold at least once since then, so they clearly still don’t care.
Have stayed here twice using Hyatt Free Night for Positioning Flights and never had an issue, i have been awake at the hotel maybe a total of 4 hours so i haven't been able to really observe the place all that well
The shuttle issue is particularly bad. We were there last week and it took more than an hour to get there, and some people on shuttle told us they had been waiting 90 minutes. They should have just told us to take a cab and reimbursed or discounted.
Or you can take the free bus Massport runs that comes every 10 mins but ok.
Nope, it's not just this one hotel. I travel every week and can confirm that this is the case all over. It's as though hotels are still using the COVID pandemic as an excuse to charge more for much, much less. Most "full service" hotels are in similar states of disrepair. Amenities that were removed or altered during the height of COVID have not returned or have remained in their modified state while prices soar.
This hotel could be updated - it is a bit dated. I recently had a day and half meeting there and I can’t complain about the service, the food was delicious, the staff were friendly, meeting planner / assistant was very helpful - AV worked great, no issues. The convenience to the airport was great for attendees who just wanted to arrive, attend the meeting and leave. Others chose to use the water taxi to...
This hotel could be updated - it is a bit dated. I recently had a day and half meeting there and I can’t complain about the service, the food was delicious, the staff were friendly, meeting planner / assistant was very helpful - AV worked great, no issues. The convenience to the airport was great for attendees who just wanted to arrive, attend the meeting and leave. Others chose to use the water taxi to get into Boston easily. That said, if you are looking to rest after an international flight, then the Hilton which is attached to the airport, right by Terminal E, is much more convenient. It could probably use an update as well, but have also never had any issues.
I guess if you've flown in from Frankfurt first class then this hotel would be a great let down. But then it has been for years, they did a refresh say 10 years ago which was lame at best. The only value to staying here are the nighttime sunset viewing from the patio, drink in hand. Other than that Hyatt isn't going to pull the flag anytime soon nor force things on management as they...
I guess if you've flown in from Frankfurt first class then this hotel would be a great let down. But then it has been for years, they did a refresh say 10 years ago which was lame at best. The only value to staying here are the nighttime sunset viewing from the patio, drink in hand. Other than that Hyatt isn't going to pull the flag anytime soon nor force things on management as they don't want to lose a high visibility flag.
Maybe if you try coach next time the Hyatt will look better !
Stayed twice earlier this year. Overall it was pretty meh. Best thing was breakfast was pretty solid, although the high prices make your $27 breakfast benefit go quickly.
That view is absolutely gorgeous. I felt a lil something inside of me thinking of the history that took place out there.
Service in the US is non existent. People are lazy and don’t care. Now it became standard to ask if I want housekeeping service. Excuse me??? Yes, I do. Oh, we are saving the planet. We are short on staff. My a..!!!!
People who generalize about another culture, whether it be the US or other country, are generally showing their ignorance. It would be nice to offer actual insights instead of feeble-minded prejudices.
Ignorant is probably you that think that everything is perfect in America. How do you feel about being a Globalist and pay $600/night in the US and be asked if you want housekeeping during a 3 day stay? You say yes and after nobody shows up after first night I have to go ask for new towels and soap at the reception. Now, I stayed at a Hyatt property in Europe this summer and nobody...
Ignorant is probably you that think that everything is perfect in America. How do you feel about being a Globalist and pay $600/night in the US and be asked if you want housekeeping during a 3 day stay? You say yes and after nobody shows up after first night I have to go ask for new towels and soap at the reception. Now, I stayed at a Hyatt property in Europe this summer and nobody asked me if I wanted housekeeping? Do you know why? Because it was default, not only in the morning but a turn down service at night. How is that for actual insights?
I never said "everything is perfect in America", so no need to make up words to satisfy your prejudice. In fact, it's quite obvious that everything is not perfect.
I'm sorry to hear about your experience, which you shouldn't have had to have dealt with...having travelled about 6.5 million miles, I have had unpleasant experiences as well, but I wouldn't call it "insights", a word I would only use with in-depth industry knowledge and research. Nice try....
Yours may have been a one off. I've stayed at least 10 times in under two years, no issues, fantastic service, only had one time there was no shuttle due to illness and they paid for ubers/ cabs. Always upgraded to Jr suite. Staff consistently goes above and beyond in being helpful.
How can you say the elevators look like freight ones when they have a gorgeous full view of the runway? Love the...
Yours may have been a one off. I've stayed at least 10 times in under two years, no issues, fantastic service, only had one time there was no shuttle due to illness and they paid for ubers/ cabs. Always upgraded to Jr suite. Staff consistently goes above and beyond in being helpful.
How can you say the elevators look like freight ones when they have a gorgeous full view of the runway? Love the harbor front walking path, and the gorgeous skyline view. The restaurants has great food and a dedicated fryers for those who need GF. Best fish and chips in town, and I grew up there.
Sorry your stay wasn't great. Mine always are.
Has anyone experienced any shortcomings at a Four Seasons property ? I feel that The ultra luxury properties that cater to the elite have not missed a beat, while the brands beneath that have raised prices, cut corners, and lowered expectations.
This, like flying economy, no more beef, no more gas vehicles, skyrocketing home prices is a part of the “great reset”
You can only have luxury, eat beef, fly private if you’re high society.
"The great reset"?? This is a joke right, you don't actually believe in this conspiracy theory nonsense?
"Ultra luxury properties that cater to the elite have not missed a beat" - well, yeah, they're ultra luxury properties, not a nefarious plot.
And last I looked plenty of people were still flying economy and eating beef
It’s called logical thinking which people are commonly lacking nowadays.
I think you need a great reset of your right wing talking points.
I live in this country, I see and experience things for myself. No one is telling me how to think and what to think. These are my observations and show me any contradictory data. If you don’t see it, then you just haven’t noticed. That doesn’t make you a right wing conspiracy theorist or a left wing nut job
Jerry, no is telling you "how to think and what to think". They're just disagreeing with you.
You say " these are my observations". But your observation seems to be "luxury hotels are still nice, therefore there must be an evil global conspiracy afoot".
And are you seriously asking for "data" from others to prove that nice hotels ISN'T a sign of some kind of evil conspiracy??? On the contrary, do you have...
Jerry, no is telling you "how to think and what to think". They're just disagreeing with you.
You say " these are my observations". But your observation seems to be "luxury hotels are still nice, therefore there must be an evil global conspiracy afoot".
And are you seriously asking for "data" from others to prove that nice hotels ISN'T a sign of some kind of evil conspiracy??? On the contrary, do you have proof that because the Four Seasons is cleaning the rooms on time that that is a sign of the (illogical) "great reset"?
food was terrible
Nothing's gonna change long as people keep booking expensive rates at hotels which don't even deliver basic service. That's why hotels in other regions are nicer.
They are focused on not spending any money. The losses during the pandemic were significant and they are trying to recover every penny possible. I think they know this is an issue across the industry, so it is less likely people will abandon the property for the one across the street which is probably in the same state.
Yup, that is the reality nowadays. Less for more across the board.
It's the laziness of the American work culture. The general public are voicing their opinion of immigrants taking their jobs while it is YOU that are lazy and don't want to take these jobs. Stop complaining, get off your A**, and take these jobs that you claim are being offered to you.
If this is still a problem, it’s time to pay your housekeepers more.
THIS!!! The owner classes make record numbers, don't pay adequately, and still say "People just don't want to work!"
Does anyone have any feedback on the nearby HR Cambridge property? Thinking of using a FNC there. Thanks
The DCA Regency airport hotel is in a similar state. My partner was just there for a conference as a GOH booking. Arrived at 1 pm, no room until 5:30. I knew they had a significant number of empty rooms the day before; I had checked. They didn't explain any of the GOH benefits - I had to remind him to ask about breakfast, an upgrade, and late checkout. The balcony on his room was...
The DCA Regency airport hotel is in a similar state. My partner was just there for a conference as a GOH booking. Arrived at 1 pm, no room until 5:30. I knew they had a significant number of empty rooms the day before; I had checked. They didn't explain any of the GOH benefits - I had to remind him to ask about breakfast, an upgrade, and late checkout. The balcony on his room was nice to have but filthy, and there was apparently a lot of wear and tear all over the hotel. In addition the hotel was very disorganized when it came to the conference, setting up the wrong size dividers for sessions and directing people to the wrong areas.
I’ve stayed at both and think much more highly of the DCA Regency, where I’m 3/3 with globalist upgrades, and it’s much less expensive with points or cash. Also, the bathrooms are cleaner and newer at the DCA Regency.
I’ve stayed at both and think much more highly of the DCA Regency, where I’m 3/3 with globalist upgrades, and it’s much less expensive with points or cash. Also, the bathrooms are cleaner and newer at the DCA Regency.
Unfortunately, that's what happens when you get tied to the big chains. Personally, I stay at Marriott's because that's where my points are. However, I had a fantastic experience in the same neighborhood when I chose to break those chains and stay at the Seaport Hotel which has no affiliation with the major chains. It was beautiful, incredibly well-maintained, employees with fantastic attitudes, and the best facilities of any hotel I've stayed at in the...
Unfortunately, that's what happens when you get tied to the big chains. Personally, I stay at Marriott's because that's where my points are. However, I had a fantastic experience in the same neighborhood when I chose to break those chains and stay at the Seaport Hotel which has no affiliation with the major chains. It was beautiful, incredibly well-maintained, employees with fantastic attitudes, and the best facilities of any hotel I've stayed at in the Boston area. And it is right there at the seaport that is burgeoning at the moment. Your comment is true that it's almost like a airport hotel because it's so close but with all of the features of a world-class city.
I've stayed at the Seaport several times and agree with you -- it's a nice hotel -- though I haven't been since Covid.
It used to have a boat-taxi from the quayside opposite the hotel's main entrance direct to Logan Airport. A refreshing way to travel between airport and city.
I have sympathy for the hotel, just 50 miles south and the employee shortage is really. That includes offering wages far above minimum and above regional averages. Hotels still need more staff!
Wow.
This is disappointing. from 2010 through 2016 I had extensive business in Boston and regularly stayed there upon arrival, taking the water taxi to the city the next morning prior to going to other accommodations.
I never experienced anything like this.
I have this hotel booked for early October. Does anyone have any update to date experiences with both this hotel and the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge?
Would it be worth switching to the Cambridge one?
Ben's report is up to date?
Lol Hyatt is great at charging $$$ for fake "luxury". As long as people keep buying into Hyatt being anything more than a midrange overpriced chain, this will continue
Completely agree - but Hyatt points can have pretty outsized value still. Sometimes paying in points will net me a room downtown in a Hyatt Regency for the same price (if you convert 1 point to 1¢) as a room in an Airbnb with shared spaces.
I've never paid cash for a Hyatt though, for the same price a locally run hotel is usually MUCH better.
I believe there’s a new Hyatt Place in the Seaport. Better choice over Cambridge if you need the airport convenience
Unfortunately not available for my nights :(
Thanks though!
Not what you asked, but I’m at the downtown Boston Hyatt Regency right now.
I didn’t see any issues like Ben and think it’s been a great stay.
$370???? I would go downtown and check into the Four Seasons. What a $hithole.
Four seasons is at least $1000
This hotel is not worth $125 never mind $370. Management does NOT care at all. The owners dont care at all. They have a captive audience or so they think and run the place as a cash cow. It is not up to basic Hyatt standards. In short avoid at all costs.
Thanks. Just in time. I was about to book it for upcoming trip. Loved the service when I stayed there 6/7 years ago. Without any status, they gave me a room at 10am.
Love the location and the view, though.
I spend a lot of time in Boston, and always prefer the HR Boston Downtown. Had constant problems with the HR Boston Harbor- they didn’t give me the perks of the destination fee as globalist, and I found several staff rude. Also, Gary Leffs article about getting yelled at was unsettling to me. I too am tired of the “pay more, get less” from hotels.
I spend a lot of time hopping back and forth between the HR Boston Downtown and the HC Fanueil Hall. Both have their merits. No suites at the HC, but I think the restaurant is better, especially at breakfast. It's also just easier to get in and out of your room at HC than at the HR, which is a giant property and always involves two different elevator rides.
This hotel is screaming out for a proper review so we can see how bad it really is. Room not ready at 7:30pm?! We can put up with a lot, but that's just pathetic.
What are major let down after such a sweet, long haul ride.
I wanna love this hotel so much: I love walking the mile along the waterfront to the east dock area, where there’s a small skein of unheralded restaurants and breweries. The views, the sea air, the solitude, the microbrews … And I’ve had that same feeling upon returning from that outing: how chintzy the hotel is.
Wow I seriously considered that property for a stay in a couple of weeks. Glad I chose the HR downtown for the bargain price of about $399/night
Wasn’t this the property that Gary was yelled at by the manager recently?
Yes. https://viewfromthewing.com/i-got-yelled-at-by-a-hyatt-manager-for-the-first-time/
The prices in Boston have been outrageous all summer. Every downtown hotel is $300+. My work team struggles to find affordable places to stay and even with negotiated rates can rarely get below $300. $370 for the Regency is actually lower than I’d expect. Nice use of the cert
Wow - that’s a terribly worn out looking property - imagine having to pay top dollar for it