DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston Bayside

The free shuttle to and from the airport made a big difference for me as a solo international traveler. It was easy to use, and the staff were supportive. I was in town for one night for a job interview, and they also printed documents I needed to prepare, which took some stress off. When I realized I'd forgotten toothpaste, the front desk gave me a small travel-size Colgate tube, so I didn't have to arrange a ride to buy one. My room was clean and quiet, the welcome cookie was delicious, and the staff were kind and accommodating. I'd gladly recommend DoubleTree Bayside Boston.

The gym was neglected and disorganized, so I couldn't get much of a workout in. I went for a run instead, in Bayside, which is probably one of the city's best areas for running. The carpet wasn't clean, though I know carpet isn't the easiest surface to keep spotless. I expected more from a hotel in such a reputable chain. It wasn't a terrible stay, just not a great one. The heater blew out a blast of dust that was disgusting and unhealthy to breathe, but I had to use it if I didn't want to freeze.

The location worked well, with the Red Line nearby and central Boston about 20 minutes away. Our arrival was another story: after we confirmed the terminal for airport pickup, we waited almost an hour before the driver said traffic meant he couldn't come and told us to book a cab ourselves. We were on the road around 4 PM and reached the hotel in about 20 minutes. The cookie at check-in was nice, and there was a coffee pod machine in the room. Breakfast times seemed unclear, with reception saying 6 and the cafe kitchen saying 7. Four of the five breakfasts took at least half an hour to arrive, the choices were limited, and drinks weren't included unless the option said they were. The male breakfast waiter was friendly. We were charged for breakfast even though it was included, and although we were told the charge would be removed, it wasn't. The hotel was dusty throughout. We'd requested a crib and confirmed at check-in that the request was received, but it wasn't in the room. The walls are thin enough to hear the next room's conversations, and the shower head is fixed to the wall, so rinsing properly was difficult. Nearly the whole stay added stress. We were here for the Boston Marathon.

Rooms were spacious and clean, and the night staff were courteous and professional. The person who first served us was snarky, though informative. It's a decent distance from downtown Boston, a little over 3 miles, and some rooms have a decent skyline view. JFK metro rail station is a six-minute walk, so driving isn't necessary if you don't need to. Parking costs $27 a night, is nonrefundable, and gets added to the refundable deposit. I'd stay again.