Four Seasons Boston Hotel

, Boston, United States
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Four Seasons Boston Hotel

5 star

Rooms: 272

200 Boylston Street - Boston - Massachusetts - 02116 - United States Hotel Website | 617 338-4400
312 Traveller

Reviews - Four Seasons Boston Hotel

Historical Traveller Reviews of Four Seasons Boston Hotel

Boston Four Seasons is Overrated and Overpriced (long review)

from travelosopher
The hotel is rated as a 5 star, but we had more of a 4 star experience at 6 star prices. Obviously it is an above average hotel, but we paid well above average prices and it failed to meet our expectations.

We travelled with our 5 year old daughter and paid about $1000 a night for a "suite" since we needed 2 separate areas. The decor and quality of finishes in the suite was excellent., however, it was also rather dark because it had absolutely no view to the outside (we overlooked an internal one story courtyard) . Further, it was located directly underneath the gym which is open 24 hours a day!, and worst of all for us, the room had french doors between the two rooms so that the light in the living room/sleeper bed pullout room" would keep whomever was trying to sleep in the real bedroom awake if everyone was not asleep at the same time.

My husband needed to take phone calls and work on his laptop quite late one night , but since there weren't proper doors between the two rooms (so that he could work without disturbing us while we slept in the "formal" bedroom") he actually ended up having to purchase another room for the night. Had there been proper doors or even some type of light blocking blind over the french windows, he could have done his work as planned in the living room area of the suite. If there had been internet access anywhere public in the hotel, he could have stayed up working there, but they had no access other than in the individual rooms. Of course, we could prevented this by staying in two adjoining rooms, but the hotel had assured us when we made our reservation that the suite was a better option. . . . so we ended up paying for a suite plus an extra room for one night.

Additionally, the layout of the suite was less than stellar since it lacked some practical features that having 2 separate sleeping areas would require. There was no access to the bathroom except though the formal bedroom. The large useless entryway to the suite could have easily accomodated an additional door to the bathroom (so that a guest who was staying up working or sleeping in the other area could go to the bathroom without disturbing whomever was sleeping in the formal bedroom).

Moreover, the hotel touts itself as child friendly and open to special requests, but we found that they could not even comply with a minor room service breakfast request -- we asked if they could make a smaller portion of a regular menu breakfast item -- whole grain pancakes -- for our child, but they said no and instead directed us to the chocolate chip pancake on the kids menu, which we declined to order. Additionally they do not even have the basic staple of most travelling kids -- pizza -- on the voluminous room service menu. They have a "pita with tomato sauce and cheese", but any kid will tell you that that is not a real pizza.

The staff was very friendly. In fact, often overly friendly in an ingratiating way -- it felt like we were being pursued for tips at every turn. When I tried to carry out my own small bag from the curb to the waiting limo, for example, there were 4 different people who tried to do it for me despite my protests. Too much service can be bad service. Especially if you are being forced to accept a service you don't want so that the provider can then expect a tip. It actually reminded me of when homeless people with squeegies run up to my car at red lights to "wash" my windshield without my permission and then demand payment. It stressed us out. Furthermore, the tipping is a bit confusing because there is an 18% gratuity automatically added in already to the room service bill, so you aren't sure which other services to your room might require tipping. I called housekeeping to ask for an extra pillow and realized after the fact that the individual who brought it was probably upset because I didn't hand him $5! In any event, at the prices they are charging for rooms and food, the hotel would do well to establish a no tipping policy. I would even rather pay a little more if I didn't have to reach into my wallet for small bills constantly.

Finally, there is no transport from Logan airport to the hotel. We assumed there would be a driver or at least a shuttle available given the hotel's prices and 5 star rating. When we arrived we phoned the concierge who instead hired a limo company for us. It ended up costing $120 for the 4 mile trip. I guess we could have hopped into a cab, but most of them do not have the required children's safety seats. We booked our own limo back to Logan with Boston Coach -- the same ride was only $75.

5 Star Four Seasons

from M.Photog.
The Boston Four Seasons is the only AAA 5 Diamond, Mobile 5 Star Hotel in all of New England as well as being very highly rated by T&L magazine and several other publications. Now that we have the opinions of the experts I'll have a go at it.
My wife and I decided to visit Boston for 3 nights over the 4th of July. We selected the FS based on location, reviews and reputation.
Our room was a Deluxe Garden view room on the 5th floor overlooking the Public Garden. The room was well appointed and seemed to be recently renovated. I was told that the hotel recenty completed renovation of all their guest rooms. Some earlier reviews on this forum expressing concerns about the need of an update can now be put to rest.
We found the Bristol Restraunt and Lounge to be excellent. Everything was well prepared and served. Request a table by the windows for a great view of the Public Garden across the Boylston Street.
The complimentary Downtown car service is great and the driver was very helpful with local information.
The Concierge Desk was well staffed with knowlegable and helpful people who seemed to take the busy holiday crowd in stride.
The 2 young men in the pool/fitness area went beyond the call of duty keeping the area open late for guests to watch the Fireworks from the glassed in 8th floor vantage point. they even had a radio playing the Boston Pops performance that went with the fireworks.
Lemonade, cookies and brownies were also provided.
We had a great stay and would happily visit this hotel again. Their are a number of fine hotels in Boston but I believe the experts are correct and this one is just a bit above the rest. And I am a great fan of the Ritz Carlton chain.
The housekeeping staff is very professional and keeps the hotel in imaculate condition
The maintinance staff must be exceptional becuase everything works perfectly, not so much as a dead light bulb and we never saw a single maintinance person during our entire stay. How do they do that?

Location, Location, Location

from mplKensingtonMD
Stayed at the Four Seasons Boston 2 nights in July. Great location across the street from Public Garden. Short walk to Newbury St, Back Bay/Charles River and most downtown attractions. Close to Green, Red an Orange Line T stations. Staff we found to be very polite and helpfull. Ask for a room on the eigth floor and you'll have easy access to wounderful pool and workout room. Hotel provides "free" town car service to guests anywhere within 2 mile radius. Food at the hotel we found to be outstanding. We will absolutly return.

Expecting more

from A TripAdvisor Member
I was expecting a lot from the Four Seasons brand. In my opinion this hotel did not deliver on that. Room was on the small side. Bathroom was also small. However my main issue there was absolutely no wow factor about the place at all. The room was ok, comfy bed useful size desk but absolutely nothing blew me away like i was expecting it to. Had I set my sights too high? I dont know. The day before I'd stayed at Langams and the experience was a total joy. Perhaps this clouded my opinion of the place

Overall a Four Seasons

from phiphimomo
My husband took part at the 27th Auunal Scientific Sessions of Heart Rhythm and we stayed there with our 5 year old daughter. When we arrived at 8am after a 19 hour flight, we couldn't check in right away, however we were assigned to room around 10 am something.
The room in gengeral was OK, so was the bathroom, though only with a bathtub. The location of the property is excellent, so was the concierge.
The only negative point would probably be the housekeeping. When they asked whether we needed a child's size bathrobe and we said yes, it didn't appear at anytime. Maybe they just asked for fun and didn't mean it. Children's toiletries wasn't provided either as said on Four Seasons website.
Overall we were satisfied with the recent stay, but the one in Lisbon would still be on the top of our Four Seaons list.

UNBELIEVEABLE !

from cyf
I had the opportunity to stay at the 4 seasons for the Boston Marathon. It was my first time to Boston (where I had wanted to go since my early twenties, (48 now)!. I have to say the 4 seasons made this the best experience of my life. From the pickup at the airport to the drop off I was simply amazed! Everyone was so nice, Daniel the concierge helped me get a tour of the city prior to other relatives arriving and referred me to 5th Avenue Limo Service. Use them please, they are great! The driver was so knowledgeable and darn I cant remember his name! The service, the room, the ammenities were all above par. I have to admit the only thing i did not like was the darn curtain in the shower. seriously, all hotels that r 4 or 5 star even 3, need to have shower enclosures! the bedding was excellent, the executive suite overlooking boston gardens and boston common - oh my - the view and listening to the people out on the street was great. you can open a window from these rooms and feel the ambiance of the city. I will stay at the 4 seasons probably every time i return to boston!!! kudos to the hotel management!

Incredible stay at Four Seasons Boston

from bellacruisa
We just returned from an incredible stay at the Four Seasons Boston. The location is above par: overlooking the spectacular Boston Public Garden; walking distance to the shops on Newbury St, the theater district, Boston's famous Freedom Trail; and close enough to walk/jog/run to the Charles River. Service is unparalled. We have stayed at many of Boston's better hotels: ie Boston Harbor Hotel, Sheraton, Marriott, Hyatt; but none of them, nor any other hotel we've stayed at in this country or in Europe, has the level of service you receive here. Since it was our 20th wedding anniversary, management graciously upgraded us to an executive suite, with a view of the Public Garden. Everyone at the hotel seemd to know it was our anniversary, and we kept hearing "Happy Anniversary" from everyone from the valet to the sommelier to the busboy. The hotel linens are soft to the touch, with a very comfortable bed and pillows. Lighting is all on dimmer switches. The marble bathroom has La Occitane products, hair dryer, etc. Rooms are VERY quiet. Elevators are located away from all rooms. The fitness room and pool area are much larger than what you'd expect in a city hotel. The staff there was very helpful, knowledgable and very friendly. One attendant offered cold face cloths, bottled water and robes to people in the hot tub. For free! The flowers that were ordered arrived fresh, on time, and the arrangement was much larger than what was expected. The massage therapist from the spa arrived on time, and was very knowledgable and just plain good! Dinner at Aujourd'hui was exquisite. Once again, management surprised us, this time with a bottle of champagne. Food was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Wait service team is excellent: efficient, speedy, and unobtrusive. Our desserts arrived on plates which had "Happy Anniversary" written in chocoloate. On top of that, there was a cake, which we had not ordered, waiting for us in our room, again with anniversary wishes written on it. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is unbelievable: oysters, sushi, shrimp cocktail, eggs benedict, lobster, crab cakes, filet mignon, ham, egg custard with rare fiddleneck ferns, dim sum, blueberry waffles, lemon/poppy seed french toast, etc, etc etc. The Bristol Lounge is a fun place for drinks or light lunch. This hotel is very expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for. I would highly recommend it, and can't wait to return.

Up to Four Seasons Standards

from A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from a visit to Four Seasons Boston and the service was excellent. We arrived early in the AM from a red-eye flight and the terrific woman at the front desk (Eliva?)not only let us check in early but upgraded us to a newly renovated room. The doormen,bellman,concierge and staff at the health club all were first rate. Health club facilities were great, enjoyed the newly renovated steam room and sauna. Of course, as is typical of the Four Seasons the bed was sublime. We have stayed at this property in the past and never been disappointed. Last year due to some of the negative reviews about Four Seasons Boston we stayed at Beacon XV- what a mistake! The service at Beacon XV is truly awful, does not even compare.

Not quite up to par

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I recently stayed at this hotel with our 21 month old son and found our stay a little disappointing. The view from our room of the public garden was fantastic, however, the view of the interior of our room wasn't so great. It looked drab and boring. There was no sense of luxury at all. The sheets were scratchy and the pillows too high to be comfortable. The bathroom reminded me more of a motel rather than a hotel. And the room service portions and prices were incompatible. Too little food for too high a price. The hotel definitely is in need of updating. We did use the babysitting service and were happy with the results. We had a competant sitter who was wonderful with our son. The location of the hotel is great. The service is good. But for $625 a night...we were expecting something a little nicer than what we got. All in all, the hotel really wasn't that memorable. I don't recommend staying at this particular Four Seasons.

ll be back

from Sandman35
I had a fantastic stay at the Four Seasons Boston. The staff and service exceeded my expectations. The location is prime.....nearby shopping at Newbury St. At the hotel's doorstep are great running routes along the Charles River. Excellent workout facilities that include a nice pool. The Bar/lounge was a very hip place for drinks. The rooms are very spacious. The amenities in the room were fantastic. The Four Seasons Boston is a very elegant yet cool place to stay.

Top Local Tips for Boston

Don't use your car driving around town if you don't have to It is not worth learning to navigate Boston's cow-paths-turned streets if you do not visit there regularly. There are so many one wya streets and dead ends it just isn't worth it, GPS or no GPS. It is a very walkable sity - get a good map, use the T, and take a cab if you need to go someplace off the beaten path, like the Fan Pier. If your hotel has a concierge, use them! They will save you time and money telling you which mode of transportation will get you where you need to go.

Finale the name says it all. Great place for special desserts, not cheap but not crazy expensive, well worth it.

cabs it is impossible to get a cab after 1:45 am in boston

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Other names for Four Seasons Boston Hotel

  • four seasons boston
  • boston four seasons
  • Address: 200 Boylston Street - Boston - Massachusetts - 02116 - United States
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