Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront

We had a decent room and liked how close the hotel was to most of the places we wanted to see, all within a short walk. The staff, apart from the first person we dealt with, were great. When we arrived, we asked for a higher floor, but the front desk guy said that wouldn’t be possible and put us on the first floor. He didn’t seem happy, which got things off to a bad start. The room looked out over the docks, but bushes blocked most of the view. They should trim them so guests can actually see out. From the photos, I’d expected a better look at the water or surrounding area.

I was caught in snow on the day I was meant to check in, and it wasn’t safe for me to make it to the hotel. I called and asked if I could change my two-night reservation to one night. They said it was too late and I’d be charged for both nights. I accepted that, since they were right. The reservation staff asked when I’d arrive the next day, and I said evening. When I got there, I expected the two-queen premier water-view room I’d paid for. Instead, my family and I were put on the second floor above sliding doors that shook the room whenever they opened. There was only one king bed, and no water view. I asked the front desk why we hadn’t been given our booked room. They apologized and offered a rollaway and a move to another room with one king bed and a water view, but no rooms with two queens were left. The front desk workers stayed polite and did their best to help, and in the end they charged me for just one night. Still, I’d held up my side and was willing to pay for two nights without complaint, so it was disappointing not to get the room I’d paid for. I think they may have sold it twice, and they couldn’t clearly explain why I wasn’t getting it.

The service was excellent, and the room was clean with a lovely shower. We were right by the bay in the North End, about half a mile from the Freedom Trail and plenty of Boston sights. It felt like a safe area and was very easy to explore on foot. We only missed having bedside lamps, a small gripe. It was a great stay.

The check-in staff were friendly, and the bartender was great. Our room had a view, which earned it extra points, since most side rooms apparently don’t have one. The hotel was clean, and we had a good, even great, stay.