The Inn At St Botolph

The Inn at St Botolph is situated in a four-story, 19th-century red-brick building that's classically Bostonian. Converted from an apartment building into a boutique hotel in 2009, the property still gives guests the sense of staying in their own private apartment in Boston's popular Back Bay. Some of the hotel's quirks add to this feeling. For example, the hotel has no lobby or reception desk; rather, guests are given a key code for entry, and each room has a video/audio intercom for welcoming visitors. Common areas are limited, and in lieu of a traditional lobby, the first floor offers a small lounge with a gas fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a sitting area with trendy decor such as a swoop-armed couch, a striped armchair, and leathery brown seats with silver nailhead trim. The lobby is a bit packed, with a kitchenette right behind the sitting area, where the hotel's continental breakfast is served. It's a good option for long-term guests looking for an apartment-style property. 

Situated in Boston's popular Back Bay area, the Inn at St Botolph occupies a quintessential Boston side street featuring charming old buildings with red-brick sidewalks. While the immediate neighborhood is relatively quiet, the hotel is astoundingly close to restaurants, shops, public transportation, and city hotspots. A 24-hour grocery store, a five-minute walk away, helps guests keep their kitchens stocked.

The Prudential Center -- with its myriad shops and eateries -- is just around the corner, about a two-minute walk from the property. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, the shopping mecca of Newbury Street, and Copley Square are all reachable in about 10 minutes on foot. Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Charles River Esplanade are less than a 20-minute walk, or guests can take the T line from the Prudential Station stop, just a two-minute walk from the hotel. Both Boston Logon International Airport and South Station -- Boston's largest train and bus terminal -- are about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, though the trip can be longer in traffic. There's no on-site parking, though several parking garages are nearby.

The Inn features apartment-style rooms with full kitchens that make each room feel more like an individual apartment. Even the smallest Studio Suites feature attached kitchens with fridges, microwaves, toaster ovens, sinks, coffeemakers, and a two-burner glass-top stoves. Kitchens are stocked with cutlery, crockery, and cleaning supplies. 

Rooms vary in size from Studio Suites to Two Bedroom Executive Suites, but all have similar decor including classic furniture and modern textiles in dark hues -- prominent patterns include black-and-white gingham, chevron, and stripes. Black-and-white framed photographs hang on the walls, while details such as drum-shade pendant lights and wrought-iron poster beds add flair. Rooms have brown wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom areas, but are bare in kitchens. All include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with HBO and Showtime, Smart Phone docks, and air-conditioning. Every suite is outfitted with a video/audio intercom for welcoming visitors, and housekeeping is available on request. Some of the higher-end rooms also have gas fireplaces. But be aware that walls are thin, and it's easy to hear neighbors.

Bathrooms tend to be a tight squeeze, though they're fresh and modern with black-and-white tiling that coordinates with the bedroom decor. Features include farmhouse sinks and big walk-in rainfall showers with glass doors and free toiletries. 

In lieu of a lobby The Inn at St Botolph has a small lounge that doubles as a dining spot for the hotel's free daily continental breakfast. The breakfast is small and carb-heavy, though, and the lounge isn't particularly suited for consuming meals. This lounge also offers a Nespresso coffeemaker and loose leaf tea, available all day, as well as an iMac with a printer and scanner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 

An on-site washer and dryer are free for guests to use, with detergent and fabric softener available for purchase. There's a tiny gym with three modern cardio machines (an elliptical, stationary bike, and a treadmill), a bench, free weights, and a TV. Some guests love the key code entry and lack of reception desk, while others find it disconcerting that an entire stay can pass without seeing any staff members (although there is a staffed office off of the lounge).