citizenM Boston North Station

The bed was amazing, I sank right into it and had the best night's sleep. My room was small, but I loved the tech, with the iPod controlling everything. The semi-self check-in was simple, though people like me still need a little help, and the staff were awesome. I'll definitely be back. I also liked the business center in the lobby, where light drinks were still available at 3am.

Getting around was easy, with the subway close by and Dunkin, Starbucks, and Star Market nearby. The hotel’s digital setup was convenient too: check-in and checkout on the iPads were quick, and the room iPad handled the lights, temperature, TV, curtains, and requests for free cleaning. Pulling the curtains up opened onto a great city view if you pick the skyline side, though there’s also a stadium view option. The room is compact, but the layout makes good use of the space and it felt a normal size for two. Modern, comfortable, fairly priced, and well located. I’d recommend it.

I’ve stayed here several times and keep coming back. The price is hard to beat, especially with the T right outside and TD Garden less than a minute away for a game or concert. Self check-in is quick, and the staff are friendly and ready to help if anything comes up. Twice at check-in we were offered a room facing Causeway St. at no extra cost, with a lovely view. Highly recommend.

The location is the clear bright spot: TD Garden, transit, and some local places are all close, which is why I gave it 5 stars for location. I’m a hockey fan with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, and this seemed ideal for a quick game trip. That first impression didn’t last. My partner and I landed around dinner, dropped our bags without really looking over the room, and went out to eat. At bedtime we found there was no top sheet. My partner called the “front desk” and was told they don’t provide one by default. I don’t find that sanitary, and it doesn’t feel right for a Marriott property. We also asked about washcloths because the room only had hand and bath towels. Apparently you can pick them up from a tray at check-in, taking as many as needed, which didn’t seem especially sanitary either. Then my partner came back with washcloths and I noticed there weren’t any cups. He had to go back down to get cups from the cafe. It reminded me of the Come From Away punchline where the mayor keeps returning to Savers for supplies. An hour after the call, we were still waiting for housekeeping. It was nearly 11 p.m., so I wasn’t hopeful about getting a sheet that night. The bed itself was comfortable, so that’s what earned the room 2 stars. The missing basics brought the rating down. Service gets 2 stars instead of 1 because Andrew was very helpful at check-in. I’ve stayed at enough Marriott brands to wonder how this is considered a 4-star property. Edit: Housekeeping came just after I posted, brought a top sheet for us to put on ourselves, then knocked again while my partner was making the bed to bring a comforter we already had.