The unadvertised promotional United Global First fare to Tokyo I flew on last week had limited domestic origins, Boston being one of them. And since I’m getting “old” and can no longer handle nonstop flying over several days, I flew into Boston the day before my BOS-SFO-NRT segments and booked into the Hilton attached to the airport.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport

I flew in on a red-eye from San Francisco, so I initially hung out in the United Club as it was far too early to check-in. By about 11:00 a.m., though, I was getting antsy and decided to take the long walk from Terminal C, through Terminal E, to the skybridges connecting the hotel to the terminals. Shuttle service from each terminal is also available, but I was keen on the exercise.

Gladly, a room was available and I received an Executive Level King room on the 10^th floor.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport Executive King Room

The room was very clean and offered the standard amenities for executive level accommodations, including complimentary bottled water, bathrobes and slippers. I dug the leaning mirror along the wall near the window, as well as the lap tray for use on the lounger.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport Room

I had a pretty decent #avgeek view overlooking the parking garage to the tower at one angle, and a view of the runways and terminals at another. A grounded Japan Airlines Boeing 787 sat nearby its replacement 777-200 parked at the gate.

View of Boston Logan's Control Tower

View of a JAL 787 and 777-200

I enjoyed complimentary Wi-Fi as a Diamond HHonors elite and booted up my laptop on the average-sized desk. A safe is housed in an adjacent compartment that appears to have been where a minibar was once located.

Work Station

In-Room Safe

The bathroom was nothing special and included Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities commonly found at most Hiltons, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. My only complaint about the bathroom was the rather aged showerhead that could use replacing.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport Bathroom

Bathroom Amenities

As a Diamond and having received a room upgrade, I had access to the Executive Lounge (also on the 10^th floor), which opens at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. You should be aware it’s closed on Saturdays.

Evening hors d’oeuvres consisted of veggie egg rolls and rather chewy beef tips on a skewer with roasted peppers. A selection of cold veggies and fruit was also available, along with soft drinks, coffee, tea and bottled water. Sadly, I forgot my iPhone in the room and didn’t get any pics. I would’ve felt a little weird going back a second time just to snap photos.

It’s a decent property, though I have to say the nearby Hyatt affords even better views of both the airport and Boston’s skyline. In the morning, I ended up taking the shuttle back to Terminal C for my 6:00 a.m. flight to San Francisco.

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Hotel Review: Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront

Hotel Review: Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong

A couple of weeks ago I attended the United Airlines Family Day event at San Francisco Airport. Instead of flying up just for the day, I spent the weekend there and booked a room at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront. I’ve stayed at a huge amount of airport hotels and this is the first near-airport property to exceptionally impress me.

I checked-in with Ashlin and she was by far the most real, yet professional, Hilton employee I’ve ever come across. She acknowledged my status and reviewed the benefits at the property as is normal during most of my Hilton check-in experiences, but she had a way of doing it that added a touch of un-robotic reality and personalization. I don’t know how to better describe it than that – Hilton needs to clone her.

I requested an airport view at check-in and Ashlin was quick to accommodate my request and apologized for having to move me one floor lower than what was pre-reserved. The apology was really unnecessary, but I thought it was a nice touch.

The lobby and surroundings were impressive and spotless. Near the elevator bank, there was a row of computers with a printer and a table setup with refreshing water options.

I took the elevator up to floor nine and made my way to room 914.

I believe this property was recently refreshed as the room was exceptionally appointed and comfortable. I like that they added a touch of locality with the mural of San Francisco appearing above the bed. All the plug-ins you could need were next to the desk and as usual, an in-closet safe was present large enough to fit a laptop.

The bathroom was just “okay” as the showerhead was a bit antiquated and the grouting on the floor was splotchy. Still, it was well appointed and carried the standard bathroom amenities.

As a Gold HHonors member, I had access to the Executive Lounge that is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm at this property. The day I checked in, I went up prior to the 5pm to 7pm Hors D’oeuvres time and was able to snap a ton of pictures without being “weird” had other people been present.

It, too, was well appointed and comfortable. It features several seating areas, televisions, a business center and complimentary newspapers. Once 5pm rolled around, the “buffet” section was ready and I enjoyed an array of vegetables, cheeses and crackers, bruschetta-esque delicacies and buffalo wings. Not pictured is a refrigerator of self-serve soft-drinks and bottled water (though you can see it in the mirror reflection).

Unlike many Hilton properties I’ve stayed at, the wait staff in this lounge was incredibly responsive to your every need. They quickly cleared empty plates, asked politely if you needed anything else and were genuine in their service. I was very impressed. In the mornings, they had eggs and sausage one day and eggs and bacon the next, along with fruit, pastries and yoghurt.

I generally never use the pool or fitness room when staying at a hotel, but took a tour specifically to include for this review. Both areas are quite small, but given it’s an airport property they seemed adequate. Signs were posted in the lobby and on the door of the fitness room that a renovation is near.

My interactions with the staff throughout my stay were impressive. Everyone was courteous, polite, not overbearing and sincere in their approach. I appreciate when people act “real,” and all of the employees at this property did just that.

I sort of regret not having dined at the property’s restaurant to include in this review, but will definitely stay there again when the need arises. Having stayed at many airport hotels near SFO, this by far was the best experience I’ve had. Well done, Hilton!

[Please note that I was not paid for this review, nor did I inform Hilton in advance that I am a travel blogger.]