Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway

For those searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in Boston, particularly in the dynamic Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood, the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway offers a compelling solution for travelers seeking spacious, apartment-style accommodations. Located at 125 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA, this hotel is designed for extended stays but also provides comfort and convenience for shorter visits, blending modern amenities with a prime urban location.

Environment and Location:

The Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway is situated in the heart of the bustling Fenway–Kenmore area, a vibrant district known for its blend of sports, culture, academia, and medical institutions. The hotel boasts a modern and well-kept environment, reflecting the contemporary standards of the Residence Inn brand, which focuses on providing a home-like atmosphere for guests. Its architecture is sleek and functional, fitting well within the urban landscape.

The hotel's location is a significant advantage. It is incredibly close to Fenway Park, making it an ideal choice for baseball fans attending games or events. The proximity allows for easy walks to the stadium, immersing guests in the electric game-day atmosphere. Beyond sports, the hotel is strategically located near major educational and medical centers. It is just over a half-mile from Boston University, providing convenient access for visiting families, prospective students, or those attending university events. The Longwood Medical Area, a hub of world-renowned hospitals and research institutions (including Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School), is also within very close proximity, making the hotel an excellent choice for medical professionals, patients, and their families. The area around Brookline Avenue is well-served by public transportation, including the Kenmore T Station (Green Line) and various bus routes, offering easy access to downtown Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Back Bay, and other iconic city attractions. The neighborhood itself is vibrant, with numerous restaurants, bars, and retail options, ensuring guests have plenty of choices for dining and entertainment.

Services and Amenities:

The Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway is generally praised for its customer service. Guests frequently commend the entire team, from the front desk (with specific mentions of Rabasha, Dom, Alex, and Alejandro) to the housekeeping staff, for being "absolutely phenomenal," "top tier," and "extremely helpful." This focus on personalized service contributes significantly to a positive guest experience. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and luggage storage. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby.

A major highlight of staying at a Residence Inn is the complimentary breakfast, which guests describe as "great." This can be a significant cost-saving benefit, especially for extended stays. In addition to breakfast, the hotel often hosts evening socials (Residence Inn Mix™) on select weeknights, offering complimentary light fare and beverages, fostering a sense of community among guests. For those who prefer to cook, each of the hotel's 175 suites features a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, and all necessary cookware and tableware. This is a crucial amenity for extended stays or for guests with dietary restrictions. Rooms are designed for comfort and functionality, offering separate living and sleeping areas, ensuring ample space. In-room amenities typically include flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, a desk with an ergonomic chair, an iron and ironing board, and a hairdryer. All rooms and public areas provide free high-speed Wi-Fi (basic Wi-Fi is free; premium Wi-Fi may be an additional charge).

For recreation and wellness, the hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, which guests have rated as "great." The hotel also typically offers an indoor pool and hot tub. However, it's important to note a significant complaint from a recent guest: the pool and hot tub were closed without prior notice, which caused disappointment, especially for guests who booked specifically for these amenities. Prospective guests should verify the operational status of these facilities directly with the hotel if they are essential to their stay. The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming both cats and dogs for an additional fee (e.g., $100 per stay), with a weight limit of 75 lbs. Self-parking is available on-site for a daily fee (e.g., $50 per day), although the garage is typically accessed via an elevator in the hotel's lobby.

Features and Highlights:

The Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway's primary feature is its all-suite concept, offering spacious accommodations with full kitchens, which is ideal for guests on longer trips, families, or those who prefer to cook their own meals. The complimentary hot breakfast and evening socials are significant value-adds that enhance the extended-stay experience. The hotel's excellent location near Fenway Park, Boston University, and the Longwood Medical Area makes it incredibly convenient for a wide range of visitors. The highly praised staff and their commitment to customer service are a consistent highlight, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's modern and well-kept appearance further adds to its appeal. For accessibility, the hotel offers accessible guest rooms and public facilities, including roll-in showers and TTY equipment. The hotel also provides grocery shopping service, which is a great convenience for extended stay guests utilizing the in-room kitchens.

Promotional Information and Considerations:

As a Marriott Bonvoy property, the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway frequently offers various promotions for Marriott Bonvoy members, including special member rates, opportunities to earn and redeem points, and package deals. Guests can often find discounts for extended stays or advance bookings. It's always recommended to check the official Marriott website or other major booking platforms for the most current promotional offers and best available rates.

However, prospective guests should be mindful of the significant complaint regarding unexpected closures of amenities like the pool and hot tub. If these facilities are crucial to your stay, it is highly advisable to call the hotel directly at (617) 236-8787 or +1 617-236-8787 prior to booking to confirm their operational status. Another reported issue was inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be frustrating for both leisure and business travelers, so it's wise to consider having a backup internet option if critical. Key card malfunctions and even being stuck in an elevator have also been reported, though these seem to be isolated incidents and staff generally respond. While the hotel is generally well-regarded, some guests have felt the pricing (e.g., "$700 a night") to be steep given occasional inconveniences, suggesting it might not consistently feel like a "5-star hotel" experience. The check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway generally provides a comfortable and functional base, particularly for those requiring spacious accommodations and kitchen facilities in a prime Boston location.