First, let me state that this review is based on my time living at 1330 Boylston, not experiences visiting friends or my opinions on the Fenway area.
Needless to say, a 2-star review shouldn't inspire confidence. Here's why: I've lived in properties managed by Samuels Realty for about 5 years---the majority of which was spent in 1330's older sister building just down the street---Triangle Trilogy. I LOVED living there---and so, when the time came that I needed to move into a larger apartment, I thought that living at 1330 would be a similar experience. Not at all.
First of all, despite Fenway's having a relative glut of new, luxury-style housing, the prices at 1330 are exorbitant, compared to the surrounding area. Specific monthly prices depend on basically how far in advance you agree to rent a given unit, but even units that are "available NOW" go for way more than something of similar quality should. Just because it's no longer one of the new players on the block (pun sorta intended), don't expect a deal.
Quality. For 2-4 thousand dollars per month, you should have certain expectations. Ok, it's Boston, size isn't going to be one of them----but at the very least you'd expect the actual construction and features of the apartments to be nice, right? Admittedly, I can't speak for EVERY unit, but having been in more than just my own, I felt that my previous apartment at Trilogy had better quality and better use of space. The hardwood floors were thin, cheap bamboo that scratched with even just sneakers, our refrigerator was installed incorrectly, and, well, don't get me started on the cabinets. Aside from just being awkwardly made (a 3-foot deep cabinet on the top shelf isn't a very good use of space, for example...think about it), I can't count the number of times we had to do repairs because THE DOORS CAME OFF IN OUR HANDS. The carpet is pretty standard grade, and the closets, although present, are fairly sparse in terms of usable shelving. Dishwasher, washer/dryer are both in unit (plus), but none of them did their jobs particularly well, or even on par with their counterparts at my cheaper apartment down the street (minus). Bathroom is large and nice.
The atmosphere was okay. There IS a pool on the roof, which is actually pretty nice during the limited Boston summer. That being said, even then it gets a bit chilly when the wind is blowing (which is fairly often, given that it's on the 15th floor). There usually room, and it's well-kept. No alcohol allowed, plus limitations on number of guests. The building also bills itself as 'pet-friendly,' although I did not find this to really be the case. Many of my neighbors either filed numerous complaints about noise (our dog would bark when someone knocked on our door---which wasn't often), or were outright terrified of dogs. I mean, who lives in a building with pets if you can't share an ELEVATOR with a dog??
While I can't say enough good things about the concierge or the maintenance crew (both are WONDERFUL, available, and very attentive) that actual building management is somewhat....difficult. They're often hard to get in touch with, wanted access to our apartment on several occasions on short notice (as in, same-day, regardless of whether or not we were home and available), and generally not very polite. I mostly just avoided the 2nd floor (where the leasing office is), and handled my payments online.
Long story short---check out Trilogy, the Viridian, or any of the other new constructions around Fenway if you're looking for true (albeit expensive) luxury living in the city. 1330 is mediocre with luxury prices. read more
