Fabulous and fantastic are the two "f"s reserved for this hotel.
After driving around aimlessly for 30 minutes because I got shafted by some soccer mom on Seaport and ended up driving into Chelsea, by the time I reached the Intercontinental, thanks to the great directions voiced by my friend John on the cell, I arrived at my destination, hungry and a bit disheveled as it was raining the moment I landed.
Note to service is the key to perfecting excellent customer service, in addition to the Euro modernity that is lavished through out. I personally enjoy the simple lines and heavy use of dark wood furniture, so walking into the lobby was a breath of fresh air for me. The wait staff are impeccable and fine manners abound, as the checker apologized to me beforehand about taking a call while I was at the counter. Everywhere I walked and visited, I was associated as "Miss" here or "Miss" there. Men holding open doors and even pointing out areas that were marked with puddles near the valet section. "Miss, watch out for that puddle.." Where have all the Bostonian men been in my life??
I worked out at the gym only because it was so inviting and spa-like, that I did not have the feeling that this was a strenuous assignment. Rather, it felt relaxing to work out in an area so well placed and clean with Roman aesthetics in mind. Elliptical machines spaced widely apart and treadmills with metrosexual business men keeping up their physiques. I did my portion of the cardio and made a point to peek in the pool room. Gawgeous. Just Gawgeous.
Room 652 was a large and spacious retreat for this non-high maintenance lady; but it came with two double beds, even though I had requested a king size. I mean, what was a single girl going to do with two doubles? Maybe I could do push ups or something, but I loved the room and the muted camel carpeting that sucked in my tired feet. Accents were with plum coloured Asian influences and modern brushed metal light fixtures and recessed lighting glowed. Loved the hallway made large by the gorgeous full length mirror at the end of the hall. The bathroom is my new boyfriend. Large. Flexible. And lots of options.
Large raised tub for two people, nice sink with large counter area, and a beautiful glass encased shower I could practically live in. Stepping into it for my evening and morning shower made me feel as if at a spa. And what is more fitting, than leaving your new boyfriend, fully enveloped in one of their signature white terry cloth robes with the Intercontinental Boston stitched elegantly across my left shoulder.
As I reviewed work emails, the phone rang to confirm my wake up call. I looked over, and the digital screen read my last name:
******, Welcome to the Intercontinental, Boston. Wishing you a pleasant stay here.
As I got into the double bed by my lonesome, my head adjusted to the soft synthetic down pillows and the down comforter became instantly warming. I knew right away that sleep would not be a chore, since it was technically only 12:30 am on the West coast, but I did have to wake up in about 3 hours East coast time. Right.
Check Out procedures are a bit neolithic since the flat screen LG tv refused to work with me, so I ended up calling the front desk downstairs where they immediately checked me out. The concierge saw me wandering around with my luggage searching for the parking elevator, which was discreetly hidden behind two ornate doors.
"We do this on purpose, miss," he motioned, smiling, "so to test your cognizant abilities." His Boston accent made it more appealing so I laughed.
Wow. I am in love. And in love with my new boyfriend that comes complete with a door I can close firmly behind me with digital instructions to Not Disturb. Great location as it is along the Waterfront, easy walk into Chinatown, and the North End as well as the touristy areas of Fanueil and Newbury. I have found my new home away from home, and have decided to come back for a Friday evening stay before I hit Harvard Square the next morning for some coffee before the students stir from the busy night before. read more