Boston is my son’s favorite US city, he’s a big fan of the Red Sox. I booked an executive suite and adjoining twin thru Amex Fine Hotels to celebrate his 11th birthday weekend. On booking I was asked my son and daughter’s names and ages and told (I did not ask) that the hotel wanted to recognize my son’s birthday.
On check in, the receptionist mentioned that the system showed the special occasion. That was the first and last mention of anything.

The property is what you would expect from a Four Seasons, the rooftop pool is great, the restaurant is ok. What was lacking and not just because no mention was made of my son’s birthday (why go to the trouble of asking when making the reservation?) was any service element that went above and beyond.

We will return to The Ritz Carlton next year.

We stayed here for 2 nights during spring break with my 9 year old daughter. The main reason for staying was their “glamping package” for kids and the location. Overall we were pleased even if there were imperfections.

The good: My daughter was thrilled with the tent provided and the gone glamping pillow. The delivered a s’mores platter to the room and a backpack for her, and gave her a little plush animal at check in. There was also a child sized robe and slippers in the room. They also delivered a cookie and Yoo-hoo in a little paper boat. The pool, hot tub and spa made her (and me) happy. The food in the restaurant was good, the best we had in Boston, and the service was just fine. The breakfast was delicious. A sweetbread platter was delivered to the room compliments of the hotel with a bottle of Evian during a rainy evening. A gift of girly bathroom toiletries were left for her. All of these touches were pleasing. The beds were small but comfortable. Papers were delivered to the room in the morning. Overall the service was good. The location was great for the park, freedom trail and the Boston Common.

Just okay: Room was ready during check in but the package wasn’t, which was somewhat disappointing. The did get it ready upon check in but we had to avoid the room for about 30 minutes. The room was nice but not spectacular... the city view overlooked a parking garage. Definitely pick the park view if in your price range. There were small mistakes in the Bristol, (they forgot the egg on top of a frisée salad and one steak was superior to another, even though they were the same cut). The decor was simple and tasteful but not ornate or impressive. The lobby was minimalistic but clean and the whole hotel smelled lovely. Although the service was very good, it was missing a personal touch. We have been to the Willard in DC (intercontinental) and the staff remembered my daughter’s name and engaged her in conversation. My husband said he saw other kids on a scavenger hunt here but we were not offered that option. I think the issue here is value... The glamping package was worth it for the first night but we paid for it for 2 nights and the second night was a waste, they just left the tent in the room.

Overall we had a really pleasant stay even without perfection. We enjoyed Boston and our stay at the Four Seasons.

My husband, 16 year-old daughter, and I had the good fortune of visiting Boston because my daughter was a finalist in a school-related national competition at Umass Boston. I lived in Boston for several years and always wanted to stay at the Four Seasons. We generally stay at the Ritz Carlton when we visit because my husband enjoys the club level lounge.

However, I read on-line that the Four Seasons had recently completed a large renovation so I suggested we stay there.

We stayed in an executive suite with city view. The room was very small, the floor plan was set up poorly with wasted/unused space, and aside from the very new-appearing comfortable bedding, it did not appear to have been renovated at all. The carpet was old and the decor did not seem to have updated color schemes as per the internet reviews. The bathroom had very little counter space and the toilet was not separated from the rest of the bathroom, making it a challenge for 3 people share the room. The bathroom doors were old French doors and there was an old sliding door between the bedroom and living areas. The lighting was not updated. Overall, the room was a huge disappointment and we would not stay there again. The worst part is I feel that we were deceived by the on-line reports of the 15 million dollar renovations, including that from the Four Seasons Press Room.

The Bristol lounge and lobby were nice but still appeared dated. The fresh flowers in the lobby were beautiful.

The service was excellent.

Of note, we recently stayed at the Four Seasons Surfside in Miami which is absolutely gorgeous and luxurious. We have plans to stay at the Four Seasons in Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu in June but may need to reconsider if the properties are dated like the one in Boston.