Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

•The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common is in an excellent location between Theatre District and Financial District, near restaurants, parks, and historical sites

•Wide range of room and suite options as well as special privileges in Club Level accommodations

•Large, full-service spa and sports facility nearby

•Adjacent to Loews Theatre complex with convenient video-teleconferencing services

•Romantic, stylish dining options on-site and in nearby historic Ladder District

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

• 193 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pool. Spa. Business center.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common, is the newer of the two Ritz-Carlton hotels in New England’s largest city. The Ritz-Carlton lobby offers ample, comfortable, and private seating areas with great views overlooking the oldest public park--Boston Common.

Romance is alive at the hotel, with special Magic Moment Honeymoon and Suite Dreams room packages. Guests may also request Boston Theatre District tickets for the best in contemporary live performances, all within walking distance of the hotel.

The pet-friendly hotel also caters to families for reunions or getaways. Ask about the Reconnect room packages with connecting rooms. Kids will get a thrill with the open spaces in the picturesque Boston Common and Public Gardens across the street, or take everyone on a historical walking tour of Revolutionary War-era Boston. Modern family fun is found at the nearby Boston IMAX Theater and the New England Aquarium down at the historic harbor area.

Overall, hotel staff was well-informed about all aspects of the hotel, and business travelers couldn’t ask for a more convenient location, only steps away from the Financial District.

(+) Excellent location for business, dining, and entertainment

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

Before my stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common , the hotel’s reservation agent exhibited genuine concern for my satisfaction. Although no limousine or dinner reservation advice was provided, room reservation details were accurately recapped. The valet made me feel as if my arrival was anticipated, greeting me curbside with baggage assistance that was automatic, seamless, and secure. My pre-arrival message and orientation to the room was discreet, and all details of the reservation were accurate.

The polite Campus Concierge service was handled without delays or interruptions, but the staff wasn’t well-informed about the surrounding area and did not exhibit detailed knowledge about shopping boutiques at The Heritage and Newbury Street, or such activities as historical walking tours of the State House, Faneuil Hall, Freedom Trail, and Quincy Market. The concierge did, however, provide maps with directions and brochures to help me make decisions. As an added bonus, the concierge can arrange for babysitting services within the hotel.

The hotel’s business center has its own technology butler, and incoming faxes were delivered to my room promptly. When I called housekeeping to request a forgotten item, staff arrived at my room right away, but the item was not elegantly presented.

When I called the porter for departure assistance, he arrived at my room promptly, and the front desk agent offered transportation assistance. Departure was handled without excessive delays or interruptions. Although the final hotel bill was not accurate, it was rectified immediately.

(+) Polite staff concerned with guests’ overall satisfaction
(-) Concierge service was uninformed about area attractions

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

The reservation agent conveyed enthusiasm when she described a vivid variety of room types, which include 43 suites out of the total 193 guest rooms at the hotel, many with city skyline views. The Deluxe Rooms and the Partial Common View Rooms all have 425 square feet of space and feature Bose radios and Internet access. The 880-square-foot Luxury Suites have a living room and a dining area for six, with French doors opening up to a master bedroom

The scenic Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is located on the 12th floor and offers its own concierge service and complimentary food presentations throughout the day, including afternoon tea. The Club Lounge overlooks the garden terrace and features wireless Internet connectivity and a private alcove. Club Level guests receive additional complimentary amenities, such as packing and unpacking services, international periodicals and newspapers, express departure services, complimentary business services, free access to the SportsClub/LA spa and fitness center, and daily garment pressing. The 880-square-foot Club Deluxe Rooms can connect upon request. The Club Executive Suites are 760 square feet and feature a separate living room with French doors opening up to a master bedroom with a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 1,100-square-foot Luxury Park View Suite has a master bedroom, living room, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The sole Presidential Suite, at 1,680 square feet, overlooks Boston Common and features a gas fireplace, a separate office, a kitchen and dining area, a California King sleigh bed, a marble master bath, and two Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Ask reservations about the various late check-out room packages and the special family packages with connecting rooms.

My room was extremely well-maintained, comfortable, and clean, but not completely soundproof. The exceptionally luxurious and comfortable bed and bedding was neatly prepared at turndown service; however, my clothing was not neatly handled. The closets and grooming areas were generously spaced, and the large marble soaking bathtub was immaculately clean with luxurious Bath Butler menu amenities thoughtfully placed.

(+) Luxurious rooms designed to be an urban retreat
(-) Room aren’t completely soundproof

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

Guests have full access to all fee services at the 100,000-square-foot spa, fitness, and sports facility at the Sports Club/LA adjacent to the hotel, which includes a junior Olympic swimming pool. Facility fees are waived for Club Level guests. The ambience in the spa was very relaxing, private, and comfortable. The therapist described the treatments, inquired about any medical concerns, and demonstrated care and expertise. The spa features massages, body treatments, facials, the Fontana beauty salon, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and comfortable relaxation areas. Complimentary post-treatment refreshments were offered. A professional in-room massage therapist is also available upon request.

The Campus Concierge can set up golf course tee times at area clubs. Boston is a walkable city with numerous historical and recreational sites nearby, including the Boston Common and Public Gardens, Boston IMAX Theater, and New England Aquarium. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common also appeals to shoppers with it own stores offering apparel and gifts.

(+) Huge fitness and spa center nearby
(-) Additional fitness and spa center facility fees for non-Club Level guests

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

The polite and attentive staff at the comfortable JER-NE restaurant offered me a choice of tables, and beverages were offered immediately. However, during my stay, breakfast took a long time to be served and was not served at the correct temperature. The stylish and contemporary dining room is organized with tables uniformly set under a ceiling of glass sculptures by Howard Ben Tre. The classic American dinner menu features seafood and steaks.

The JER-NE bar is set beside a romantic lobby fireplace with more than $1 million worth of contemporary artwork gracing the public spaces. The lounge features signature martinis in a casual atmosphere.

The room service staff could not provide details of the menu, but the order was delivered in the timeframe quoted. The table was set up comfortably, beverages were opened and poured for me, and food portions were generous and appetizing. Overall, this was a pampering room service experience, and everything I ordered matched the menu description.

Also within walking distance of the hotel is the Downtown Crossing and the Ladder District, both offering many of Boston’s best restaurants along with boutique shopping. The hotel’s concierge can arrange reservations for these and other area restaurants.

(+) Romantic and stylish restaurant setting
(-) Room service menu did not provide menu details

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

Located only steps away from the Boston Financial District, the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common is a welcome retreat for the business traveler. The hotel provides complimentary domestic and international periodicals and newspapers to keep travelers well-informed. The hotel also offers cell phone rentals, a currency exchange, and in-room safes. Boston’s Logan International airport is only about five minutes away, and the Campus Concierge can set up limousine service.

Adjacent to the hotel is the Loews Theatre Boston Common, with 19 screens often used by hotel guests for videoconferencing. The hotel has its own seven meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 350 people each in a combined total of 5,338 square feet of space. The hotel’s four theaters seat a maximum of 654 guests. Audiovisual equipment is available in all meeting rooms, including the 270-square-foot Boardroom. A technology butler can assist with the high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel.

(+) Great business hotel with modern technological services