This is my first hotel stay since the Covid-19 crisis and I had mixed emotions–excited to be in another city for the first time in several months and wary about the impact from the virus. Every major hotel chain has increased their cleaning regimen, but you have to wonder if hotel executives got buy-in from the cleaning staff to understand the importance of their jobs at such a critical time. It’s one thing for a major hotel group to set a policy and post their practices on their website, but it is entirely another to ensure those enhancements are actually performed in every single hotel room within the thousands of hotels in their chain.
Location
The Hilton Boston Back Bay is located just outside the heart of the city. It is south of the Charles River and a couple of blocks away from the finish line for the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street. It’s a great location for shopping and dining, and about 1.5 miles from starting point of the Freedom Trail–if you’re interested in American history.
Booking
I booked a standard double bed for one night. The room was $127.20 after applying my AAA membership rate. AAA saved me about $20. Parking was $56.00 with a $10 ‘Urban Destination Credit’–ultimately costing $46.00 for unlimited access to a self service garage during my stay. I hate paying such high rates for parking, but this is the premium expected when staying inside any major city.
After all the taxes and fees the final cost was $215.20. I would certainly consider that a fair and reasonable price for a nice hotel in Boston with parking.
Check In
The front desk and lobby were nice–nothing majestic, but clean, modern marble which made you feel like you are staying in a quality hotel. There were ‘Covid’ signs posted everywhere reminding everyone to wear a mask while in public areas and to social distance while waiting for service at the front desk.
The gentleman who checked me in was friendly and informative, but I was disappointed to learn that a room upgrade wasn’t available and the restaurant was closed because of the virus. It was completely closed, meaning no limited hours, no take away orders, and no room service. Additionally, the executive lounge was permanently closed at the beginning of this year–even before Covid was an issue.
I’m a reasonable person, and closing the restaurant is understandable considering the impact of Covid. However, I stay at Hiltons, in part, because of the perks I would normally receive as a Diamond member via the Amex Hilton Aspire card (high annual fee offset by the perks offered). Breakfast is always offered, and room upgrades–including a suite–if available. The upgrade is not a guarantee, but considering the drop in hotel occupancy lately I cant imagine there wasn’t a better room available. It wasn’t expected, but I was disappointed.
On a positive side, elite members receive a ‘welcome’ gift at check in. The gift depends on the hotel itself. The higher end hotels in the Hilton chain offer better gifts. It’s something small, but it is a nice touch. Last time I stayed in the Boston area I received a personal note from the manager thanking me for my loyalty and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. I loved that! At this hotel, they applied a $20 credit to spend at a small shop set up adjacent to the front desk. It was stocked with various snacks, chips, and bottled beverages as well as some gadgets like phone chargers, combs, and random toiletry items.
Room
My room was on the 14th floor. There was a cleaning seal on the door indicating that the room was sanitized. Even though you never really know exactly what additional steps were taken to clean and/or sanitize the room during the Covid crisis, I felt a little more at ease–even if it was just in my head.
The room was clean, well appointed with a great view of the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. No complaints about the room. It was nice.
Food/Amenities/Service
There isn’t much to review here. There was no real food and no lounge at this hotel. The pool and fitness center was closed because of Covid–understandably so. Although I stayed only one night, the room was very clean, and the limited contact I had with the front desk staff was positive. They were friendly, helpful, and greeted me whenever I walked in or out of the lobby.
Overall Impression
The positives were the room rate was very reasonable, the room was great and the staff was friendly. I was disappointed I didn’t receive a room upgrade (although it’s not guaranteed), there was no food, and parking was pricey. It would have been nice to accommodate members with status in some way to make up for the lack of perks that would normally be expected. Perhaps, apply a credit to the parking garage fee to replace the breakfast that ordinarily would be available. It was apparent that they just cut back–possibly for safety reasons and/or because of the significant drop in occupancy stemming from the virus. I get it–but, at the very least, make some effort to make the most loyal members feel special in some way. With that said the overall experience at the hotel was positive. I would stay here again–just with lower expectations.
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