I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Intercontinental while in Boston overnight on business. The Intercontinental was one of several high-end hotels on my company's "preferred" list, but it was the only one I had not previously stayed at, and it was close to the site of my meetings.

The Intercontinental is a new property, built (oddly enough) around the ugly Central Artery Tunnel discharge stacks. Its lovely location right on the harbor is hard to beat, and the hotel manages a very pleasant balance between modern chic and real luxury, without going over the top in either direction. The public spaces are spare but attractive, with discrete sitting areas along the main corridor and what looked like a very attractive bar, Rhumba (which is well-reviewed by friends, but I didn't have time to check it out).

My room was very nicely appointed, with simply lined dark-wood furnishings, an opulent and very comfortable bathroom, and a wide-screen LCD TV (though the actual cable signal is analog and rather disappointing). As several other reviewers have noted, I was surprised to find two double beds instead of the King I thought I reserved through Orbitz, but since they also "dumped" my no-smoking preference, I suspect Orbitz, not the hotel might have been to blame. About the bed: I guess I have been spoiled by too many nights in Marriott properties in the last year, but this sucker was on the hard side, and the sheets and pillows were a step down from even your run-of-the-mill Courtyard (where they have really got the plush-bed religion). In spite of the location (by the harbor, on the Central Artery, close to the fire station), the room was hushed and comfortable all night long.

Overall, I found the Intercontinental Boston to be an extremely pleasant hotel in a sensational location, for a competitive price. I would recommend it heartily to those traveling on business and wanting to be close to the Financial or Seaport districts, or for leisure travelers willing to spend a little more for a very nice room.

My wife and I have now stayed at this Intercontinental several times. We really like the classy room decor, the location near long wharf and Quincy Market, and the great bars/restaurants right on the premises.

The spa/work out area are amazing, and we make a point of working out at least twice during each stay. The views are neat, and the equipment is top notch. The steam room is an added bonus.

We have had drinks/food at RhumBa, Sushi-Teq, and Miel, as well as room service. On all occasions the food was great and the drinks were amazing. An added bonus are the champagne parties they throw in the lobby on the first Saturday night of every month.

The rooms are comfy, and well designed. The bathrooms are truly spacious and well made. The only problem we could fathom is the "divider" between the bathroom and bedroom. Shy types may have an issue with this.

I agree with the other reviews that the valet car pick-up is poorly designed, and that going down to the parking lot should not be a part of the experience. The cars should be brought to the front of the hotel like everywhere else. Aside from that, and occasionally surly staff, this hotel is great! We will definitely keep staying here, at least until the Mandarin Oriental opens in July.

This is a great hotel - rooms are very comfortable and staff very friendly. We had a great time here. Hotel is situated near South Station - so very easy access to the airport on the Silver Line and other parts of the city. Highly recommended!

Stayed here for two nights this Easter weekend and loved it. Lobby was chic, front desk staff inviting. They had a great "champagne & rum" bar teeming with nightlife, reminiscent of a trendy Manhattan lounge. There was a great pool and workout area with all the accommodations of an athletic club and then some. You can jog on the treadmills while overlooking the streets of Boston. The rooms were large and accommodating, they definitely have the best bathroom I've seen in any hotel! My only complaint of the room was the lack of a coffee maker (an absolute necessity for all caffeine addicts in search of a morning 'pick me up'...! ). They offer free coffee in the lobby, however, only available between the hours of 5am and 7am.....what!! I sure wasn't getting up that early.... But other than that this hotel was a GREAT. Location is key and they get 5 stars for that. There are many restaurants/shopping within walking distance, the red line subway system, and tourist attractions as the back of the hotel overlooks the Boston harbor, right where the Boston Tea Party took place. Another tip is that when your arrive, they offer to valet your car to a parking garage which will cost you about $40 a night. Bypass this tempting offer and make a right at the first corner after the hotel, there are parking lots for about $11 right over the bridge. I will definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who is visiting Boston and wants to be treated right.