The Inn at Longwood Medical

Very soft beds, and the hotel and rooms were really clean. Check-in and check-out were quick and easy, and it’s close to all the medical facilities. There’s an exceptional food court attached. A gym is nearby, though it isn’t in the hotel. Parking costs extra in a garage. Very handicapped accessible.

After a long drive, we needed a calm, welcoming place while my girlfriend Erika Calderon was having surgery for cancer that had come back at Brigham's / Dana-Farber. Instead, this stay made things less convenient and more stressful. We spent close to 600 for two nights. We usually stay at Homewood Suites, which is a similar rate and often cheaper, and we’ve had a much better experience there. My biggest issue was the front desk service from Sarah. This isn’t personal, but after working in customer service for a long time, I don’t think she was suited to that role at a place with this price. There was no warm welcome or even a simple question about our drive. I had to change rooms at the last minute because the room I was in had been booked, and later I needed to book another night. Sarah had been on the phone and told the caller she was really busy and had to put him on hold. She sounded stressed, which made me stressed too, and the woman behind me seemed confused. It didn’t seem especially busy. I handed Sarah my ID and card, but she still seemed unsure what she needed. There was no thank you. Guests arriving after a long drive want to feel calm, not see staff under stress. I’m not sure there was even music in the lobby, maybe jazz would help. When I tried to leave, my car was blocked in with no warning. I had an important doctor's appointment, so I was very upset. After checkout, I had to go back and talk to Sarah, which took too long. She said the valet guys dealt with it, but didn’t show me or tell me where to find them. I couldn’t leave. I asked for the manager, who came out and got the valet guy to move the car. I still missed my appointment, so it was too late to help. I also arrived with my eyes fine and left with a huge stye. I feel like I got it from the room, but I can’t prove that. We won’t stay there again, ever. I truly don’t recommend it for cancer patients. Homewood Suites feels much more worth the money, with a really convenient shuttle and parking that feels more private and convenient. Our experience there was astronomically better, and I believe it was cheaper. I hope this feedback helps improve the business and makes Boston feel a little less like a robbery, with more hospitality. God bless. This is to improve the quality of the business, nothing personal. Thank you.

The location is the one real benefit here. The beds were uncomfortable, and the street noise in the room was just as loud as being outside. Staff were rude and the amenities were misleading. The “on site” laundry is actually in the next building and closes at 7pm. They didn’t tell me, so I had to use a laundromat in a sketchy area to get my clothes washed. Continental breakfast is for two regardless of party size. Overnight parking isn’t run by the hotel, so problems like getting blocked in are for the lot to handle. They were replacing beds during our whole stay, and the elevators were used all day to move mattresses. We had to use the stairs, which badly delayed guests with mobility issues. There are better options. Try them.

The only things I can say in the hotel’s favor are the comfortable beds and its proximity to Brigham and Dana Farber. The rooms at the back have picture windows that face a public interior hallway, so opening them means looking out into a hallway where people could walk by. The bathrooms are tiny, the rooms smell horribly musty, and the heaters and ACs are ridiculously loud. The accommodations aren’t worth the very high prices. It feels like the owners are taking advantage of people staying near the hospital while they or loved ones are receiving treatment, often at their lowest moments. I hope I never have to stay here again.