DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Bayside

Guests are consistently welcomed with a signature warm cookie upon arrival, setting a friendly tone for their stay. This hotel is widely praised for its exceptional cleanliness, the spacious rooms, and its highly attentive staff. Its prime location near public transportation makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and business travelers looking for convenient access to downtown Boston without the city center's hustle. It is also particularly well-suited for families and couples seeking a comfortable and quiet base, as well as those visiting UMass Boston. The hotel offers good value for money, appealing to budget-conscious travelers. To make the most of your visit, guests recommend taking full advantage of the nearby train station for easy city exploration and being prepared for the additional cost of on-site parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of convenient in-room amenities designed to enhance guest comfort. Each room is typically equipped with facilities for making tea/coffee, an iron and ironing board, a microwave, and a fridge, allowing guests to store snacks and beverages. Many appreciate the presence of a coffee machine for a fresh brew. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine, a fitness center is available, though some guests noted it is relatively small and occasionally lacks towels or wipes. A significant point of feedback is the absence of a swimming pool, which some travelers expected. Additionally, several guests were surprised to find there is no laundromat service despite it being advertised, which caused inconvenience for longer stays. While most elevators function well, a few guests reported initial issues upon arrival.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are frequently highlighted, offering ample space for relaxation. Many reviews praise the comfortable beds and quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The power shower in the bathroom also receives positive remarks for its strong water pressure. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed; while many rooms are noted as quiet, some guests experienced disturbances from the hallway, neighboring rooms due to thin walls, or boisterous cleaning staff in the mornings. Issues with the heating system blowing cold air in freezing weather were also reported. Isolated incidents of a clogged toilet or dirty towels were mentioned, though these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding the hotel's dining and food quality is varied, with breakfast being a frequent topic of discussion. Many guests expressed disappointment that breakfast, often advertised as included, was not a traditional buffet but rather a credit to be used at the cafe, which some found to be overpriced for the offerings. The cafe and bar areas are noted for having limited food options, with some guests describing the food quality as sub-par or resembling greasy takeaway. The Marketplace Cafe was also reported to have inconsistent operating hours and to be short-staffed, leading to long waits. While some found the available items acceptable for a quick bite, many wished for more inspiring choices and a better atmosphere in the bar area for dining. There were also reports of issues with room service and staff refusing certain beverage requests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage, particularly its close proximity to the JFK/UMass T station, which is just a short walk away. This provides guests with easy and quick access to downtown Boston and its attractions via public transportation. The complimentary airport shuttle service is highly appreciated by many, offering convenient transfers, though some guests reported long waits or issues with responsiveness. The hotel is also conveniently located for those visiting UMass Boston and is within walking distance of the JFK Museum. While not in a bustling city center, its quiet setting near Carson Beach offers opportunities for peaceful walks. However, guests should be aware that there are limited restaurants or entertainment options within immediate walking distance. Parking is available on-site but comes with a notable daily fee, which surprised many guests. Some guests noted the surrounding area feels industrial, though a Star Market and South Bay Mall are accessible nearby.

Staff & Service
The hotel is widely praised for its friendly staff who are consistently described as helpful, professional, and attentive service providers. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to be accommodating with requests, contributing to a positive overall experience. Many reviews commend the exceptional customer service received, with staff going above and beyond to assist guests with transportation, recommendations, and general inquiries. However, some guests reported uncomfortable interactions, perceiving instances of profiling or feeling ignored by certain staff members. There were also recurring concerns about housekeeping attempting room entry while guests were still inside, and front desk staff not being apologetic about these incidents. Additionally, several guests experienced difficulties with refunds for deposits or unexpected charges, and some reported unhelpful or rude responses when inquiring about billing issues or cancellations.

Additional Information
A significant recurring issue for guests is the hotel's room deposit policy, with many reporting delays or complete lack of refunds for the nightly deposit charged upon check-in. This has caused considerable frustration and unexpected financial burdens for numerous travelers. Another point of concern is the advertised laundromat service, which guests found to be unavailable, leading to inconvenience, especially for longer stays. Furthermore, some guests encountered challenges with the hotel's cancellation policy, being charged for reservations even when attempting to cancel within a short timeframe due to unforeseen circumstances. Hilton Honors members also noted a specific policy regarding food and beverage credit being "per day" rather than "per night," which limited its usability if arriving after the cafe closed.