Planned a last minute trip to Boston for the 4th of July and ended up staying at the Omni Parker House through a Priceline bid. I think Priceline has it wrong with this hotel in the 4star category when compared to other 4star hotels in Boston. Got a great last minute price for a two night stay and the location of this hotel is excellent. After reading the tripadvisor reviews I promptly called to confirm my reservation (for that night) and ask about which room I would receive. I was told that I would have a room with one double bed. I find it hard to believe that a nice hotel in the middle of Boston is actually selling rooms with only one double bed for two people. I'm sorry but for 2 adults to sleep comfortably while away on vacation in a double bed is a bit much to ask. However, when I called to confirm I spoke to a very nice woman at the front desk and she very kindly put me in a room with a queen size bed instead. She did say this was not standard practice for a priceline reservation. She also said that she put me in a room that was slightly larger than most. We ended up staying in room 676. This room has NO view (which was fine) and was directly across from the housekeeping area. For the most part this room was nice and quiet, couldn't hear anyone in the next room and very little street noise. The bed was average not really comfy like other hotels. The bathroom as stated in other reviews was very small. You must go into the bathroom and close the door in order to sit on the toilet. The room did not feel cozy and could have used some updating. Since we spent very little time in our room it suited our needs. I will say that in the mornings you will not be able to sleep in because of the noise and conversation coming from the housekeeping room across the hall. This was annoying.
Check-in was great and the doorman was very helpful in suggesting a parking garage down the street for a better price. The hotel charges $40/day and the garage (pi alley) down the street on the weekends is $18/day. The hotel itself is very beautiful and has a lot of historic charm. A short walk to the Boston Common and the T-station. The first night we decided to have a pre-dinner glass of wine and sat at the bar for almost 15 minutes before anyone even acknowledged us. The wait staff came behind the bar to get there own things and never even said anything to us. When the bar tender finally came back she helped us but it felt a bit rude for the others to ignore us. The second night after the fireworks we got back at 11:30pm to find the lounge closed. We were told the Whiskey bar was still open and we could get a glass of wine there. When we tried to go there a very rude man was standing in the middle of the entry way and curtly told us they too were closed (even though we say people inside!). I asked about the hours of operation and he told me they close at 12:30pm but tonight they closed early! On the 4th of July!! He said this as he stood very firmly infront of the door so we wouldn't walk in!! As a hotel guest I found this to be rude. My only other experience was for Sunday brunch at the hotel. Very lovely dining room with a polite waiter. We each (2)had eggs benedict, oj, and coffee and our bill came to $50. Oh that was before a tip! So, needless to say I feel like the breakfast is overpriced.
Overall, I feel like the weekend was a success. Try dim sum at the Empire over in Chinatown and for dinner we went to Grotto(nearby) and LOVED IT...!!! We also took the Charles Riverboat Cruise, highly recommended. I think this is a lovely historic hotel but I would not pay full price for this one with so many other options in town. But for a last minute priceline deal it was good :)
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