Hotel AKA Back BayvsThe Royal Sonesta Boston
Both hotels are recommended by professional reviewers. On balance, Royal Sonesta Boston scores marginally better than Loews Boston Hotel. Royal Sonesta Boston comes in at 84 with accolades from 11 reviewers such as Travel + Leisure, Oyster and Zagat.
Hotel AKA Back Bay Show All Reviews
350 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116
From $119/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Fodor's
"Travelers rave about the sleek Loew's Boston Hotel... "Great staff"..."Great bar"..."Great vibe"—see a pattern yet?" Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"This cozy, 225-room hotel in a beautiful old building -- the former police headquarters -- is full of nice touches, from hot towels at check-in to free Wi-Fi in rooms." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Masculine yet cozy, the 225-room Back Bay Hotel is laden with history: the 1925 limestone edifice with ornate friezes fronts one of Boston’s last Italian Renaissance Revival buildings." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Located in an attractive stone building that once housed the headquarters of the Boston Police Department, this hotel is ideal for tourists and shoppers."
Rough Guide
"The 220 smallish rooms in this lavishly furnished hotel have huge beds, marble bathrooms, multi-head showers, and heated towel racks."
Star Service
"Highlighting the public areas are a waterfall and open fireplaces. The dapper Stanhope Grille continues to serve three Continental meals a day." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Rooms are luxurious, draped in rich ivory and copper tones, and well stocked with amenities." Full review
Star Service
"This hotel lacks the Turtle Beach's sophistication, but its spaciousness and breadth of facilities make it a preferred choice for American families." Full review
i
Tip: Request an even-numbered room on one of the top two floors for the best views.
Not For Tourists
"The old Boston Police Headquarters Building."
Jetsetter
"Chic city digs in Boston’s Back Bay with business class perks and a banging bar." Full review
The Royal Sonesta Boston Show All Reviews
40 Edwin Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02142
From $109/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Pool
Frommer's
"This luxurious hotel is popular with business travelers and with families, who enjoy the huge pool." Full review
i
The East Tower underwent a $6-million refurbishment in 2011; request a room there if possible.
Fodor's
"Right next to the Charles River, the certified-green Sonesta has one of the best city skyline and sunset views in Boston." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The Royal Sonesta looks over the Charles River from the Cambridge side, with views of Boston Harbor and downtown Boston." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The Royal Sonesta boasts a prime location on the pathway along the Charles River. Many of the comfortable rooms have river views and public areas are noted for outstanding art works."
Rough Guide
"Luxury quarters with good views of the Boston skyline, and a free on-site shuttle available to whisk you around town."
Gayot
"This hotel, with views of the Charles River or Boston skyline, offers a wealth of amenities for the leisure or business traveler."
Zagat
3.7
"Fans of this Cambridge chain outpost praise its "family feel", as well as guestrooms armed with "modern touches" and "spectacular" views of the skyline and Charles River."
Star Service
"This place provides better crossover opportunities than Hyatt or nearby Marriott. In short, it is a better choice for individuals with business or pleasure in this university town." Full review
i
Rooms in the -02 series are the ones to request for their spectacular views of the city and Longfellow Bridge.
The Telegraph
8.0
"Appealing to both business and leisure travellers, the riverside Royal Sonesta offers an ideal location, close to both Boston and Cambridge, with plenty of perks." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Besides the luxurious rooms and up-to-date amenities, come to the Royal Sonesta to admire the incredible contemporary art collection." Full review