Has anyone stayed at either hotel recently, and can anyone recommend one over the other? Rates are comparable, have heard CSH has tired/shabby rooms but a better location than OPH. Clean and nice are more important to me than a slightly better location. We are a family of 4 (2 teenagers), vacationing in Boston for a week in Aug. Help!

M. Tanner...

If you mean the Fairmont Copley, yes the rooms are a bit tired. I have stayed there a few times, and have had my room size vary quite a bit. But each time, I found the furnishings dated.

In my opinion, it does have a better location than the Omni Parker. It's in Copley Square, next to the Trinity church, with Newbury St. being a hop, skip and a jump away. The Omni Parker is right off the freedom trail, however. It's closer to Fanueil Hall.

A hotel I always enjoy is the Lenox. The Fairmont Copley has a far more impressive facade...especially since the Lenox is covered in scaffolding right now (they are updating the outside of the hotel, and it's been going on for what seems like years. It's "supposed" to come off in August...at least that's what the reservationist told me when I made my res for August too). The rooms are small, but nice. The bed is very, very comfortable. It is right down the street from the Fairmont. Its lobby is nowhere is as impressive as the Fairmont (which I kind of find gaudy), but the comfort of the rooms make up for it (robes, etc).

If you do decide to stay at the Lenox, request a room with a view of the street (this is assuming you can see out your window because of the scaffolding). Otherwise, you'll be staring at another building.

Enjoy Boston...

The Copley Square Hotel and the Fairmont Copley Plaza are two different hotels. Whether any hotel is better located depends upon your plans during your visit. It is true that the Copley Square Hotel's rooms are old and worn. The last room we stayed in there was so bad we vowed never to stay there again until the rooms have been redecorated. I haven't heard of any updating. Since you are staying for a week, either location would be just fine anyway, as you'll want to go all over. The Copley Square is closer to Copley Square, the Prudential Center (where the Duck Tours begin), and a little farther from the Public Gardens/Boston Common (where the Freedom Trail begins) than the Omni Parker House, which is closer to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, the Waterfront, the North End, etc. Both are convenient to the subway. We've stayed at the Parker House several times over the last year and each time our room has been freshly decorated. One advantage of the Parker House is the lounge with a huge menu available late at night. Reasonable prices. You can order just a salad, or snacks, or dessert, or a nice dinner. In Boston, where it's often difficult or pricey to find a late in the evening light meal, when you've had a late lunch or have been snacking all day and are not real hungry at dinnertime, this is a terrific "plus" right in your hotel.

PS You might want to check out the Midtown Hotel (more a motor inn). Moderate prices and large rooms (many adjoining). Popular with families. Same neighborhood as Copley Plaza.

Ah, my apologies for giving info on the wrong hotel!