Hotel Review: W Boston

We went to visit family in Rhode Island and spent the night before in Boston. It had been many years since I last stayed at the W Boston and I’m happy to report that the property is as nice as I had remembered. I’ve stayed here several times since the property opened in 2009 and always enjoyed my time here. We had dinner and breakfast in the hotel and enjoyed a quiet night in before driving over to visit some relatives.

Anthony’s Take: The W Boston is well located, nicely designed, and offers solid service and elite recognition. While I still prefer the The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel, this is a great choice when visiting Boston for work or vacation. Booking a Marriott LUMINOUS rate provided lots of additional benefits while I still paid the same amount I would booking through Marriot.com.

Booking

I booked a Wonderful King, Guest room, 1 King on a Marriott LUMINOUS rate. It was $316 per night including taxes and fees. This total had a $35 Daily Destination Fee included. I did not mind this fee at this hotel because it was usable for food and beverage. I took advantage of that as well as a $100 credit that was provided from the Marriott LUMINOUS rate. I am a travel advisor and can book these rates that are not available without an agent. The cost was the same as if I had booked a “Member Rate Flexible,” but it included some nice additional perks. Reach out to me at anthony.losanno@fora.travel for assistance booking this hotel and others. Marriott did away with award charts a few years ago, but redemptions can be had for between 43,000 and 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points.

Transportation to/from the Hotel

I rented a car and drove from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Valet parking costs $72 per night. We were headed to Rhode Island after and flew from Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) a few days later.

The W Boston is conveniently located in the Theater District and near lots of restaurants and shopping. It’s also not far from Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, the Granary Burying Ground, and Faneuil Hall.

The Living Room takes up almost the entire lobby level and offers lots of seating options for cocktails and relaxing.

I like that the W has a Bevi machine for guest use in the lobby.

Check-In

The check-in area is to the left upon entering the lobby. We arrived at the hotel around 9:00 PM. Our room was ready and we were proactively offered an upgrade to a Cool Corner King. I asked about a suite, but was told a Marvelous Suite would not be ready for a few hours as a guest was still occupying one (using the Ambassador My24 benefit). I took the Cool Corner King since we were leaving the next morning. I was asked if I needed a late checkout and I declined. The agent explained the Daily Destination Fee as well as the benefits afforded to me through booking the Marriott LUMINOUS rate. Reach out to me at anthony.losanno@fora.travel for assistance booking this hotel and others. I chose points as my welcome amenity for being Titanium Elite. I had my keys printed and was on my way a moment later.

The Daily Destination Fee includes the following:

• Daily $35 F&B Credit
• Daily Blue Bike Adventure Passes for two guests
• Daily Tickets to the Trinity Church Tour for two guests
• Daily Enhanced Hi-Speed Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

While any type of destination or amenity fee is annoying, this one was fine since I spend the food and beverage credit.

The Marriott LUMINOUS rate included the following:

• Welcome amenity
• Complimentary Breakfast daily for two guests per room
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
• Early check-in and late checkout (when available)
• Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
• $100 USD hotel credit

The elevators are located to the right of reception.

The elevator lobby and hallways on our floor were well maintained.

The art in the hallways was also fun.

Cool Corner Room, 1 King (928)

There are 235 rooms and suites at the hotel.

The room opened with a long hallway.

There was a bench near the door.

A closet was located to the left. It contained a safe, robe, iron, ironing board, and luggage rack.

A full-length mirror was across from the closet.

The bathroom was also on the left side. It was a large bathroom with lots of space.

The bathroom held a vanity with a single sink, toilet, glassed-in shower, and bathtub.

There were large bottles of Skin Regimen Body Cream and Cleansing Cream as well as a bar of soap on the counter.

There were also lots of other toiletries behind the sink.

The toilet was in a separate room (I always prefer when bathrooms are set up like this). I liked the Edgar Allen Poe painting in here.

The bathtub was fairly large and deep.

A bottle of MOMO brand shower gel and another bar of Skin Regimen bar soap were found on the edge of the tub.

The shower was also a good size. Water pressure and temperature were both good, but the water was a bit hard.

There were bottles of MOMO brand toiletries and a third bar of Skin Regimen soap in the shower.

Further down the hall was a large bedroom. It held a king-sized bed and two nightstands.

A wireless charger was found on one nightstand.

I liked the W pillow in the center of the bed and love that W is so consistent with adding these fun elements to its rooms.

The room had a unique feature with a mini bar behind the bed. It was an interesting use of space.

The mini bar had shelves filled with bottles of alcohol and snacks.

The prices were rather steep.

The coffeemaker, bottled water, condiments, and cups were also found here.

The refrigerator below offered minimal space for guest use.

A chair and table were in the corner near the windows.

The TV was set on a desk across from the bed.

A Bose speaker was also on the desk.

Dinner

We used the $100 credit from our LUMINOUS booking and the $35 credit that was included in the Destination Fee towards dinner.

We started with a glass of Brut rose and an espresso martini.

We both had New England clam chowder to start.

I had a lobster roll and my husband had a burger. Both were very tasty.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in The Gallery. Our meal was included in the LUMINOUS rate.

We started with a latte and a cappuccino.

We shared a pastry basket with a chocolate croissant, corn muffin, and blueberry muffin (it was under these two).

I had yogurt and granola. I wasn’t looking for anything to heavy and this worked well.

My husband had an egg white omelette, which he enjoyed.

Public Areas & Amenities

The hotel has a fitness center, The Gallery, The W Lounge, and an ATM.

The ATM is in the lobby.

An outdoor swing was cute, but it was way too cold to sit there.

FIT (the W’s Fitness Center) was a good size.

Towels, earbuds, apples, and water were offered.

Another Bevi machine was found here.

The fitness center offered plenty of treadmills and other cardio machines.

I liked that they had Peloton Bikes.

The other side of the room had more machines.

A all-gender restroom was located inside the fitness center.

Overall Impression:

I once again enjoyed a night at the W Boston. I’ll definitely be back again.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award every year after my card renewal month that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points. Learn more. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, please visit here. Terms apply.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.