Back in the day, Judy Garland slept here, and made rowdy guest appearances at the piano bar, according to a waiter at the Fairmont's Oak Room. For those who, like Judy, believe that too much of a good thing is just about right, the deliciously decadent, unabashedly romantic Fairmont lures. Richly decorated, and very ornate—we're talking clouds on the ceiling here—this 1912 landmark favors romance and tradition over sleek and modern. Really love pampering? Stay on the Fairmont Gold floor (worth the extra cost, readers say), an ultradeluxe club level offering a dedicated staff, free breakfast and tea-time snacks (mini-crab cakes and other delectables), and library. Shopping fanatics adore the close proximity to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, and Copley Place. The Oak Room restaurant matches its mahogany-panel twin in New York's Plaza Hotel; the equally stately—and tryst-worthy—Oak Bar has live music and one of the longest martini menus in town. If you're missing your dog, take Catie Copley, the in-house Labrador retriever, for a walk around the 'hood, a "green" touch we like. If you drive a hybrid, you can park it for free. Pros: very elegant, great Copley Square location, cozy bar. Cons: tiny bathrooms with scratchy towels, charge for Internet access (no charge on Fairmont Gold level), small fitness center is busy at peak times.
Reviewed by SneakyBooger from Tallahassee, FL on 9/19/08
We travel frequently, Boston included, and have stayed in several hotels there. Our favorite, by far, is the Boston Copley. Beautiful entry and rooms, superior service, especially attentive doormen, and the best concierge service we have experienced. We'll be staying there again next week and just today received an Email from the concierge saying he looked forward to seeing us. Can't wait for some lobster rolls!
All rooms are very nice, but go for the Gold level and you won't regret it!
Reviewed by cliftonrodes from Austin, Texas on 6/20/07
Problems began upon arrival, when there was no one to help with luggage. Shower/bath didn't drain properly. Stains on marble in bathroom. Iron was broken. Etc, etc.
Greatly overpriced: $15 for a regular martini or margarita. No business center, no free internet.
I tend to rely on Fodor's stars and like to think I understand what they mean. This hotel doesn't even deserve inclusion in Fodor's, much less a star.
During a recent trip to Boston for various reunions [class in Andover and Canbridge and family in Nantucket], I stayed at both the Taj and the Copley Plaza. There is no comparison. I will never stay at any Fairmont hotel ever again.
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