Marriott's Custom House
Marriott's Custom House
4.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Aquarium • 3 min walk
- State • 4 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
164 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
34
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Eric H
Cambridge, MA24 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
This review is strictly for the observation deck at the top of the tower, not a review of the hotel. I'll start off by saying that the views are outstanding - probably the best in Boston, and well worth the visit. You need to reserve about 2 weeks ahead of time, though, and you need to call (can't reserve online). Only 8 people are allowed on the one trip up the tower per day, and it's in high demand.
I was quite disappointed in that I was expecting a tour, providing background of the building's history and the sites you could see below. Instead, a security guard met us in the second floor lobby, escorted us to the observation deck, and told us we needed to return downstairs within 30 minutes. That was it.
The views are awesome, the time up there is generous, and it's all free. This is definitely worth it--just don't expect a tour, as I did. I was also surprised that only 8 people are allowed per day. There's plenty of room up there for more. Also, in the second floor lobby, there's some historic material. Take the 10 minutes to look at it and read the info yourself, since no one will provide that information for you.
I was quite disappointed in that I was expecting a tour, providing background of the building's history and the sites you could see below. Instead, a security guard met us in the second floor lobby, escorted us to the observation deck, and told us we needed to return downstairs within 30 minutes. That was it.
The views are awesome, the time up there is generous, and it's all free. This is definitely worth it--just don't expect a tour, as I did. I was also surprised that only 8 people are allowed per day. There's plenty of room up there for more. Also, in the second floor lobby, there's some historic material. Take the 10 minutes to look at it and read the info yourself, since no one will provide that information for you.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel F
Bainbridge Island, WA160 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Boston Marriott
Traded into a unit for a week using II, Marriott 2 week TS owners.
Pros: Great location. Walkable to everything and block from Aquarium T subway if you prefer public transportation. 10 min Uber from airport in good traffic.
Excellent staff. Everyone friendly, greeted you with a smile.
Enjoyed several activities which were fun and well organized, missed several we wanted to attend.
I think every room has some view. We were on floor 12 and faced the city. Rooms were smaller than most Marriott TS 1 BR but didn’t spend much time here as we wanted to see and experience Boston. Excellent tower view overlooking the city. Great place for cocktails or just relaxing after a full day.
Cons: Smaller room, efficiency kitchen meaning microwave, sink, small refrigerator. Place setting for 4.
On-site lounge, free morning coffee and tea, payed cold breakfast if desired. We bought our own supplies as several small grocery stores nearby.
Worth the trade, may come back! Boston is great.
Traded into a unit for a week using II, Marriott 2 week TS owners.
Pros: Great location. Walkable to everything and block from Aquarium T subway if you prefer public transportation. 10 min Uber from airport in good traffic.
Excellent staff. Everyone friendly, greeted you with a smile.
Enjoyed several activities which were fun and well organized, missed several we wanted to attend.
I think every room has some view. We were on floor 12 and faced the city. Rooms were smaller than most Marriott TS 1 BR but didn’t spend much time here as we wanted to see and experience Boston. Excellent tower view overlooking the city. Great place for cocktails or just relaxing after a full day.
Cons: Smaller room, efficiency kitchen meaning microwave, sink, small refrigerator. Place setting for 4.
On-site lounge, free morning coffee and tea, payed cold breakfast if desired. We bought our own supplies as several small grocery stores nearby.
Worth the trade, may come back! Boston is great.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sail4
VT45 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We stayed in The Custom House as part The Marriott Pulse Hotel. It was our third stay and it remains an excellent option for downtown Boston. The staff are all very helpful and welcoming, from the front desk to maintenance everyone is so friendly — they made us feel at home and cared for. We come for a week and enjoy all that Boston has to offer. Parking our car at Post Office square (a short walk back) over the weekend and then early Monday we drive out to Wonderland in Revere, it is a clean quick T ride home to the Aquarium stop on the Blue line. Very easy & very inexpensive covered parking compared to valet or the city garages!
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd V
1 contribution
May 2023 • Solo
To clarify, there are only 8 reservations per day allowed and they book up well in advance for the summer. The 48h is the minimum notice to call the front desk.I called May 29, 2023 - and they were booked up for all of June 2023 already…. Good luck! It’s such a shame they limit it as much as they do.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilianalopez728
1 contribution
July 2022 • Family
Beautiful hotel that is centrally located but lacking security. The hotel is perfect for families, especially those with young children. Lacking security with the observation deck. A large group of locals camped out on the observation deck during the July Harborfest fireworks, selfishly taking up all available space that is meant for hotel guest to enjoy the fireworks.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Destination519576
East Greenbush, New York12 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We’ve tried for years to book the Custom House with our timeshare program. We had the foresight to check last January. The location could not be better. Out one door to Quincy Market. Straight across to the Aquarium, the North End and the Boston Wharf. Out the other side to the Seaport area. The one bedroom suite was perfect to get away from home to rest and sightsee. Very comfortable with two exceptions. The couch and sleeper in it is not comfortable. But that seems what Marriott does. Why??? Also the TV cable system is annoying because there’s no effective guide. Again, why!! The best part is the 26th floor observation deck. A great place to hang out and watch the city and bay, any time of day.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda L
Meriden, CT287 contributions
Feb 2020
Close to everything (or the public transportation to get there). Literally steps from Faneuil Hall, the N.E. Aquarium, and hundreds of places to eat. Staff is incredibly professional, helpful, and just plain nice. Suites are comfortable, roomy, and extremely clean. They have lots of activities for guests, most of them without a charge or with a minimal charge, that help you get acquainted with the local area or its products. The building itself is beautiful and has quite a history. 'THE' place to stay if you like history and comfort.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry I
Starke, FL28 contributions
Apr 2022
What a real treat to stay at this historical hotel. It’s in a perfect location near most historical sights within walking distance.
They provided such great tours and activities for their guest.
The employees are always so helpful in every way. We will certainly come back to this hotel. Thank you to all employees of Marriott Pulse at the Custom House
They provided such great tours and activities for their guest.
The employees are always so helpful in every way. We will certainly come back to this hotel. Thank you to all employees of Marriott Pulse at the Custom House
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UmassMom1
Natick, MA69 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I did not stay at the Custom House BUT I took advantage of their FREE observatory! It has the most AMAZING open air views! We had gone to the Prudential Observatory and paid $16 per person, YUP $16 per person and then went to the Custom House and it was FREE and the views just as if not more amazing! Don't pay the money to go to the Pru head here!!
Written 16 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EIKOOC
Boston,MA264 contributions
Aug 2019
I wanted to go up in the Custom House Tower for years. Finally made it and the views didn't disappoint. However, I wish there had been a tour of some sort to tell us about the history of the tower. I know there´s a lot of background info about the place that could have been given. Maybe they no longer give formal tours.
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What’s the best way to get from Logan Airport to the hotel without a rental car?
Written 20 April 2022
Can you go to the top of the tower anytime or are there times you can go????
Written 13 September 2019
You can go anytime and the view from all four sides is spectacular. This was the very first high rise in United States so when it was built it was the highest building in the country! I just got home from this hotel 2 days ago and the observation tower is being renovated/restored so there was no access for us during this journey. I expect they'll have it finished asap but I'd check first.
Written 4 December 2019
what is the parking situation at the hotel and around the hotel ? Also do you have to pay when you go in and out?
Written 18 June 2019
Parking isn't a problem. They have valet service. However, there are many parking facilities around and near the hotel if you prefer to park your own vehicle.
Written 13 August 2019
Hi. Slightly confused. Custom House is a timeshare AND a regular Marriott hotel property as well? I booked a weekend and m not a timeshare owner. Thanks for clarification.
Written 17 January 2019
Yes you’re correct. You can book it like any other hotel. You will love it.
Written 18 January 2019
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