14 Union Park

The place was clean and conveniently located, but I didn’t feel safe, secure, or welcome. The bathroom window faces the hall and stairwell, and its sheer curtain lets light through without giving what I’d consider normal bathroom privacy. There’s also a bathroom door to the hall, and I wasn’t comfortable not knowing who could get in. A closet door connects to the next room too. We locked it on our side, but couldn’t tell whether someone there had a key. It’s a small room with slanted ceilings, so tall guests need to duck when getting out of the left side of the bed. The narrow, curved stairs were a tough climb with luggage. The parking garage is a few blocks away, so we’d already carried our bags some distance after a long drive. This is a room in a house, not a bed and breakfast, and it shouldn’t advertise itself as one. The two oranges and granola bars provided aren’t breakfast in the traditional or usual sense. We got an email with a code for the outside door before arriving, then found a room key on the entry table.

If privacy and a stylish room are what you want, this could suit you. Our room was nicely appointed, and the building and neighborhood are lovely. But it didn’t have the B&B feel we were hoping for. We usually choose B&Bs for the meals and the chance to meet other guests and experience local culture. There was no host, and the advertised continental breakfast was fruit and granola bars that weren’t gluten-free. Also, the website photos can be misleading: our room didn’t have a bathtub.

For my three-night business trip, 14 Union worked out just right. I was looking for something different from the convention center hotels, and the fact that I never saw or heard another person didn’t bother me. There was no innkeeper, staff, or other guests around during my stay. Just be clear on what you’re booking: it’s a boutique hotel, specifically not a bed and breakfast. Some people may not like the lack of people around.

Romana and Charles are lovely, entertaining hosts, and Romana serves a different breakfast each morning, often something you may not have tried before but will enjoy. The rooms are gorgeous in a restored building, in a quiet neighborhood close to downtown Boston and the surrounding shopping areas. A beautiful B&B.