Stayed here in Aug. 2005. Booked through Expedia, got good rates for a weekend. This hotel was perfect for us. It was very clean and had some nice amenities with their SummerFest package, such as complimentary bikes (we went riding around the Charles River) and free ice cream in the afternoons. The location is perfect, right on the Charles River, and you can sit on a bench and gaze out there at night. It's also right across from a great mall, and within walking distance of the Science Museum and bus stop (10 min walk) to Boston area -- the nearest T (subway) stop was closed and shuttle buses were operating when we were there. There's an inside pool and smallish (but sufficient) gym and a cafe (casual) with Starbucks coffee along with a fancier restaurant. The self-serve breakfast in the cafe was terrific but expensive -- no prices are posted and a muffin is $3.50. My only complaint is that the beds were too soft and not good for my bad back, and there was nothing they could do about it when I complained. But would definitely recommend this hotel.

I spent a night at the Sonesta whle attending a Red Sox game.

Chose the hotel for it's price and location.
Great location on the Charles river next to the Museum of Science, and Duck Tours. Also across the street from the Galleria mall.
Just a short 'T' or cab ride to Faneuil Hall and the Aquarium.

The room ws small, but clean and well furnished.
Everything worked.
The price, via the American Express website, was excellent for a weekend night in Boston
The staff was friendly and helpful, especially the staff at the pool. The pool has an open atrium so it seems to be outside.
The hotel has a relaxed casual feeling, perfect for weekend relaxation.
I'll come back for my next weekend in Boston!

Royal Sonesta; Boston
This was a very lucky find, through the internet.
Classed as a moderate pricing I was well impressed.
Location was within easy walking distance of downtown Boston, but in Cambridge right on the Charles River, wonderful river view room.

Yes the Big Dig was a mess but the hotel offered free transport into and pick up if required, we used the underground and feet.

Set off early each day so by late afternoon we returned to spend a couple of hours in the pool which had the removal roof. We had 4 days spent here right in the middle of a Heat Wave, so the cool off period in the pool was very welcome, followed by food at the local restaurants and food hall.

Should have bought the City Boston card and not the Go Boston as it had the more interesteing attractions on offer. If you walk the Freedom Trail make sure you do climb the inside of Bunker Hill Monument, the climb is hard but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Also make sure you take the Sky Walk at the Pru building, very informative. The Duck Tour is a wonderful start tour to familiarise the sites and if you have kids do the Science Musuem, if they are over 8 years old don't bother with the Childrens Musuem its not worth it.

The Grave yard Ghost tour was OK but not brilliant, kept my 12 yr old interested. Again the Aquarium was good but getting dated. The Boat criuse was a nice relaxing hour with points to get off at, we stopped at The Whites of their Eyes expo, all about Bunker Hill.

The next day we walked and walked and ended up finding the Commwealth Drive a lovely treelined walk from Boston Gardens to the Pru building with some beautiful monuments and statues. Ended up walking back along the Charles R and discovered, as you always do on the last day, the BEST deal in town. $1 for any child between 10-14 to sail with tuition a small dingy. Needed proof that able to swim, but what a great place. I'll have to come back just to take advantage of this offer.

My one regret was not using the Water Taxi to Logan Airport if I didn't have a 12 yr in tow and alot of luggage, ( we were heading off to Florida for 2 wks I would have loved to have left Boston this way).

Compared to Florida I would definitely return to Mass.

We love the Sonesta - have stayed a couple of times. Fabulous location right next to the Science Museum, and easy to drive to. Many rooms have gorgeous views of the Charles River, which is right outside the hotel (great walking or jogging). The people are really nice there - great service! We will return the next time we're in the Boston area.