My review of the Hilton Boston Back Bay is an “Express” review because I wasn’t there long enough for much else! Arrived 6pm Thursday and left at 9am Friday. Nonetheless, I thought I’d share a few details. I was in the area for a business meeting just across the river in Cambridge, and this was the closest spot where I could get a decent rate, not to mention, the reviews on Flyertalk weren’t bad, so I went for it.
After a reasonably quick cabride considering it was rush hour, I arrived at the hotel. While I didn’t need it, I noted that no bell service was available at the moment I arrived. I proceeded inside and after a short wait, my check in was processed. My Hilton HHonors Diamond status was not noted other than a comment that my Hilton HHonors number was on file. He asked if I wanted internet access, and when I replied in the affirmative, I was given a coupon containing an access code.
I was originally assigned a 6th floor room, and when I asked for something a little higher up, I was given a room on the 26th floor, the highest floor. The friendly desk clerk mentioned that this room was not as large as the room I was originally assigned, but I was fine with that for just one night. As I was about to walk away, I asked if there was an Executive Lounge. The attendant said I can give you a coupon for that. The coupon said something to the effect of I would get a free continental breakfast in the “Diamond Lounge” located within the 40 Dalton Restaurant. So no typical lounge, and I did not make it down for breakfast the next morning, so I can’t report on how that worked out.
The room itself was basic Hilton, not too small, not too big, and while I was on the 26th floor, I didn’t have much of a view of anything. Not to matter, I wouldn’t be there for long, and it served its purpose. I had the basic things I want in every hotel, air conditioning, a bed, a TV, a desk with power outlets, and high speed internet! All was well. I took a few pictures. My apologies for the poor lighting.
Nothing wrong with the room, but I thought the bath was a little compact as was the closet, but certainly all quite acceptable for a single business traveler.
There was hardly anytime even for dinner, but I did manage to venture just down the street from the hotel to a spot the concierge recommended for casual dining, Summer Shack. Great looking bar, fresh oysters, and the Jasper’s Pan Roasted Lobster, simply divine! I circled back to the hotel’s bar, 40 Dalton, for a night cap, and with that, I was off to bed. Unfortunately, no time to check out the fitness center or much of anything else near the hotel.
My verdict? Good enough, but not fabulous. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again if the location is the right one like it was for this trip. But the lack of a a full executive lounge, coupled with …well, just “averageness” for lack of a better word keeps me from saying this hotel will be my “go to” spot on my next business trip to Boston.
Darn. I wish you had a change to see the Executive Breakfast Lounge. Awful, just a room with no windows, and the most bare bones selection. If you choose a table close to the door you’ll see the restaurant where non-status guests eat. The restaurant is attractive, with large windows and a great buffet. The Back Bay Hilton is my least favorite Hilton in Boston.