Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Downtown / South End

I found this a good value for the space, location, kitchen, and breakfast, especially compared with downtown options. I stayed five nights at the Residence Inn Boston Downtown/South End and had a positive experience. The South End felt safe and pleasant for evening walks, with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops nearby. Back Bay, Seaport, and downtown attractions were an easy, quick ride away. My studio suite was roomy, spotless, and thoughtfully arranged, with a full kitchen, dining space, and a comfortable place to sit or work. The bed was comfortable, and blackout curtains helped me sleep. Housekeeping was reliable and worked around my schedule. Breakfast was included each morning, hot, and varied enough to keep it interesting over a longer stay. I used the small gym and guest laundry too, and both were clean and well maintained. Wi-Fi was free and stable for work calls and streaming. Staff were friendly and professional from check-in through checkout, gave me local tips, and handled a small request quickly and helpfully. I’d recommend it to business or leisure travelers looking for apartment-style comfort and easy access around Boston.

The only real downside was parking at $55 a night, which felt expensive. Otherwise, it was a very nice stay, with clean, refreshing rooms, a delicious included breakfast, and a friendly front desk team.

Victoria, who helped me at first, was pleasant and professional. She said the incidental charge would be removed within 5 to 7 business days. The room looked lovely, and my first stay here last year had impressed me, but this second visit left me unsure about returning. When I followed up about the charge, another front desk woman was rude and often talked over me. Twice she answered the phone and put me on hold without saying anything first. She also gave a different timeline, saying it could take up to 30 days. When I asked for a manager, she passed me to someone who didn’t give his name. I’m not sure he was actually the manager, since he seemed more interested in hearing the employee’s account of our interactions, which I felt was inaccurate. If this isn’t resolved, I’ll file a formal complaint with the regional manager. Without the attractive room and Victoria’s excellent service, I would have rated the stay one star.

I travel for work regularly and usually enjoy Marriott hotels. My company recommended this one, and the front desk man was very kind at check-in. The room was great, but things went downhill after that. My team was shocked by the experience and said they wouldn’t recommend the hotel for future work trips. I shared photos because my videos wouldn’t upload, and I wouldn’t suggest staying here if you have epilepsy or migraines, want a warm shower or morning coffee, or don’t want to break out in hives. At about 10:00 pm, with work the next morning, a light began flickering even though its switch was off. Maintenance came up and turned it on, which stopped the flicker, but it was a bright kitchen light directly across from my bed. I couldn’t sleep with it on. The maintenance worker said they’d need to take apart the fixture to fix it, and couldn’t do that at night. I asked the front desk for another room and was told nothing could be done because the light had “Already been fixed.” When I said it was still broken, the response was “So?” I had to call in sick the next day with a terrible migraine from the flickering. The shower water was ice cold too, but maintenance fixed that within an hour. They only serve coffee in the morning, and it had run out by 8:00 am. I timed the wait after being told it was being restocked, and more than half an hour later there was still none. The front desk women were incredibly rude. On Thursday I asked if my sheets and towels could be changed and was told housekeeping had “already left for the day,” though housekeepers were in the room next door. They said they’d put me down for a full clean Friday. I mentioned the sheets were giving me hives, so someone dropped off fresh sheets and towels but didn’t change them, just left them there. Then on Friday, the “full clean” meant they dropped off dish soap and left the dirty sheets, towels, and trash. After I extended my stay by another day, the employees were even ruder. I only stayed because my flight meant I couldn’t switch to a farther-away hotel. I won’t be back.