On a return trip to Boston, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Boston, the favorite hotel chains of my friends I was traveling with. I hadn’t stayed at a Hyatt property in the US for a while and was pleasantly surprised by the hotel for its stylish room, friendly service and end-to-end pleasant experience. It all felt a step above the typical US chain experience!
Location: The Hyatt Regency Boston (not to be confused with the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor near the airport or the Hyatt Regency Cambridge) is centrally located in downtown Boston, two blocks from Boston Common and in easy walking distance to subway stations on three major lines. You can also reach the Freedom Trail from the hotel, plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping, making it a great location for visitors. The Hyatt is about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train from the airport. There is parking at the hotel, $40 self-parking or $55 valet overnight.
Service/Awards: Check in at the stylish, open front desk was friendly and quick. I received my keys and all the information I needed about the hotel. Housekeeping had done as good a job and my room was clean, fully stocked and well prepared for my arrival. Check-out was just as professional and quick and there were no issues during my stay. Overall, services were a step above what I’d expect from an upscale chain in the US, and better than recent experiences at Marriott or IHG properties in the US.
I had booked my room with a cash & points rate with Hyatt’s reward program, which was good value during this high-priced period. I do not have any elite status in the program and didn’t expect or receive any perks or upgrades during my stay.
Room: My large king room was contemporary, with a blend of New England traditional decor and modern touches. The bed was very comfortable with high-quality sheets and has a high headboard with a “rusted” mirror in the top, giving it a touch of style. There’s a stiff looking and feeling sofa with one arm rest (I wouldn’t quite call it a chaise lounge), a light-wood cabinet with a small fridge and Keurig coffee maker. I prefer these pod coffee makers over the old-style drip coffee makers, they produce much better tasting coffee! 
There’s a luggage bench with a plaid cover, as well as some space in the hallway for your baggage. The flat-screen TV is mounted on a similar light-wood wall panel, while the built-in closet in the hallway had white doors.
The bathroom was a similar blend of modern and traditional, with a nice, wooden vanity table with a stone countertop and sink and a large mirror with a matt light surround. The toilet was rather small and old fashioned and the shower-over-low-tub with curtain on a curved rod also isn’t the most modern design, but ok. I’m not sure why US hotels are holding on to those useless low tubs with shower, especially in king rooms. I’d prefer a glass enclosed shower or, at least in this price category, a separate shower and deep soaking tub.
The free WiFi internet was very slow at 1.5Mbps – not enough to get work done or stream movies and not really acceptable in this day and age in a developed country!
Amenities/Restaurant: With so many great restaurants in Boston, I didn’t try the hotel restaurant for breakfast or dinner. There is also a stylish enough bar.
I was impressed by the large gym with a large number of cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights for a full workout – this is much better than the sorry excuse of a fitness room many hotels still offer.
The indoor swimming pool next door is large enough to swim laps for even more options to stay fit. It’s not very inviting do hang out, despite the loungers available.
Bottomline: At a cash rate of $399 during this busy period, the Hyatt was quite expensive, although competitive with other hotels in the area at the time. My points & cash rate of $100 + 7,500 points (a total value of $235) was much more palatable. With the great location for visitors, the above-average service and contemporary room, I’d stay here again without hesitation and recommend it. It’s easy to understand why so many frequent business travelers are loyal fans of Hyatt – it’s a step up from your average Marriott or Hilton hotel!