Harborside Inn

This hotel offers a prime urban escape, renowned for its unbeatable central location that places guests at the heart of downtown Boston. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to major attractions and transit, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, families, and couples looking to explore the city on foot. Guests consistently praise the hotel's friendly and helpful staff, as well as the overall cleanliness of the accommodations. While many appreciate the comfortable rooms, some note a desire for more natural light or in-room amenities. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with an exterior view to maximize natural light, and be prepared to venture out for your morning coffee, as in-room options are not typically provided.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's amenities generally convenient, though some are considered dated. A refrigerator is available in rooms, which is appreciated for storing beverages and snacks, though some found it noisy or prone to freezing items. The hotel features an ice machine in the basement, which guests found to be a useful bonus. A unique and often commented-on feature is the use of old school door keys, adding a touch of charm for some, while others prefer modern key cards. Rooms also include DVD/VHS players, which many guests found to be an outdated amenity, sometimes incompatible with modern televisions. While some rooms offer ample charging ports, a few guests noted a lack of modern USB charging options.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as well-maintained. Room comfort, however, elicits mixed reviews. Most guests find the beds comfortable with good linens, ensuring a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often described as modern, clean, and spacious, with some featuring nice showers and hand-held shower massage options. However, some guests noted issues with poor water pressure or dim lighting in the bathroom. A recurring point of feedback is the absence of a coffee maker or kettle in the rooms, which many guests missed. While some rooms are spacious and quiet, others, particularly those facing internal atriums or located in the basement, are described as dark with no natural light. Street-facing rooms can experience street noise from traffic and nearby establishments, though many rooms are noted for being quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an attached restaurant and bar, which guests find convenient for meals and drinks. The restaurant, often mentioned as "Joia," serves good coffee and food, with some guests enjoying breakfast there, though others found it to be basic or overpriced. A significant and frequently mentioned point is the lack of complimentary coffee service in the rooms or lobby. Guests consistently note that they must purchase coffee from the hotel restaurant or seek out nearby cafes such as Dunkin' or Starbucks for their morning brew. While the restaurant offers a convenient option, the absence of in-room coffee facilities is a common area of feedback.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Boston. It is within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, the Aquarium, the North End, and the Freedom Trail. Access to public transportation is excellent, with a subway station (Aquarium Blue Line) located literally steps from the hotel's front door, providing quick and easy transit to the airport (just two stops away) and other parts of the city. While parking is available nearby in public garages, guests note it can be expensive and advise dropping off luggage at the hotel first.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and professional demeanor of the front desk team, who are often commended for providing excellent recommendations for local attractions and dining. The check-in process is described as smooth and efficient, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-in or luggage storage. Housekeeping service operates on an on-demand basis, meaning rooms are cleaned by request rather than daily, a policy that some guests appreciate for its flexibility, while others find it unusual. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel occupies an older building, contributing to its unique boutique charm and character, with some rooms featuring appealing exposed brick walls. A distinctive feature is the use of physical keys for room access, which many guests find to be a charming, old-school touch. While some rooms offer traditional views, others are described as "cabin" rooms, which are windowless and located in the basement, offering a quiet but dark environment. The hotel also provides a DVD/VHS library in the lobby, a quirky amenity that adds to its unique appeal. Guests often find the hotel offers good value, particularly given its exceptional location.