Boston's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Courtyard North Station Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a very opinionated, unfiltered review of the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station. And let me tell you, as someone who's spent more time in hotel rooms than I care to admit (don't judge!), I've seen it all. So, is this hotel actually Boston's BEST Downtown Hotel? Let's get messy and find out.
First Impressions and Accessibility (or, the Elevator Test!)
Okay, so you're hauling into Boston. (Side note: Driving in Boston? Godspeed. Consider the airport transfer, seriously.) The Courtyard North Station is convenient. Real convenient. Smack dab by North Station, which is a godsend if you're using the T (Boston's subway). But the true test of a hotel, in my humble opinion, is how accessible it is.
- Accessibility: This is where the Courtyard starts off strong. The lobby is spacious, the elevators are reliable (important!), and ramps are plentiful – a definite win for those with mobility issues. I saw folks using wheelchairs navigating easily, which always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Kudos.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Absolutely. The layout is friendly.
- Elevator: Yes! (And they're not, like, teeny-tiny, either.)
- "Getting Around": Airport transfer available (thank the heavens!), taxi service easy as pie, and even valet parking if you're feeling fancy (and rich). Plus, the T is right there!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They mention it, and from what I saw, they mean it.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Maybe… More on That Later)
Alright, let's talk about the actual room. I went in with expectations… and, well, realities hit.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank you, Jesus!), alarm clock, blackout curtains (a must!), coffee/tea maker (YES!), desk, a desk (I work, alright?!), free bottled water (always appreciated), hair dryer, ironing facilities (essential for the traveling executive, yes?!), internet access – wireless (more on that), mini bar (tempting!), safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, shower, smoke detector, and Wi-Fi [free].
- The Good: The bed was comfy (an extra-long bed, hooray!), the blackout curtains actually worked (slept like a baby!), and that coffee maker was a lifesaver. Having a desk to work at was crucial, and a fridge to keep my water and snacks cold was a plus.
- The Bad: The Wi-Fi. Ugh. Okay, it was free, which is great, but it wasn't always the strongest. There were moments when my work suddenly ground to a halt, which let's just say, makes anyone a little jumpy. If you need super-reliable internet for work… maybe get a LAN connection. And the bathroom… Well, the bathroom was clean, but a bit cramped.
- "Soundproofing" (or Lack Thereof): Okay, so the soundproofing was iffy. I could hear the train rumbling by a little (that's the nature of staying near North Station, though, so it wasn't a surprise, but be aware!), and let's not talk about my neighbor and their late-night movie choices. Earplugs are your friends.
Internet Access: A Love-Hate Relationship
- Internet access – wireless: Free, but fluctuating. Worked most of the time, but there were those… moments.
- Internet Access - LAN: Available in the rooms, which is a plus if you need something more stable.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: Technically true, but see above.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Bostonian
Here's where the Courtyard North Station is decent, but not mind-blowing.
- Restaurants: Yep, there's one, and a "Bar."
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Available.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes, they are accommodating.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes.
- Convenience Store: I think there's one. I went out for my snacks and drinks.
- Food Delivery: Yes, and you have access to all the Boston wonders.
Look, the on-site restaurant and bar are fine. The breakfast buffet is standard hotel fare. But it's not a food destination. It's about convenience. Grab a quick bite, grab a drink, and get on with your day. The real star of the show is the location. You're surrounded by stellar Boston restaurants. Explore, baby!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spoiler Alert: It's Not a Spa Paradise)
- Fitness center: Yep, a gym is available. I looked at it. I did not use it. (Don't judge me.)
- Pool with view: Nope.
- Spa: Nope.
Okay, so this isn't a spa retreat. Zero disappointment; it's a downtown hotel, not a resort. The focus is on location. You're in the heart of Boston, ready to hit the Freedom Trail, catch a Bruins game, or see a show. The hotel provides the base of operations.
Cleanliness and Safety: Safety First, People!
- Cleanliness and safety: They aim to do it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They claim to use them.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Standard practice.
- Hand sanitizer: Yep, available.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: A good option if you want to avoid the chemicals.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: A must, in my book, after the pandemic.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Let's hope so!
- CCTV in common areas: Yes.
This is where I felt reassured. The hotel seemed clean. The staff appeared to be taking safety measures seriously, which is always good to see.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
- Concierge: There's one, and they were helpful with tips for things to get to/see.
- Contactless check-in/out: A time-saver.
- Daily housekeeping: They kept the rooms clean, which is essential.
- Laundry service: A welcome amenity for those extended stays.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
For the Kids: Family Time!
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Babysitting service: I didn't need it, but it's available.
My Take: Is It the BEST Downtown Hotel?
Alright, here's the truth: the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station is not the fanciest hotel in Boston. It's not the swankiest, and it's not the most luxurious.
But… it's convenient, clean, accessible, and a solid choice. The location can't be beat if you're using the T or if you want to be close to the action. And honestly, for the price, it’s a great value! If you value convenience, accessibility, and getting a good night's sleep (with earplugs!), then yes, the Courtyard North Station could be your best downtown hotel. Especially if you're looking to explore Boston without blowing your budget.
Here's the Offer (Because I'm Selling!):
Book Your Boston Adventure at the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station Today!
Tired of endless hotel searches? Do you want easy access to North Station and Boston's wonders?
Here's the deal:
- Embrace the Convenience: Be steps from the T, making your Boston adventures a breeze!
- Comfortable Stay: Rest easy on our extra-long beds and draw the blackout curtains for a great night sleep!
- Stay Connected: (Mostly reliable) Free Wi-Fi makes working and enjoying your trips easy!
- Enjoy Your Stay: Explore Boston with a central home base, enjoy a breakfast buffet, and get ready to go!
Click here to book your stay at the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station now! (Links to your hotel's booking page)
PS: Don't forget to pack those earplugs. Just in case. And if you see me at the bar, buy me a drink! (Just kidding… mostly.)
Krakow Old Town Charm: Unforgettable Stay at Best Western Plus!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're talking Boston, baby! And not the perfectly-manicured version, the one covered in pamphlets and pre-approved photo ops. This is the messy, glorious real Boston, from the humble perch of the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station. Let's see if I survive the day.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and a Search for Chowdah (and Sanity)
- Morning (ish): The Arrival - Terror and Triumph
- Okay, so landing in Boston was a thing. First, major airline delay. Naturally. Sat next to a guy who snored like a chainsaw. Pretty sure I aged a decade during that flight. Finally get to the hotel – the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station. Honestly, not sure if it's more "courtyard" or "a glorified hallway." But hey, it's got a bed. That's all that matters after an ordeal like that.
- Quirky Observation: The lobby smells simultaneously of stale coffee and aggressive ambition. It's… Boston.
- Afternoon: The Chowdah Quest (and the Near-Meltdown)
- Right, chowdah. This is the mission. Find the perfect clam chowder. Yelp promised me heaven. Reality? A chaotic trek down the Freedom Trail (which, let's be honest, is a little bit…long).
- First Place: The "highly-rated" spot. Looked promising! Until I got the soup. Salty. Like, "I’m pretty sure I can taste the ocean, and not in a good way" salty. My mood? Well, let's just say my internal monologue was less Emerson and more "ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?"
- Emotional Reaction: Flailing, but also, oddly, determined. This chowder quest was now personal.
- Rambling Interlude: Okay, I'm starting to realize Boston is a city of hills and potholes. And people who walk slowly right in the middle of the sidewalk. This is going to be a challenge. Seriously, HOW DO PEOPLE WALK HERE?!
- Late Afternoon: The (Relatively) Successful Chowder Find
- Found a little hole-in-the-wall place. Not fancy, but the smell was divine. The chowder? Finally. Like, ACTUAL, creamy, delicious, makes-you-want-to-scream-with-joy chowder. Ahhhh, bliss.
- Opinionated Language: This place? It was the real deal. Screw those tourist traps.
- Evening: The Hotel, the Wine, and the Question of My Sanity
- Back at the Courtyard. Ordered room service. (Pizza. Don't judge.) Sipping wine, staring out the window at the city lights. Feeling…better. Maybe Boston isn't going to eat me alive.
- Imperfection: I accidentally spilled wine on a hotel towel. Oops.
- Emotional Reaction: Mostly relief. And hope that tomorrow is less…challenging.
Day 2: History, Headaches, and a Second Chance at Perfection
- Morning: History, and, Oh God, More Hills.
- Alright, a fresh start! Today, the plan is history. The Freedom Trail, the whole shebang. Decided to skip a guided tour. Mistake? Possibly. But I like doing things the hard way… maybe I was wrong.
- Anecdote: Found myself stuck behind a tour group who were listening intently. But then, I ended up being too far to hear the tour guide.
- Afternoon: Tea Party and a Deep Dive Into Boston's Past
- The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum was actually pretty cool. Fun Fact: I threw a tea box, and my aim was… well, let's just say the revolutionary spirit clearly didn't rub off on my throwing arm.
- Emotional Reaction: Found myself actually getting a little verklempt. The whole thing is strangely moving.
- Late Afternoon: Chowdah Round Two
- Okay, so, now that I did all of the history, I went on a mission AGAIN. Second attempt at finding the perfect chowder (the first day's search, clearly, was not enough).
- Rambling Interlude: I am starting to feel like a Chowder connoisseur, and I am pretty sure the city should give me a medal or something.
- Doubling Down: The Ultimate Chowder Experience
- Found a place, the tiny little bar. The menu looks so good! Okay, I have to say, this might have been the best clam chowder I have ever had. I could practically feel the stress of yesterday melting away with every delightful spoonful. It's a complete revelation.
- Evening: Boston's Nightlife (and the End of My Feet)
- Hit a bar in the North End. (I think it's called the North End? There were so many cobblestones and the smell of garlic was intoxicating) Had more wine. Stumbled back to the hotel. My feet are a blistery mess.
- Quirky Observation: Bostonians are loud. But in a charming, slightly-in-your-face kind of way.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. Content. Ready to pass out.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Lingering Taste of Chowder
- Morning: Breakfast Blues
- Free breakfast at the Courtyard (or at least, what passed for free breakfast)
- Opinionated Language: The scrambled eggs were a crime against food. Avoid.
- Afternoon: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble and Goodbye, Boston
- A quick run around the shops, trying to find something to take home that isn't a snow globe. (So cliché!). Found a T-shirt. Success!
- Imperfection: Accidentally bumped into a woman and spilled her coffee. Apologies.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. Boston, you were a roller coaster. A frustrating, beautiful, delicious, and occasionally soul-crushing roller coaster.
- Departure:
- Leaving from [Logan International Airport]
- Final Thoughts: I'll miss it. The history, the chowder (oh God, the chowder!), the chaos. Even the hills. Okay, maybe not the hills.
- Rambling Interlude: I need more chowder. I need a nap. And I need to start plotting my return.
- Final Emotional Reaction: Happy. Exhausted. And already planning my next Boston adventure.
Courtyard Boston North Station: The Unfiltered Truth (FAQ Style - Kinda)
Alright, folks, let's get this straight. I'm not a hotel reviewer. I'm just a person who needed a place to crash near the Garden, and after my stay at the Courtyard North Station... well, I've got some thoughts.
Is this "Boston's BEST Downtown Hotel," like, *actually*?
Hahahahahaha! "BEST"? Okay, hold on. Let me think... BEST for proximity to the Bruins? Absolutely. BEST for avoiding a late-night, freezing-cold trek back to your car after the game? Bingo. BEST overall? ...It depends. Let's just say 'convenient' is its superpower. Don't expect a Four Seasons experience here. This is more like the dependable friend who always shows up, even if they're a little bit... well, you'll see.
Okay, so location is key. But is it *too* loud? I'm a light sleeper.
Oh, honey. The noise. Let's talk about the noise. It's North Station. You're practically *in* the train tracks. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. I'm talking industrial-strength, concert-level plugs. Because… the trains, the announcements, the crowds after the game... It's a symphony of city sounds. One night, I swear I heard a seagull arguing with a bus. And I’m not even kidding. It was a *scene*.
The rooms… what are they *really* like?
Okay, so the rooms are… fine. Cleanish. Predictably Courtyard-ish. Think slightly-above-average hotel room. Nothing to write home about, really. You know the drill: a bed (comfortable enough), a desk (tiny), a TV (functional). I might have even spotted a USB port (praise be!). The bathrooms… well, they’re compact. Like, really compact. I'm not a large person, but I had to perform a strategic pirouette to avoid smacking my elbow off the wall. It's functional, but not luxurious. And that's probably the best way to put it. Functional, which is… fine, I guess.
What about the breakfast? Is the "Bistro" any good?
Bless their hearts. The Bistro. It's... an attempt. They *try*. It's your classic hotel breakfast buffet: pre-made eggs (a little rubbery, let's be real), sad-looking pastries, some fruit that *might* be fresh. Coffee that will certainly keep you awake. It's not *bad* if you're just looking to grab something quick before heading out. But it's definitely not something you'd, like, write home about. Or, you know, Instagram.
One morning, I saw a kid trying to wrestle a bagel onto a plate. Bless his heart. It summed up the whole experience, really. Just trying.
Okay, the staff? Are they helpful? Do they seem like they hate their jobs?
The staff? Mostly, they're fine. Efficient, polite. Not exactly bursting with joy, but hey, who *is*, working at a hotel desk? They were helpful enough when I needed something, and that counts for a lot. I definitely got the impression that they've heard it all, though. I mean, I *witnessed* some things... let's just say some guests had their own unique interpretations of "quiet hours."
Parking! Is it a nightmare?
Parking in downtown Boston? HA! Yes, it is, my friend. Prepare yourself. The hotel offers valet, which is expensive. *Really* expensive. There are some garages nearby, but you're still going to pay a premium. My advice? If you can, take public transportation. Seriously. Trust me on this one. I spent a good 20 minutes trying to navigate a one-way street while Google Maps yelled at me. Not a good way to start your day.
What was the *worst* thing, honestly? Be brutally honest.
Okay, the worst thing? One night, the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. And I mean, *LOUD*. Deafening. And it wasn't a drill. Panic. People running out into the freezing cold in their pajamas. Turns out, someone had set off the smoke alarm with a… well, let’s just say they were “experimenting” with something in their room. We stood outside for a full hour. I was freezing, exhausted, and questioning my life choices. The staff was apologetic, but there wasn’t much they could do. It’s moments like those when you REALLY question your travel decisions. And that… that was a low point. A very, very low point. After that, the rubbery eggs didn’t seem so bad, you know?
Would you stay there again?
Ugh. That's a tough one. If I *had* to be near the Garden for a game or something? Probably. It’s a trade-off. Convenience vs. possibly losing sleep and enduring the culinary "delights" of the Bistro. But, if I had *other* options… I’d definitely explore them. The fire alarm incident… that kind of sticks with you. I’m not saying don't stay there. I’m just saying… pack earplugs, a sense of humor, and maybe a small, portable espresso machine. And cross your fingers that the fire alarm doesn’t go off at 3 AM. Seriously. You’ve been warned.
