Where to Stay - Boston 2009 - page 85

and is the hotel component of countless package deals. The contemporary-style guest
rooms are large enough to hold two armchairs or an armchair and an ottoman; reno-
vated in 2006, they have the chain's signature Revive bedding and down comforters.
As at the Back Bay's other sky-high lodgings, ask for the highest possible floor and
you'll enjoy excellent views. Besides booking hordes of vacationers, this Marriott and
the Sheraton Boston (see below) are New England's biggest convention hotels; the
Sheraton has a better pool, but both are reliable and comfortable enough that you
can't go wrong by letting price and frequent-traveler points distinguish between them.
110 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02116. & 800/228-9290 or 617/236-5800. Fax [phone]. www.copleymarriott.
com. 1,147 units. $159-$329 double; $500-$1,200 suite. Children stay free in parent's room. Weekend and other
packages available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $42; self-parking $32. T: Orange Line to Back Bay, Green Line
to Copley, or Green Line E to Prudential. Amenities: Restaurant (American); heated indoor pool; well-equipped
health club; Jacuzzi; sauna; game room; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; airport shuttle; full-service business cen-
ter; 24-hr. room service; massage; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms; rooms for those
w/limited mobility. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access ($10/day), fridge, coffeemaker, hair
dryer, iron, safe.
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Copley Square Opened in 2004 in a reno-
vated 1891 apartment building on a side street off Copley Square, this 10-story lim-
ited-service hotel retains a residential atmosphere. Designed as a corporate hotel, with
oversize work desks and a “library lounge” lobby that's suitable for a meeting, this
place does so much leisure business that rates often rise on weekends. In the guest
rooms, contemporary mahogany furnishings, subdued florals, and jewel tones create
a boutique feel. I especially like the five suites; each has a sleeper sofa in the meeting-
friendly living room. Without an all-day restaurant or the lavish perks of most other
neighborhood hotels (including its gargantuan sister property in Copley Place), the
hotel woos—and wins—repeat business with top-notch service and early-evening
activities such as massages and beer tastings.
88 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116. & 800/321-2211 or 617/437-9300. Fax [phone]. www.courtyardboston.
com. 81 units. $159-$399 double; from $219 suite. Children under 12 stay free in parent's room. Weekend and other
packages, AAA and senior discounts available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $39. T: Green Line to Copley or
Orange Line to Back Bay. Amenities: Restaurant (breakfast only); fitness room; access to nearby health club ($10);
concierge; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access, fridge, cof-
feemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Hilton Boston Back Bay Across the street from the Hynes Convention Center
and the Prudential Center complex, the Hilton is primarily a top-notch business
hotel, but vacationing families also find it convenient and comfortable. The well-
maintained guest rooms were spruced up in 2007 and 2008; they're large, sound-
proofed, and furnished in modern style, with oversize work desks. Units on higher
floors of the 26-story tower enjoy excellent views. The weekend packages, especially
in winter, can be a great deal. The atmosphere here tends to be considerably calmer
than the scene at the three mega-hotels attached to the Pru and Copley Place. The
closest of those, the Sheraton, is right across the street. It's three times the Hilton's size
(which generally means less personalized service), has a better pool, and books more
vacation and function business.
40 Dalton St., Boston, MA 02115. & 800/874-0663, 800/HILTONS, or 617/236-1100. Fax [phone]. www.
bostonbackbay.hilton.com. 385 units, 66 with shower only. $149-$399 double; from $450 suite. Extra person $20.
Rollaway $20. Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. Packages and AAA discount available. AE, DC, DISC, MC,
V. Valet parking $39; self-parking $35. T: Green Line B, C, or D to Hynes Convention Center. Pets accepted. Ameni-
ties: Restaurant (American/Continental); bar; indoor pool; well-equipped fitness center; concierge; courtesy car;