My girlfriends and I spent the recent Blizzard of '05 at the Ritz Carlton, Boston Common. There are certainly worse places to be snowed-in! It was our annual "Mommies Weekend Away" and we had spent a weekend there in 2003 which was generally a pleasant experience.
My friend reserved two double standard, adjoining rooms through Amex. Although she had called earlier to confirm the rooms, upon check-in we were told that no adjoining rooms were available. This also happened to us in 2003. We were told no upgrades were available. While disappointed, we found the rooms to be well appointed with comfortable linens. (In fact, two years ago I purchased one of their feather beds and pillows to bring home!) The oversized bathtubs are just what a tired mom needs for a long relaxing soak.
The housekeeping was a little sporadic - one room received chocolates for turn down service, one did not; one room's used water and wine glasses were replaced with clean ones, one did not; one room seemed to receive a more thorough cleaning during our stay, one did not; and etc. A couple of times during our stay the public ladies room off the lobby needed a cleaning with toilet paper and garbage on the floor, dirty mirrors and a non-working stall remained closed through the weekend. It also seemed to take a long time for room service carts and trays to be cleared from the hallways. I guess this is not surprising since the hotel was probably short staffed due to the blizzard.
The restaurant, room-service and mini-bar prices are high. I was quite disappointed in the quality of the food, especially for the price. Because of the terrible weather, we ate all but one meal at the hotel, either at the restaurant, Jar-ne, or through room service. Like another reviewer, breakfast and lunch were to be included each day through a package arranged by Amex. My friend and I ordered room service the first morning and were told that breakfast consisted of the "Jar-ne Eggs". At the same time, our other friends went to the restaurant for breakfast and were told they could order coffee and pastries. After comparing notes, we clarified with the hotel staff what was and was not included in our package. While an apology was made, there was no attempt to compensate our friends for their disappointing breakfast. A cheese platter was also to be included, but we never saw it. The service was excruciatingly slow at the restaurant both times we ate there, but we really didn't mind since we had no where to be. It was obvious the staff was exhausted and doing their best and everyone was very apologetic. However, later, when we received our hotel bill, we were charged "overages" for all of our supposed inclusive meals even though we did not order "extras" with some meals. It would have been nice if someone clarified how the Ritz was going to honor the Amex package. Next time we will know to ask.
The concierge and room service staff were very friendly and helpful.
Finally, we are still having problems with our bill. Due to the weather, three of us extended our stay, all moving to one room. My friend has been charged for both rooms for the third night and is now waiting to hear back from the Ritz's corporate headquarters to settle the matter. The bill did not reflect the parking charges for my car and I was honest and pointed out the error to the front desk manager. (Very honest, since you begin to feel like you are being fleeced with all of the overage charges.) He added the charges, which was reflected in the final bill upon check out. (Or so I thought). When the doorman put my luggage in the trunk, he asked how I was going to pay the parking fees! Grumble, grumble!! After some explaining back and forth, he finally believed me that I had paid for it. He opened my car door for me and I slipped him a tip. He then immediately and obviously checked out the amount. Geez!! He could have been a little more discreet! It made me feel self-conscious and awkward - not the best way to end my annual "Mommy's Weekend Away".
Overall though, it was a fun and pleasant weekend. Of course as a mother of two small boys, I could have stayed at a Super 8 and been happy to have some peace and quiet for a change. Hehehe!
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