Arrival/Check-in: I drove from Manhattan to Boston using the driving directions from The Lenox Hotel’s website and found the hotel without any problems. When pulling up to the property, I asked the doorman how much it was to park in the neighboring parking lot. Valet parking at the hotel was only $2 more, so I happily turned over the keys.

The lobby brought me back to an old New England feeling. The hotel first opened its doors in 1900 as the most luxurious hotel in Boston, and through recent renovations, I’m happy to say, the old-world elegance was not lost. The front desk staff was not overly welcoming, but they had my reservation in the system and the keys ready to hand over. As I only had a carry-on bag, I took my luggage with me to the room. (26/30)

Guest Quarters: The Lenox Hotel has a series of rooms dedicated to green practices. My bright, corner King room was one of them. If I hadn’t been told the room was a dedicated green room, I wouldn’t have noticed, which I appreciated as a guest. I believe it is important to be environmentally aware, but it is a difficult initiative to do well. However environmentally friendly I wish to be myself, I do not want to feel like any one initiative is imposed on me while I am a guest — The Lenox Hotel succeeded with flying colors.

Even with its air purification system and recycling bins, the room still embodied the old-world charm. The bathroom, while neat and clean, was the only part of the room lacking the charm that the rest of the room and the hotel captured. I also had a very nice city and street view, and thanks to the good windows, I didn’t hear a noise from the outside. (27/30)

Services/Amenities: I was able to pop my head into City Bar in the evening and wish I had time to stay longer. It was off the entrance of the lobby but transported me away from the old New England charm to a different kind of deluxe. It was a very inviting place for an after-work drink and a great spot for a stop before hitting the town for dinner. The hotel has a great restaurant, City Table, and an authentic Boston Irish Pub, Sólás (Gaelic for “comfort”). Throughout the rest of my stay, the staff was friendly and informative, especially when giving directions, which I often needed.

I found the hotel’s array of meeting space for business or social functions to be a highlight, especially because of its central location and ease to get to for business purposes. (38/40)

The Experience: As comfortable as the guestroom was, the location made the hotel an especially enjoyable place to be. I didn’t have to get in a single taxi for any business meetings. In the evenings, I was in the heart of Boston for the best shopping and dining experiences as well.

Total Score: 91/100

The Lenox Hotel
61 Exeter St.
Boston, MA 02116
tel 617 536-5300