I needed a hotel for one night in Boston before I went to the north shore for the weekend, but downtown Boston is terribly expensive. So I went onto Priceline and was assigned the Parker House for a very reasonable amount of money.

When one stays at a historic hotel in downtown Boston, New York, Chicago or DC, one knows that the rooms will be smaller than a new building and that parking will be extra. In fact, $38 a night for parking (which is what the hotel charged me) is on par for the area, so they're not taking any kind of advantage here. So I drove up to the Parker House with the expectation of a small room (particularly with a Priceline reservation!) and that I would pay for parking.

The valet parkers were professional, but didn't smile or greet me - just a quick "what's your name" and then "these are the charges" and that was it. Somewhat curt. And I had just a rollaboard and a briefcase, so I wheeled my own luggage in - didn't want to try to navigate the revolving door with it, so had to pull open the door on the side and maneuver myself in. It was kind of tricky - and the valets and bellmen were standing there watching traffic while this all occurred. I think it's because I declined help with my luggage, so then I was on my own - they could use a doorman there.

Then up the stairs to a very elegant lobby area and on to check in. I'm an Omni member, but since I had booked through Priceline, I didn't know if it would benefit me at all. The very cheerful desk clerk told me that they had already applied my number (that's very efficient, because it means they reviewed all their reservations that day to see if any of them matched their frequent guest records) and that they had upgraded me to a deluxe room in a quiet location.

Up to the room on the 12th floor - very comfortable room. Comfortable and upscale furnishings, very clean and just overall very nice. Yes, it was on the small side, but that matched my expectations and they've made a great use of the room space, with two double beds, flat screen TV, desk, armchair, dresser, all well arranged in the space.

Small but well appointed bathroom, again making excellent use of the space. Very nice spa amenities with the nice touch of cotton swabs and cotton balls in addition to the standards.

The bed was extremely comfortable - I would have slept later than I planned, except I had requested breakfast in the morning, so had to be ready to get the tray. Omni member get complimentary coffee and juice (or tea, etc.) delivered to the room in the morning, and one can add breakfast items for a fee. And they have this wonderful option: they will leave the tray and knock - so one can wait a moment and then pull in the tray in one's pjs. Very civilized.

The location is just fantastic - walked to the waterfront for dinner with friend and then walked Beacon Hill the next morning before checkout taking pictures.

Check out was effortless - as I left the room, a chambermaid asked "are you checking out?" - I told her "yes" and then she replied "well we hope to see you again soon", a little thing that impressed me.

Since they clearly tell you up front that it takes about 30 minutes to get your car from the valet (they use a local lot), I called down half an hour before I checked out. Went to the desk, again, efficient and personable service, walked out the door and my car was waiting.

All in all, a very enjoyable stay. I will definitely return.

We only stayed one night, however we were extremely satisfied with our experience. We usually love these older elegant properties, and this one was no exception. Our room was very large - we even had a sitting area and a little dressing room! (Hint to hotel managers: put a mirror and a little table in there, it would be very helpful). The bathroom was very small, which I read in many of the other reviews, but it was very nicely decorated, beautiful marble and all the expected amenities. The room service was fast and delicious, and yes, it was expensive. However we expected it - room service is always expensive! We really liked this property and because travel to Boston often, we'll definitely try to stay at the Parker House.

The hotel is within walking distance to everything with a great staff. We had a junior suite which was spacious and not much more money. Hotel restaurants and bars were fine but the key was how close you are to walking to the great restaurants in Boston. I'll come back to the Omni and use it in othe cities.

Have recently enjoyed a 4 night break at the Omni Parker Boston. We were lucky to have had a corner room which was actually quite spacious for a standard dobule room and the bed well..!! you had to take a running jump at to get in, it was very comfy and cosy with lovely quality linen. The bathroom was a little tired, however it was very clean.

The bars in the Omni were quite expensive and the food was perhaps above average.

The highlight of our stay was the great location for the Whale Watching trip (spectacular) most certainly not to be missed. So very sad though that due to the pollution caused of us humans that they are in danger!

We also took the ferry from the harbour to Provincetown which is so very beautiful with it's clapboard houses and quality ecclectic shops.. Would loved to have had our stay there and it's much cheaper, still the Omni is lovely and found the staff very willing and well mannered.