Newton Plaza Hotel Boston

For those searching under the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in the greater Boston area, the Newton Plaza Hotel Boston, now known as the Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton, offers a lodging option at 320 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458, USA. This hotel has undergone a brand transition and renovations, aiming to provide a refreshed experience for its guests. However, it presents a mixed bag of experiences, largely influenced by its unique location and varying levels of room quality and service.

The Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton is uniquely situated directly over the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), a major highway, which is both a convenience and a significant point of contention for guests. This location provides excellent accessibility to the highway, making it easy for travelers with cars to navigate to and from downtown Boston and other surrounding areas. It is approximately four miles from downtown Boston and eight miles from Logan International Airport via the Ted Williams Tunnel. Public transportation, including the MBTA bus line, is directly accessible from the hotel, offering a car-free option for exploring the city. Major universities like Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard University are within a short drive, making it a frequent choice for visitors to these institutions.

The hotel has undergone recent renovations, and many rooms are described as "newly renovated" with "basic modern decor." Guests appreciate the absence of carpet in some renovated rooms, contributing to a cleaner feel. However, the hotel's proximity to the highway is a critical environmental factor. Reviews frequently highlight significant noise issues, with guests reporting hearing "cars racing by, tractor trailers exhaust breaking, back firing, and tires screeching ALL NIGHT LONG," even on higher floors. While some renovated rooms may include adjustable "noise neutralizers" or double-glazed windows to mitigate this, it remains a consistent concern for light sleepers. The lack of proper curtains, with only pull-down shades, can also lead to light streaming in early in the morning. The hotel is spread over 12 floors with 270 rooms, indicating a substantial size.

The Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton aims to provide a comprehensive set of services and amenities expected from a hotel of its caliber. It features two on-site restaurants, including the Social Restaurant and Bar, which offers a unique dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is generally praised for its food quality. A self-serve breakfast is available daily for a surcharge, and guests can also find coffee/tea in a common area and a snack bar/deli. Room service is also offered during limited hours.

For recreation and fitness, the hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center with a range of equipment, and an indoor heated pool, which is a popular amenity. Guests can also enjoy billiards. Business travelers are well-catered for with a 24-hour business center, a computer station, and four meeting rooms, offering over 5,800 square feet of conference space. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and typically in rooms, although some past reviews mention inconsistent Wi-Fi quality.

The staff at the Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton generally receives positive feedback for being "very nice and friendly," "courteous," and "helpful," contributing to a pleasant stay for many. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, and a front-desk safe. Daily housekeeping is typically provided, though guests can request specific changes of towels and bedsheets. The property is entirely smoke-free, ensuring a fresh environment.

Additional conveniences include on-site self-parking, although it comes with a daily fee (around $20 per night), and height restrictions may apply for the parking facility. Pets are allowed for an extra charge (typically around $75 per stay, with a weight limit of 40 lbs per pet), and service animals are exempt from fees. Connecting/adjoining rooms are available, and the hotel provides complimentary cribs/infant beds, making it family-friendly. Other amenities include a video game console, premium TV channels, and coffee/tea makers in rooms. However, some reviews indicate a lack of basic amenities like shower shelves or hooks in bathrooms, with plans to install dispensers for hotel-provided toiletries which may not suit guests who use their own products.

The most distinctive feature of the Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton is its recent rebranding and renovation, moving from the "Newton Plaza Hotel Boston" and previously "Crowne Plaza" to its current Marriott affiliation. This transition signifies an upgrade in standards and amenities, although the impact on guest experience can be varied, as reflected in the reviews. The hotel offers a range of room types, including standard guest rooms, deluxe rooms, and executive suites, often featuring comfortable beds and modern decor. Some rooms have blackout curtains to address light concerns, and mini-fridges are typically included.

The hotel's location, while noisy, is also its strength for accessibility. Being directly on the Massachusetts Turnpike allows for quick travel to major Boston attractions and business hubs. Its proximity to several prominent universities (Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, Brandeis, MIT) makes it an appealing choice for academic visitors, parents, and prospective students. The hotel is also recognized for its meeting and event spaces, including a ballroom, catering to corporate events and weddings.

Accessibility features are integrated, including wheelchair-accessible registration desks, well-lit paths to entrances, and adapted bathrooms with grab bars and transfer showers in specific rooms. The hotel is also committed to sustainable practices, with comprehensive recycling policies and double-glazed windows (though as noted, noise can still be an issue). The presence of two on-site restaurants and a bar/lounge provides convenient dining and socializing options without needing to leave the property.

As a Four Points by Sheraton, the hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, offering points and benefits for members. While "Newton Plaza Hotel Boston" reviews mentioned it becoming "a lot more expensive" after the brand change, its current pricing reflects its Marriott affiliation and its location in a desirable area near Boston. Despite the reported noise issues, many guests still find it to be a "decent option if you're looking to save money" compared to downtown Boston hotels, especially given its convenient access to public transit and major highways. It aims to offer a good balance between comfort, service, and value.

The hotel's strengths lie in its accessible location, the recent renovations, and the range of amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining. It is a suitable choice for business travelers, families, and those visiting the nearby universities or attending events at Fenway Park. Booking during lower seasons (e.g., February) might offer better rates compared to high seasons like May (due to graduations) or September. For direct inquiries and reservations, the hotel can be reached at (617) 969-3010 or +1 617-969-3010. Prospective guests are encouraged to consider the trade-offs between its convenient transit-adjacent location and the potential for noise, and to request rooms away from the highway if possible for a quieter stay.