Highlights: Boston Harbor Hotel

•Boston Harbor Hotel is in a prime location on Boston Harbor, just steps from the Financial District and within walking distance of many historic attractions

•Classic European elegance in rooms and suites, all with waterfront or skyline views

•Excellent service pampers adults, children, and even pets

•Relax or workout at the hotel’s well equipped Rowes Wharf Health Club and Spa

•Romantic dining at the Mobil Four-Star-rated Meritage restaurant, casual sophistication at Intrigue Café, and a convivial spirit at Rowes Wharf Bar

Amenities: Boston Harbor Hotel

• 230 rooms, 8 story. Pets accepted. Check-in 3 pm, check-out 1 pm. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Three restaurants, three bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Boston Harbor Hotel

The Boston Harbor Hotel affords visitors the best of both worlds. Located right across from the Financial District and just blocks from the shopping of Faneuil Hall and the historic sites of the Freedom Trail, the hotel is convenient for those doing business or enjoying a weekend away. While this is a perfect urban headquarters, the prime location on Boston Harbor makes this hotel feel like a resort tucked within the city. Sailboats and yachts glide by the large windows in one direction, and skyscrapers tower overhead in the other.

The Boston Harbor Hotel is defined by classic European-influenced décor, with public spaces and private rooms and suites that feel luxurious but never pretentious. At the hotel’s Mobil Four-Star Meritage Restaurant, sophisticated New American cuisine competes with romantic waterfront views. The hotel staff is highly trained and professional, and everyone from adults and kids to pets are pampered in high style here.

The Boston Harbor Hotel’s location across from the Financial District, along with its top-notch dining, full-service business center, and health club make it a perfect choice for executives conducting business in Boston. However, the hotel is equally appealing to leisure travelers. Its soothing spirit and stunning views are perfect for a weekend getaway, and with a location only blocks from Boston’s major attractions, it is a hit with culture and history buffs.

Despite its formal decor, the hotel welcomes little ones and dogs with open arms, even providing kid-friendly items such as games and toys, as well as offering dog-walking and grooming services. In addition to standard services, the hotel offers such unique amenities as car detailing, and those with sea legs will appreciate the water taxi service and docking privileges at Rowes Wharf.

(+) Prime harborfront location, sophistication, and top-notch services make this hotel a hit with all travelers, including children and pets

Guest Services: Boston Harbor Hotel

The Boston Harbor Hotel maintains a large staff of well-dressed, polite, and well-trained professionals. I felt welcomed by the warm reception I received within minutes of arrival. The bellmen were very efficient, and, upon noticing that I was carrying an airline’s frequent flyer card, he mentioned the hotel’s partnership with the airline and reminded me that additional miles could be earned during my stay. It was thoughtful of him to remind me, and a good sign that I would be well taken care of at this hotel.

While one concierge took the time to ascertain my individual needs, another one simply provided me with a fairly standard sightseeing itinerary without asking about my preferences. In general, though, I did feel that the service was on par with a Mobil Four-Star hotel.

Aside from the staff, the Boston Harbor hotel also provided a comprehensive array of services to its guests. The hotel has the typical concierge and laundry services that you would expect to find at a luxury hotel, as well as some more distinctive offerings. There are special packages available for both pets and children that offer special treats and toys for the kids and grooming and pampering for the dog.

(+) Overall service is attentive and professional with many personalized amenities
(-) In some cases, staff could have delivered more personalized service

Guest Rooms: Boston Harbor Hotel

The Boston Harbor Hotel has 230 guest rooms and suites with striking harbor or skyline views. The accommodations are defined by a classic style, complete with antique-style furnishings, floral-pattern bedding, and distinctive artwork. The luxurious bathrooms feature marble counters, full vanities, and Penhaligon’s toiletries.

My room was decorated in an attractive classic design. From the large selection of high-end publications to the spacious, well-lit closet, I appreciated the many extras that made my room special. My one complaint is that the room wasn’t completely soundproof--I was able to hear hallway noise and housekeeping staff in other rooms.

(+) Little extras gave the room a comfortable, inviting ambience
(-) Soundproofing was an issue

Facilities & Activities: Boston Harbor Hotel

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Boston Harbor Hotel invites its guests to enjoy the fitness center and spa. The Rowes Wharf Health Club and Spa is a health-conscious traveler’s dream come true. This facility features a 60-foot lap pool, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, personal training services and fitness evaluations, and wellness services targeted at weight loss, general health, and specific sports. If working up a sweat is not your idea of relaxation, the facility also features a spa focused on pampering and beautifying clients. From facials and massages to body treatments, this spa invites you to take a break from the urban pace.

With its rich history, renowned shopping, award-winning dining, and lively sporting events, Boston is a city full of memory-making experiences for vacationers. The Boston Harbor Hotel is ideally situated to take advantage of the city’s treasures, and many of the leading attractions are within walking distance of the hotel. Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail, two of Boston’s most popular sights, are only a few blocks away. Shoppers will meet their match on Newbury Street or Copley Place Mall, and baseball fans simply should not miss a Boston Red Sox game, especially if the New York Yankees are in town!

(+) Perfect location for enjoying the sights; hotel offers terrific day spa and fitness center

Dining & Lounge: Boston Harbor Hotel

The Boston Harbor Hotel offers guests a wide variety of dining choices, ranging from casual to gourmet. Intrigue Café offers all-day dining with a relaxed spirit, and its outdoor space of small tables and umbrellas is reminiscent of a charming European bistro. From its to-go counter and breakfast buffet to its a la carte service, Intrigue offers busy guests the choice of a quick or relaxing morning meal. Lunch and afternoon tea allow diners to enjoy the harbor views, while dinner is a subdued affair complete with a tempting drinks menu.

Rowes Wharf Bar has an elegant yacht club atmosphere with its dark woods and nautical paintings. The bar is home to Boston’s largest scotch selection, as well as a satisfying menu of pub food such as grilled pizza with prosciutto. It is a popular after-work spot for hotel guests and area businesspeople.

The Mobil Four-Star-rated Meritage restaurant is Boston Harbor Hotel’s jewel in the crown. Touted as one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, this waterfront spot features talented New American cuisine--like pan roasted veal medallions and spinach and crab stuffed baked shrimp--and an award-winning wine list. In addition to these venues, the hotel offers 24-hour room service.

Room service was very elegant, with special touches including the placement of a yellow rose on the tray and a silver Tiffany butter dish. The delivery was prompt, and the food was beautifully presented and of a high quality. The server took extra steps, such as offering to move the table to maximize the view, to ensure my satisfaction.

(+) Attentive service in restaurant and bar, as well as excellent room service

Business Services: Boston Harbor Hotel

Whether traveling alone for business or with a group, the Boston Harbor Hotel caters to business travelers with a full-service business center and 15,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. The guest rooms and suites are fitted with large workspaces, three dual-line phones with personalized voice mail, and Internet service. If a remote office is what you need, you’ll find it in the hotel’s business center, which offers a range of services, including private office space, computer rentals, and secretarial services.

I was able to use the business center during my stay and was pleased to encounter a knowledgeable and gracious staff member. She remained focused on my needs throughout my brief stay in the business center, and my requests were handled with discreet professionalism.

The hotel also offers ample meeting space for large corporate gatherings. There are nine different private rooms, totaling over 15,000 square feet of space. In addition, the meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art presentation and conferencing technology.

(+) Hotel caters to both individual and group business travelers