Hotel AKA Boston Common

Hotel AKA Boston Common, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally garners positive feedback, particularly for its prime location and stylish design, though some guests have noted inconsistencies in service and room quality. The hotel was also named one of the Top 50 Hotels in the World and ranked #3 in Boston in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel AKA Boston Common is largely favorable, often described as a "boutique gem" and a "premier destination" for travelers seeking luxury and comfort. Many guests highly recommend it and express a desire to return. However, a recurring theme in some reviews indicates dissatisfaction with certain aspects of service quality and room comfort, which can temper the overall positive experience for some.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's fantastic location, ideal for sightseeing and exploring historical sites. The design is another significant highlight, described as visually stunning, modern, and both cozy yet slick, with Scandinavian and mid-century modern influences throughout the lobby and communal spaces. Thoughtful amenities include a 24-hour Technogym fitness center, complimentary WiFi, and concierge services. A complimentary wine hour in the lobby from 4-5 PM and two complimentary AKA waters at check-in are appreciated touches. The hotel is also pet-friendly, offering pet beds and dishes.

3. Room Quality

Hotel AKA Boston Common's rooms are often described as impeccably clean, with comfortable beds, espresso machines, and mini-fridges. The design in the rooms is more pared down and brighter than the communal areas, featuring white walls, hints of ink blue, and pale wooden batten paneling. Standard amenities include 27-inch flat-screen TVs, fully stocked mini-bars, and laptop safes. Bathrooms are efficient and include Mario Russo amenities. Upper-floor corner rooms are particularly sought after for their panoramic views of the city, including the Massachusetts State House, Charles River, and even Fenway Park. However, some guests have found the rooms to be "fine but slightly small" or not as spacious as anticipated. Soundproofing can be an issue, with occasional noise from neighbors or the street. Some reviews have also mentioned that bathrooms could benefit from a revamp, and in some instances, towels and bedding were frayed or had holes, with poor water pressure.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant and bar, The Bosworth, overseen by Chef Kinan Ibrahim, offers a sophisticated dining experience. The menu blends New England's classic flavors with Mediterranean-inspired creativity and is available for breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast options, including vegan and vegetarian choices. The breakfast area itself has been praised as "beautiful" and the breakfast "fantastic". The hotel also features an intimate lobby lounge, a.bar, for cocktails. Hotel guests receive a 10% discount at The Bosworth.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is mixed. Many guests commend the staff as friendly, accommodating, helpful, and professional, with specific mentions of individuals like Calvin, Shirley, and Yary at the front desk. The concierge staff is available to assist with ticket, dining, and tour reservations. Conversely, some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction with service quality, citing "unfriendly staff" and issues with cleanliness in some rooms.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an exceptional and "perfect" location in Downtown Boston, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. It is situated just one block from Boston Common Park and the Park Street T Subway Station. Key attractions like the Granary Burial Grounds are directly across the street, and Quincy Market is a mere 15-minute walk away. The hotel is nestled at the crossroads of Beacon Hill, Downtown Crossing, and the Financial District, offering seamless access to Boston's energy and culture. Public transportation, including the MBTA Subway, Commuter Rail, and AMTRAK, is easily accessible. The property also offers modern mobility and hearing accessibility features in its accessible rooms.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing at Hotel AKA Boston Common can vary significantly by season. While rooms can be booked from around $175 to $282, average prices for a weeknight can reach $583, and weekend nights average $338. January is typically the cheapest month to stay, with June being the most expensive. Some guests have expressed concerns about the pricing, particularly regarding the value for money when factoring in certain issues. Valet parking is available for $65 per day. A destination fee is applied, which includes amenities such as complimentary water, 10% off at The Bosworth (excluding alcoholic beverages), wine hour, 24-hour fitness center access, and WiFi.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues mentioned by guests include dissatisfaction with service quality and occasional reports of "unfriendly staff." Some guests have experienced rooms that were not as spacious or comfortable as anticipated, and there have been mentions of cleanliness issues in specific rooms. Minor nuisances like construction noise and soundproofing problems have also been reported, with some guests hearing activities from neighboring rooms or street noise. One particularly negative experience cited a late-night fire alarm, persistent building noise, a non-functional in-room phone, the unavailability of advertised in-room dining for pet owners, and a malfunctioning thermostat leading to an uncomfortable stay. Other criticisms include potentially outdated bathrooms and frayed towels or bedding, along with poor water pressure. Employee reviews for AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences, in general, suggest broader issues with management, communication, and understaffing.

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