Hotel AKA Back Bay

The hotel, a beautifully transformed former police headquarters, offers a memorable stay in Boston, highly praised for its spacious rooms and prime location. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff and comfortable beds, alongside the hotel's modern amenities. It is an ideal fit for marathon runners due to its proximity to the race route, sightseers exploring the city's attractions, and business travelers seeking convenience. Families and couples also find the hotel well-suited for their needs, appreciating the comfortable accommodations and central access. To enhance your experience, consider utilizing the hotel's innovative web app for personalized in-room amenities, and be mindful that lower-floor rooms facing main streets may experience some street noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's modern amenities and convenient facilities. A small gym is available on-site, with the added benefit of access to a nearby full-service Equinox health club, which is a significant perk for many. The hotel offers a complimentary coffee machine in the lounge area, providing various hot beverages throughout the day. Rooms are well-equipped with features like Nespresso machines, towel warmers, ample outlets, and sophisticated light control systems. Some guests highlight the unique option to request weighted blankets and diffusers via a convenient web app, enhancing their comfort. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi, some guests note the absence of complimentary bottled water in rooms, with expensive options available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its accommodations. Guests frequently describe the spacious rooms as having a modern design and being well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds and fluffy pillows that ensure a restful sleep. Many appreciate the amenities such as in-room Nespresso machines and towel warmers. While most guests find the rooms quiet, some report issues with street noise, construction noise, or even club music, particularly in rooms overlooking main roads or lower floors. A few isolated comments mention minor concerns like hair in the shower, stains, or issues with toilet functionality. Some also note that while blackout shades are present, they may not fully block light, and some experience dry air quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant and bar receive positive feedback for their offerings and atmosphere. Many guests enjoy the food quality, describing meals as delicious, with some highlighting a special menu provided during events like the marathon. Breakfast is generally considered solid, offering good portions and a satisfying start to the day. The bar is noted for its lively ambiance and good service, making it a pleasant spot to unwind. Room service is also available and praised for its promptness and tasty options. While the dining experience is largely positive, some guests find the prices for food and in-room beverages to be on the higher side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location in the Back Bay area, making it highly convenient for exploring Boston. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including Copley Square, Newbury Street for shopping and restaurants, Boston Common, and the Public Garden. It is also well-situated for events like the Boston Marathon and offers convenient access to Fenway Park. Proximity to various train stations, such as Back Bay, Amtrak, and MBTA stops like the Green Line and Arlington T stop, makes city exploration and airport transfers straightforward. While the location is a major draw, valet parking is available, though it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel is consistently lauded for its exceptional staff who are described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight the professional and accommodating nature of the team, from the bellmen and valet service to the front desk and housekeeping. Many reviews commend the quick check-in and check-out processes and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, directions, and recommendations. The team is noted for being highly responsive to guest needs, whether it's addressing room issues or providing extra amenities. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention initial unfriendliness from some check-in staff or slow valet service.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably housed in a former police headquarters, a historic building that has undergone significant renovations to achieve its modern and elegant aesthetic. Guests should be aware that some areas may still be undergoing construction, which occasionally impacts the lobby or causes minor noise. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, making it a suitable choice for guests traveling with animals. A unique feature is the hotel's web app, allowing guests to easily request various amenities like specific pillows, weighted blankets, or diffusers directly to their room. Some guests mention a destination fee or resort fee, which covers certain services but can add to the overall cost. The hotel also accommodates requests for early check-in and late check-out when possible, and loyal guests appreciate rewards program benefits.