Review: Sheraton Boston Hotel
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- Central location
- Indoor pool with retractable roof
- Restaurant closed for renovations
- Soundproofing needs improvement
The Sheraton Boston Hotel, which opened in 1965, benefits from a prime location in the vibrant Back Bay neighbourhood, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Boston. The hotel recently underwent a major renovation, with its rooms fully refurbished to create a modern, functional setting. However, the lobby and restaurant were still under renovation during our visit, which can affect the overall experience. Despite this, the hotel remains an excellent choice thanks to its proximity to major attractions and its direct connection to the Prudential Center.
Booking
Boston is a city where accommodation can be expensive, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day weekend. For this event, a room at the Sheraton Boston Hotel was priced at USD 379 per night or 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. With its 1,056 rooms, the hotel is a popular choice, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions. In fact, the hotel was fully booked during our stay. While rates may seem high during this period, they remain competitive for a hotel of this size and prime location.
Arrival
Location
The hotel boasts a prime location just steps from Boston’s top attractions, including Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the Back Bay neighbourhood. Its central setting makes it easy to explore the city on foot, while also offering convenient access to public transit for travellers looking to discover more of the surrounding area.
Check-in and Lobby
As mentioned earlier, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations, which has affected some facilities, particularly the lobby area. Due to the ongoing work, a small temporary front desk has been set up and there is no traditional lobby available. Check-in was very quick and easy, especially since we had used the mobile app for our arrival. While the process was smooth, it will be interesting to see the overall impact once the renovations are complete and the lobby is fully updated, to better experience the usual atmosphere and hospitality of the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
Room
The room we stayed in at the Sheraton Boston Hotel was simple yet functional, featuring two double beds. Since the hotel was fully booked, I was not able to receive an upgrade, which is completely understandable. The hotel has clearly invested in renovating its guest rooms. The design, while minimalist, is modern and clean, creating a calming atmosphere without feeling overly sophisticated. The bed was comfortable, although we found the pillows lacked firmness.
The layout was convenient, with plenty of power outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed, a thoughtful detail for guests with multiple devices to charge at once. The desk was perfect for getting some work done, and the Smart TV made it easy to relax with access to streaming services.
The bathroom, while basic, was spacious enough and featured a shower-tub combo along with a countertop large enough for our belongings. It may not be a memorable bathroom, but it serves its purpose well.
On the other hand, the soundproofing in the room could be improved. Noise from the neighbouring room was quite noticeable, especially when our neighbours used their shower. In addition, being located near the elevators, we could also hear elevator noises, which may be bothersome for light sleepers or those sensitive to background sounds. While this was not a major issue, it did have a slight impact on our overall comfort.
Restaurant
Unfortunately, the hotel restaurant was closed during our stay due to renovations, so we were unable to try it. An à la carte in-room dining option was available, but we did not use it. Fortunately, the hotel’s location is a major advantage, with plenty of dining options nearby. We had all our meals at restaurants in the area and really enjoyed the variety and quality of the offerings. However, it is clear that this is not as convenient as having an on-site dining option right in the hotel.
Other Services
Fitness Rooms
The hotel features two distinct fitness rooms, which is a rare and valuable asset. The first room is dedicated to strength training, agility, and yoga workouts, with a wide range of equipment such as free weights, weighted balls, and strength training machines. The second is entirely dedicated to cardio, with treadmills, bikes, rowers, Peloton bikes, and more. This separation of spaces allows for a more targeted experience, which will appeal to fitness enthusiasts.
Swimming Pool
One of the standout features of the Sheraton Boston Hotel is undoubtedly its pool. With its generous size, it’s ideal for guests who want to swim laps. The indoor pool is complemented by an outdoor deck and a retractable roof, providing a bright and pleasant atmosphere year-round. The natural sunlight streaming through the large dome creates a relaxing atmosphere, while the lounge chairs, gazebos, and seating around the pool allow guests to fully unwind in this space.
Parking
Valet parking is offered at a rate of $70 per day, which may seem high. For a more economical choice, we opted for one of the nearby public parking lots. We parked our car at Copley Place, at a rate of $45 per day, a convenient and more affordable option, while still being very close to the hotel.
Around the Hotel
Around the Sheraton Boston Hotel, the central location in the vibrant Back Bay neighbourhood provides easy access to attractions such as Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, the Prudential Center, and Newbury Street. Boston’s lively energy, enhanced by its university atmosphere, is reflected in its bustling cafés and vibrant public spaces.
Our main reason for visiting Boston was to experience the unique atmosphere of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and we absolutely loved it. From early morning, the city was filled with a festive spirit, with large crowds of spectators dressed in green and ready to celebrate. The energy from the student community added a youthful and lively vibe to the event. Parade participants, the true stars of the celebration, tossed candy and beads into the crowd, making the experience even more interactive.
The atmosphere was lively throughout, with musicians playing traditional Irish tunes and period costumes adding a special charm to the parade. Many spectators were dressed up as well, contributing to the welcoming and cheerful mood. It truly felt like a carnival, a blend of music, dance, and collective joy, that created an authentic celebration we’ll always remember.
Choosing the Sheraton Boston Hotel was the perfect fit for this experience. Its location, just a 30-minute walk from the parade, allowed us to fully enjoy the event while staying in the heart of the action. The St. Patrick’s Day parade was the highlight of our stay in Boston, and the festive atmosphere will remain a memorable part of our trip.
👉🏻 For more practical details and activity ideas in Boston, we invite you to consult our Boston travel guide.
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Overall Impression
The Sheraton Boston Hotel offers a modern setting in a prime location with convenient amenities. However, the ongoing renovations and insufficient soundproofing leave something to be desired. The location is ideal for exploring the city, and the pool along with the fitness facilities are real highlights. However, the experience was not completely optimal due to noise disturbances and the lack of a restaurant during our stay.
FAQ – Sheraton Boston Hotel
Is the Sheraton Boston a good hotel for visiting Boston and its main attractions?
Yes. Thanks to its location in Back Bay, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Prudential Center, Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and Newbury Street, making it perfect for exploring Boston without a car.
Are the rooms at the Sheraton Boston suitable for business travelers and extended stays?
Yes. The renovated rooms offer a functional desk, USB outlets, high-performance Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds, allowing guests to work or relax after a day of sightseeing.
Is the Sheraton Boston a quiet hotel despite its central location and the activity around Back Bay
The location is convenient, but the soundproofing may allow noise from adjacent rooms and elevators to pass through, especially for rooms near high-traffic areas.
What amenities at the Sheraton Boston are suitable for families and active travelers?
Indoor pool with retractable roof, two separate fitness rooms (cardio and strength training), and numerous nearby restaurant options for all types of travelers.
Is the Sheraton Boston convenient during special events or festivals in the city?
Yes. Its central location provides easy access to major events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade, while enjoying the hotel as a comfortable base between activities.
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