Hotel Commonwealth

Built in 2002, the four-pearl Hotel Commonwealth is among the city’s largest boutique-inspired hotels. Its exterior has a French Colonial look, with flat gabled roofs and protruding windows. Extensive, property-wide renovations from 2014 to 2016 added nearly 100 guest rooms and 7,500 square feet of meeting space, and also brought a fresher look to the older rooms and common areas. The decor is now an eclectic mix of contemporary furnishings that riff on classic design elements (check out that exaggerated houndstooth carpeting in the hallways.) Bold chevron-stripe carpets, plush modern furniture, and a muted, gray-on-gray color scheme create a sense of quiet, reserved sophistication. With its central location near the city’s most popular attractions, the on-site cocktail lounge, and two gourmet restaurants, this hotel attracts upmarket travelers, locals, and businesspeople.

Hotel Commonwealth is located square in the middle of Boston, immediately off the Massachusetts Turnpike and adjacent to the T's Green Line in Kenmore Square. The city’s most popular attractions -- Fenway Park, Hynes Convention Center, and the Charles River -- are within an eight-minute walk. Additionally, three major universities: Boston University, Berklee College of Music, and Northeastern University -- are less than 15 minutes away.

Back Bay and the cafes, restaurants, and shops of Newbury Street are all 10 minutes from the hotel on foot. Boston Common and downtown are a 15-minute ride on the T. South Station -- the transportation hub for Amtrak, the commuter rail, and local/regional buses -- is 20 minutes away by subway. Logan International Airport is 35 minutes away by public transportation, and less than 15 minutes by cab or car. Valet parking is available at the hotel, though it's expensive, even by Boston standards. Several nearby parking garages offer more affordable rates.

The decor in each of the 12 room categories blends contemporary and traditional with touches of whimsy. Every room is outfitted with modern furniture and a wall-to-wall gray-and-white motif, with sparse, tasteful touches of color. The collective look and feel is plush, cozy, and inviting.

The three entry-level categories of Kenmore Guest Room, Fenway Guest Room, and Commonwealth Junior Suite are sizable by Boston standards, with floor plans between 470 and 515 square feet (44 to 48 square meters). Noteworthy amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, Serta pillow-top beds with Italian linens, and free Wi-Fi. Soundproof windows also ensure minimal street noise. Suites are larger -- between 515 and 700 square feet of floor space (48 to 65 square meters) -- with the same above amenities, plus views of Kenmore Square and Commonwealth Avenue. 

Extended Stay Suites upgrade to a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. Six signature suites each feature a locally-inspired theme. The vintage industrial design of The Terrier Suite offers a nod to Boston University with school color accents and framed photos of well-known alumni. The flagship, 660-square-foot (61-square-meter) Fenway Park Suite with Balcony pays homage to the legendary ballpark with a bespoke baseball theme, including signed memorabilia, a DVD library with classic baseball movies, and two 48-inch flat-screen TVs on which to watch them.

Bathrooms in every category are crisp, clean, and generously sized. Stark white tubs, showers, and wash basins complement the creamy marble countertops and marble tile flooring. Polished chrome fixtures round out the look while Malin + Goetz or Apotheke brand amenities are a nice high-end touch.

Features at Hotel Commonwealth are upscale and convenient. Two popular restaurants and a sleek cocktail lounge afford ample dining options. Eastern Standard offers all-day dining, including a late-night menu and 24-hour room service. The restaurant is well-liked by locals and serves gourmet, locally-inspired dishes alongside an excellent cocktail menu. Breakfast isn't included in room rates. Island Creek Oyster Bar is open nightly for dinner and for Sunday brunch. The eatery is well-known and well-reviewed for its oysters and New England seafood. The Hawthorne features a creative classic cocktail menu in a vibrant lounge atmosphere. All three outlets are reservable for private meetings and events, and there’s an additional 7,500 square feet (700 square meters) of dedicated function space.

The fitness room is clean and modern, though small given the hotel’s size. However, it houses a good selection of Precor cardio and weight machines. The business center is just a single workstation with a printer tucked into a corner of the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Hotel Commonwealth is proud of its dog-friendly policy. Each room is allowed one dog for a one-time fee that includes free use of dog bowls and an in-room pet bed. For an additional charge, the hotel also provides pet sitting, grooming, massage, and walking services.