Boston Hotel Buckminster

Built in 1897, The Boston Hotel Buckminster has worn many hats during its long tenure in the city. It was once the site of the first network radio broadcast, later housed Italian prisoners of war, and was even a famous jazz club called Storyville, with performances by the likes of Billie Holiday and Louie Armstrong. While its long and varied history certainly gives the building some character, the grandeur has since noticeably faded. It remains visible only in the architectural structure: a grand marble lobby circles towards the seating area and winding staircases have intricate designs embossed on the railings. The hotel is otherwise functional, but clearly in need of a renovation -- starting with the rickety elevator.

Because the hotel is centrally located in Kenmore Square -- across the street from Boston University and nearby Fenway Park, it tends to attract parents and families touring universities as well as baseball fans from out of town.  

The Boston Hotel Buckminster is located on a triangular intersection of Beacon Street, Commonwealth and Brookline Ave, and is across from the Kenmore Square T-station on the green line. The central location is unbeatable for getting to and from various tourist sites in the city, whether by train, on foot, or taxi. The Boston Public Library in Copley and Newbury Street shops are one stop away on the T, and the Prudential Center is only a five-minute taxi ride away.  

This hotel is perfectly situated for both music lovers and hardcore sports fans -- the House of Blues and Fenway Park are each a respective five-minute walk away. Parents and prospective college students might appreciate that Boston University is directly across the street, and Harvard Square is about a 12 minute ride on the T. There are also ample dining and nightlife options within a few feet of the property, serving varied dishes including Indian, Mexican, and Italian food, as well as some hip bars like Eastern Standard and the Hawthorne.  

The rooms here are simple and straightforward -- beige walls, mahogany furniture, and Victorian still-life paintings hanging on the walls. Beds are quite comfortable and large, though light sleepers might want to request interior-facing rooms to avoid the street noise. This is especially crucial on game nights, when the bright field lights from Fenway Park might add another challenge to a good night’s sleep.

The Standard Rooms show their age: furniture is visibly scuffed and electrical outlets are sparse, as are lighting sources (some rooms have desks but no reading lamps), but the rooms receive a lot of sun from large street-facing windows. The amenities could use an upgrade as well: tube-style TVs are old analog Sanyo models and there are no coffeemakers. Rooms do come with mini-fridges and microwaves, and the air-conditioning is robust and responsive.

Bathrooms are small and clean, though some tubs have rust stains and there is limited counter space -- only a single glass shelf for toiletries next to the sink. It might be worth considering an upgrade to the Suites. Most are modern, with full-size fridges, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and plenty of room for a larger group. 

The hotel sports a tiny fitness room with only a handful of machines, but they are clean, modern, and functional. The business center is next door and offers two computers and a printer for use, and Wi-Fi is free for guests. Another perk is the on-site washer and dryer, a feature harkening back to the 1960s, when the property had a brief stint as the dormitory for a local college.  

The on-site sports bar and restaurant offers American-style pub fare and serves a large variety of beers and wine.  Fenmore Grill apparently has the best wings in Kenmore Square, as of a 2015 contest with nearby restaurants, and there’s a TV in every corner -- making it a good spot to catch the game for those who don’t feel like buying a ticket. While breakfast is not included, the hotel does offer a mild incentive to try the hotel restaurant by giving out daily coupons to use during breakfast, lunch, or dinner.