Hotel Commonwealth

Hotel Commonwealth, Boston: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Hotel Commonwealth in Boston stands as a highly-regarded, Michelin Key Selected property, frequently praised for its exceptional location, attentive service, and well-appointed rooms. It offers a blend of classic and contemporary styles, providing a luxurious retreat in the vibrant Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Commonwealth is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it highly for comfort, cleanliness, staff, and location. It's often described as a "fabulous" and "exceptional" place to stay, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's prime location, particularly its close proximity to Fenway Park and easy access to public transportation. The friendly, helpful, and professional staff receive widespread praise for going "above and beyond" to assist guests. Other highlights include spacious and clean rooms, a pet-friendly policy with amenities like pet-sitting and walks, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Some guests also appreciate the complimentary valet parking, although it comes with a fee.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Commonwealth offers 245 guest rooms and suites, many of which provide scenic views of either Fenway Park or Kenmore Square. The rooms are generally described as spacious, with entry-level options ranging from 470 to 515 square feet, and suites up to 700 square feet. They feature a contemporary classic design, often with a plush, cozy, and inviting feel. In-room comforts include Serta pillow-top beds with Italian linens, 48-inch smart televisions with premium digital channels and Netflix, laptop-compatible safes, mini-fridges, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms are generously sized with marble countertops and Malin + Goetz or Apotheke bath products. Soundproof windows help minimize street noise, although room windows do not open. Some luxury Fenway King Suites and Fenway Park Suites boast balconies overlooking the iconic ballpark. The hotel also offers different themed signature suites, including a Fenway Suite with baseball memorabilia.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features several on-site dining options. Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at Blue Ribbon Sushi or fresh seafood and New England favorites at Row 34, which is also an oyster bar. Eastern Standard has been noted as a popular restaurant offering all-day dining and a late-night menu, along with 24-hour room service. The Hawthorne is a chic cocktail lounge renowned for its craft cocktails. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available, though it is not typically included in the room rates. Some guests have expressed a wish for coffee to be available past 10 am and a different restaurant option that serves breakfast through dinner.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Commonwealth consistently receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight instances where staff members went "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The front desk and valet teams are particularly noted for their politeness and assistance.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Commonwealth boasts an "excellent" and "stellar" location in Kenmore Square, directly across the road from Fenway Park. It's conveniently situated for exploring Boston, with Boston University and the Back Bay neighborhood within a short walking distance. The hotel offers superb access to public transportation, with the Kenmore Square subway station (Green Line B, C, D) right at its foot, providing easy access to almost anywhere in Boston. Nearby attractions also include the MGM Music Hall, boutiques, bars, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Copley Square. While a bit further from the exact city center, its connectivity via the subway makes it highly accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing at Hotel Commonwealth can vary significantly depending on the season, with an average weeknight price around $396 and weekend nights around $286. February is generally the cheapest month to stay, while June is the most expensive. While some guests consider the hotel "overpriced," others find it offers "perfect for the price point and then some." A Destination Amenity Fee of $40 per night applies, which includes Wi-Fi, daily coffee and tea, reusable water bottles, 24-hour fitness center access, and other curated amenities. Valet parking is available but comes at a significant cost of $75 per vehicle per night.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include occasional issues with room odors and maintenance, as well as minor wear and tear on walls. Some guests have noted that housekeeping can seem "pushy" to get guests out of their rooms. The high cost of valet parking is also a point of concern for some. Additionally, breakfast is not included in the room rate, and some guests desire coffee service to extend past 10 am. One review mentioned unreliable room service. The fact that guest room windows do not open is also a feature noted by the hotel.

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