We stayed at the Marriott Long Wharf 7-8/7-10 2009 via Priceline. How lucky we were. If you are a tourist in the summer this Marriott is fantastic. The location is on the water, next to the Blue Line T (airport too), the Ferry T's, the Aquarium, across the street from Quincy Market, a short walk to the North End, and a short walk to various wharfs where the Tall Ships were berthed while we were in town. We read mostly positive reviews and a few negative in Trip Advisor and other sites. The negative one mentioned rooms with views that meeting guests could see into your room and no views outside. Thinking as Priceline guests that might be our room we went in with unsure of expectations. Not so. We received a room on the 3rd floor on the N. side with park and water views. It was quiet and lovely. The S side might have rooms with the parking structure so I would hope for a N side room. The hotel was full due to the tall ships in town so we considered ourselves very lucky. There was no mention of us being "Priceline" at check in. Which was quick and efficient. The room was clean, felt large, and updated. Very nice. It has a in room safe (handy for our laptop) tea and coffee maker, big screen flat tv, ottoman chair, working desk and a small desk, Bath and Body Works amenities, newspaper in the am, fruit/cookies at the front desk for a few hours. Wifi-business still costs extra but our Mac picked up signals from somewhere and we were able to check email and google things we needed at no cost. Since we flew into Boston and used public transportation (Link Pass for a week cost $15) parking was not an issue. Parking downtown in most big cities cost money so factor that in. Yes the lobby was nothing to speak about but I don't spend time in the lobby anyway. The Marriott's bottom level is a through way from one side of the wharf to the other. They provide public bathrooms for the tourists who are spending money in the fine city of Boston. I was impressed with the Marriott's "welcome all" feeling. The workout rooms were great for a hotel. Pool, sauna, and jacuzzi were all clean and correct temperatures. Views from the pool decks were delightful. Just a few people drinking their coffee or waters were out on a sunny morning so it was rather like having a patio or lanai at home. The Tall Ships were in town while we were staying in Boston, so needless to say the weekend was crowded with people. The help at the Marriott didn't seemed fazed. There are jogging maps which are helpful as they can get you over the footbridge to the Charles River bike/running path. Without it you could be one the wrong side of the street. For us it was a remarkable stroke of luck we received the Marriott Long Wharf. Hard to see the difference between it's 3.5 star and a 4 other than the lobby, but given it's location and foot traffic it's understandable. Recommend!
