Boston Marriott Copley Place

To say the Marriott Copley Place is attached to a mall is an understatement. There's no clear division between the massive, 38-story hotel and the massive Copley Place mall. A series of escalators crisscross up from the lobby to a floor with a sports bar and restaurant called Champions, where the post-conference crowd watches big games on giant flat-screen TVs. A huge Tiffany on the next floor looms above it all, and while Champions is part of the Marriott, Tiffany is a part of the mall — though it can sometimes be hard to tell. The lobby features a lounge space that's often bustling with tourists, convention-goers, sports fans about to head out to a game, or guests nabbing free Wi-Fi — which costs an extra fee in rooms. The vast elevator bay, which electronically directs guests to particular elevators depending on the destination, makes the huge hotel feel like a well-oiled, if impersonal, machine. The property is connected by skybridge to nearby convention centers, so it's a hotspot for business guests—though tourists are also attracted to the familiar comforts of Marriott and the convenient location.

The hotel is located on a busy intersection in the heart of Boston's popular Back Bay neighborhood, an upscale commercial and residential area where skyscrapers tower above centuries-old churches and expensive brownstones. The Boston Marriott Copley place is part of a massive complex that includes the Hynes Convention Center, the Prudential Center, the Copley Place shopping center, the Sheraton, and the Westin Boston Copley Place. They're all connected via the mall and skybridges, and you can travel between them without ever stepping foot outside (convenient during chilly Boston winters). The hotel has a street entrance on busy Huntington Avenue, but it can also be entered directly from the Copley Place mall via an escalator.Though the hotel isn't in the heart of historic Boston, there's plenty nearby for tourists. Some of the best shopping in the city is a few streets up on quaint Newbury Street, and major attractions like the Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the start of the Freedom Trail are reachable on foot in 20 minutes are less. Boston's Back Bay Station offers easy access to T, bus, and Amtrak trains. - Five-minute walk to Back Bay Station (T, bus, and Amtrak trains)

• Five- to 10-minute walk to Prudential or Hynes Convention Centers 
• Seven-minute walk to Newbury Street shopping
• Eight-minute walk to Copley Square
• 20-minute walk to Boston Common (start of Freedom Trail)
• 20-minute walk to Fenway Park
• 20-minute walk to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• 15 minutes to TD Garden via public transit
• 30 minutes to Harvard Square via public transit
• 35 minutes to Logan International Airport via public transit

Guest rooms are clean, contemporary, and bright — if generic — with a nature-inspired palette of greens and browns accented by purple pops of color. Large windows let in lots of natural light and from upper floors, guests can expect pretty spectacular views of Boston (those that face the Charles River are most sought after). Beds have plush pillow-top mattresses and work desks are outfitted with electrical outlets and ergonomic chairs that are actually comfortable to work in. Bathrooms are neutral beige with sinks, counter space, and white-tiled shower/tub combos. All units have 55-inch flat-screen TVs with plenty of channels, including premium movie channels, CNN, ESPN, and HBO. Rooms also have mini-fridges (but not minibars) and Keurig coffeemakers with free capsules. Bottled water costs extra, as does in-room Wi-Fi. Safes, irons, ironing boards, and AC is also available in all rooms. Bathrooms are outfitted with hairdryers, and during our mid-2017 visit, nice Thann individual toiletries.At 265 square feet, entry-level rooms are nicely sized, while upgraded rooms add extra space and/or better views. Extra beds can fit in most rooms, though adding one will incur an extra fee. Some connecting rooms are also available. Guests staying in Concierge-level rooms get access to an exclusive lounge, with a free continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day, like hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks (cocktails are also available for purchase).  

Dining, wellness, and business facilities are all offered here, with even more amenities available in the attached mall. There's Champions, a restaurant and sports bar that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though while this flat-screen-TV-heavy spot is great for watching big games, the food is meh. Connexion Lounge is a restaurant and bar that serves up lunch, dinner, and light dishes, and the hotel also has a Starbucks and a gift shop. (More dining and shopping options are offered in the connecting mall.) Free cookies are often available near reception in the afternoons.Fitness facilities include a gym with modern cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise balls — the cardio machines face giant windows overlooking Back Bay. There's also an indoor pool and hot tub, but no spa. The hotel has the huge Back Bay Conference and Exhibition Center, a massive grand ballroom, 47 meeting rooms, a FedEx Business Center, and free morning newspapers. Many of the business, conference, and wellness facilities were included in the hotel's major renovations, completed in 2012.Helpful staff offer concierge services, taxis are always available right outside the hotel, and room service is offered 24 hours. Guests' biggest complaint is that extra fees add up: expect to pay for the breakfast buffet, daily in-room Wi-Fi, and daily parking (valet- and self-service both cost extra).