Introduction: Whirlwind Trip to Asia
Review: American Airlines (A321) Economy Class Dallas to Charlotte
Review: American Airlines (A320) Economy Class Charlotte to Boston
Review: Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Boston Garden
Review: United Club – Logan International Airport
Review: United Airlines (777-200) Business Class Newark to Beijing
Review: Air China Business Class Lounge – Beijing International Airport
Review: BGS Premier Business Class Lounge – Beijing International Airport
Review: Singapore Airlines (777-300ER) Business Class Beijing to Singapore
Review: SilverKris Business Class Lounge – Singapore Changi Airport
Review: SilkAir (737-800) Business Class Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
Review: Renaissance Hotel – Kuala Lumpur
Out and About in Kuala Lumpur
Review: Plaza Premium Lounge – Kuala Lumpur
Review: SilkAir (A319) Economy Class Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
Review: JW Marriott Hotel – Singapore South Beach
Review: The Private Room – Singapore Changi Airport
Review: Singapore Airlines (A380-800) Suites Class Singapore to Beijing
Review: Air China First Class Lounge – Beijing International Airport
Review: United Airlines (777-300ER) Business Class Beijing to San Francisco
Review: American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco International Airport
Review: United Airlines (757-200) First Class San Francisco to Newark
Review: United Airlines Classified Restaurant – Newark Liberty International Airport
Review: Admirals Club – Logan International Airport
After the aircraft parking and baggage delays, I was soon on my way to the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. It was a short 15 minute cab ride to the hotel. The ride cost me $18.
I approached the front desk to check in and was told to wait a minute. As I was waiting, the person working the front desk just stood there. I could not help but notice the poor condition of the lobby. There was a tarp to the left of the front desk and boxes stored under the breakfast area. After a few minutes, I finally began to check in, but the phone rang. The agent helping me took the call (instead of letting someone else take it). I took pictures of the lobby while I waited.
While taking the above pictures, a woman (I assume the manager), asked me what I was doing. I said taking pictures, to which she replied, ‘that is not allowed’. Cool. The agent was on the phone for almost 10 minutes. When she finally finished the call, I was told that while I did request an early check in, there were no rooms available. Um ok, she instructed me to call in a few hours to check on the room status.
I left the hotel and ventured around the city. My travels led me to Bodega in Back Bay and to the Bleacher Bar at Fenway Park. It was getting late at this point, so I grabbed an Uber back to the hotel.
A new agent finally checked me in and I was on my way to the room.
Room
The room was on the fifth floor. Upon exiting the elevator, I made two quick rights and the room was there.
After seeing the lobby, I had low expectations for the room. Boy, was I wrong.
As I entered the room, there was a nice kitchenette on the left.
On the right was the bathroom. It was a bit on the small side, but was adequate for me.
Straight ahead was the main part of the room which included a desk, bed, tv, and chair. The bed was comfortable and spacious. There was a tv and chair opposite the bed. I did not use either one of them.
There was a small window on the far wall. It had a view of the construction that was ongoing outside.
Fitness
I saw a sign for a fitness center, but I could not find it. I did not press the issue with the front desk agent because he was busy checking in a band.
Dining
The hotel offered complimentary breakfast. After seeing the lobby, I did not want to eat anything prepared in the hotel. I did try to get a cup of coffee before going to the airport, but all three pots were empty.
Final Word
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Boston Garden did provide a comfortable room. The construction in the hotel and the lobby storage turned me off. I do not think that I will visit this property again.
