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Omni Parker House Hotel
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Downtown
60 School Street
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 227-8600
60 School Street
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 227-8600
- Nearest Transit:
-
Government Center (Blue, Green)
State (Blue, Orange)
Park Street (Green, Red)
- Price Range:
-
$$$
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"I have a sweet spot for this hotel. There is no better hotel in Boston, the location is perfect in terms of transportation and attractions.…" read more »
61 reviews for Omni Parker House Hotel
This place gets the full five stars from me for impeccable service, beginning to end.
I became an Omni fan when I first stayed at the Omni Charlotte for a conference and joined the excellent Omni loyalty program. They have one of the best loyalty packages out there! After three nights in Charlotte, I was already due for a free night with a paid night at any Omni property. I chose Boston, since I'd never been there, and we made it into a birthday / anniversary celebration trip.
I was already in touch with a number of their hotel staff because of their very well-run Twitter feed. When I got there, a Flip video camera was waiting for me as part of their Omni Flips summer package. The room wasn't quite ready, but the staff more than made up for it by giving both my fiance and I a free trip to the bar while we waited. When we got to our room, I was met by birthday balloons. That night, while we were out, the staff delivered a champagne bucket, chocolate covered strawberries, and a signed birthday card. When our internet cord turned out to be too short, a longer one was promptly brought up. The concierge was wonderful and courteous and gave us excellent suggestions for things to do.
The room was a bit small for something termed "executive room," and the property shows some age, but we wanted for nothing, and the service made up for the slightly cramped quarters.
Had a wonderful birthday and anniversary, and will definitely return to Omni in the future!
The old-school nature of the Omni reminded me of the (AMAZING) Brown Palace in Denver. Additionally, they're both located on, or within a block of a Tremont Street. The similarities end there.
First, the positive. I had taken a red-eye flight from the west coast and had a few hours before check-in time. I called and asked if I could get my room a little early and they said I could. I arrived three hours before check-in, and they accomodated me.
The bar serves overpriced whiskey in warm glasses, and I was perplexed by what appeared to be a bartender supervisor... An older gentleman behind the bar that ordered the younger (friendly) bartender around while keeping his hands in his pockets. This bar is a must-miss. Walk a few blocks to the Ritz, or a few more blocks to the Four Seasons and get a similarly priced drink in a more comfortable environment with better service.
I stayed in a "Traditional" room. It was TINY... Tour-bus bunk small. The bathroom was probably close to two-thirds the size of the bedroom, and I'm not exaggerating. The bed and bedding were comfortable, but nothing special. The bed was also about three-feet off the ground. Maybe more. Higher than normal.
While the bathroom was large and the shower equipped for the handicapped, I would have traded a few square-feet for some lighting. I could barely see my feet while standing in the shower with the curtain closed. It was the middle of the day and the light was on yet... where were my feet? The towels were average and the supplied toiletries nothing special. All that said, the bathroom was roomier than the actual bedroom, and I would have slept there if the floor wasn't tile.
I didn't purchase anything from the mini-bar, though I did check out the pricing... It was reasonable for an upscale hotel... which this hotel was becoming abundantly clear NOT.
I think the walls are made of cardboard. I also think the ice-machine on my floor was located in my bathroom, though I never was able to find it. It MAY have been the location of my room, but I could hear everything going on in the hallway and adjacent rooms. And that includes a late-night Lady Gaga dance party two rooms over and across the hall. Also, while there was a window, it opened to a center-vent/alley type area. I made sure to close the curtain before changing because I determined if I could see into seven other rooms from my own, they could probably see into mine.
Housekeeping knocked on my door for the first time at 8am. I had not checked out. They knocked again at 9am, and then at 9:30am. I was losing it, but too tired to yell or complain. They knocked for a fourth time at 10 am and I went to the door. I told them not to touch my door again. They did. At 12.45pm. Which is funny because...
I called to ask if a late check-out was available. Check-out was at noon, and I called at 10:45am. I was told (by the front desk in a horribly cheery voice) that I had "plenty of time" to get checked out. I hung up. I simmered. I called back. I told them they didn't answer my question. I wanted late check-out. They gave it up. I had a 1pm check-out.
If you're booking on http://hotels.com, or aren't familiar with hotels in the Boston Common area, let me give you a tip... Spend another twenty and stay somewhere else. Nine Zero for instance. Go Kimpton!
This was a BAD experience and having stayed at three other Omni hotels, I can say that it isn't the chain. The customer service was weak, the rooms weak.... EVERYTHING WAS WEAK. Don't book here.
I have a lot of reasons to love Boston and to love this hotel. Sorry if I get a little historical on you -- but part of the charm of the Omni Parker House is its rich history.
Let's get down to it:
-Boston Baked beans - invented here
-Boston cream pie - invented here
-Parker house rolls - invented here
-It's the longest continuing operating hotel
-It was the first hotel/restaurant combo in the US
Notable employees:
-Ho Chi Minh
-Malcom X
-Emeril Lagasse
OH - and my parents had their honeymoon there!!
If you have a second - here's a cool story. My folks got married in 1976 and months and months in advance they reserved a wedding suite of some sort. When they arrived to stay at the hotel there was some error in the booking and the room they went up to stay in hadn't been cleaned. When they went down to the front desk they expressed their concerns and the owner of the hotel offered his apologies and let my parents stay in his personal suite on the roof deck! How awesome is that?
This hotel is not only a staple in US history but also in my own family history. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, the staff are helpful, and the restaurant has great food. How could you not love this place?!
Stayed over the Thanksgiving weekend. Really old world hotel with top notch service. Location is fantastic being close to everything. Only downside was a noisy elevator but not bad enough to detract from a wonderful stay. As others have said if you arrive from the airport don't get a taxi. Come on the Blue Line and leave at Government Center, The hotel is two blocks away from the stop.
This is a nice old historic hotel that has become a bit of a tourist hotel. As in, busloads of old folks congregating in the lobby at all times. I was fortunate to find a cheapish room here when I needed one after an event last year. Pros: the price and the fact that it looked out on a cool stained glass window in the church next door. Cons: It was probably the smallest hotel room I've ever been in, my whole life. The desk was maybe 2 square feet and built into the corner, and the bathroom was so tiny I could barely turn around in there, and the whole thing did look out on a wall, albeit a wall with some stained glass.
As this place does score some kitsch points with me for being "the home of the Parker House roll" and it looked like it had a nice big fancy restaurant that I did not get to eat in, I would probably give it another try, and hopefully get a room that was not sized for Munchkins.
I was recently surprised by my family and friends after I completed the bar exam, with a night out with all my old friends from all around the country. We had an amazing night out with two rooms booked at the omni for the end of the evening. As we walked in with some beer leftover from the party bus we were immediately stopped by the incredibly rude night staff and informed that we were not allowed to bring our own alcohol. After some debate I allowed them to confiscate it - but then they would not let my guest from out of town up to the room. While I tried to sort things out with the staff three of my friends waited outside when three police cruisers pull up and arrest one of my friends who had been standing on the public sidewalk. Apparently the hotel had called them and said that trespassers were trying to break into the hotel.
After waiting at the police station for two hours to bail my friend out I went home exhausted at 3 am to get some sleep. My girlfriend and I were fast asleep around 4 am when we were awoken by loud knocks. The night manager was at the door with two pissed off police officers. They said there had been noise complaints and my entire party was being kicked out. Another friend in our other room protested, as he had been sleeping too, and was arrested for his trouble - charged with trespassing in his own room.
This was the WORST experience I have ever had at a hotel -I highly advise booking at ANY other hotel in Boston.
I stay here often for business, a few times a year at least. I would love to give this hotel 2 stars, but the rich history, ornate lobby and the workout room make the small rooms and lackluster management worth another star. (I mean, these rooms are TINY!)
I had an issue with mgt last year for only providing their pizza on the room service menu. I fought tooth and nail to have a pizza in the bar. I spoke the night mgr and he swore on his child's life that if he could do it he would.
OK, first of all, my pizza is not worth your child's life. Second, you are the night mgr and you can't do something as simple as honor a guest's request to dine on pizza in the bar when it's made in the same kitchen as would be taken to my room? What kind of mgr has no authority to do something as simple as that?
I wrote a note to the GM with copies to the food and beverage mgr and to the night mgr I dealt with. After a few months I didn't hear back. I wrote a second letter, again, asking for an explanation. Again, no word.
On my next visit, I relayed my story to the woman at the front desk and she said she would have a mgr contact me during my stay. That never happened, but I took a look at the room service menu and the pizza was no off of it!
But I love to work out there, and I love to sit in the lobby and watch people as I imagine JFK and Jackie walking thru it.
Oh, and I had a ghost visit my room once. I was on the 9th floor and a few minutes after turning off my lamp, it came back on by itself. When I got up in the morning, my door was unlocked and I DID lock it when I went to bed.
The rooms are super small, and over-priced for the size if you book through the hotel like my bf did. It was a last minute trip so we never thought about trying priceline although it seems other ppl have been getting good deals that way.
Despite the hotel being so old, the decor and rooms are up-to-date. The one complaint I had was the building across from our room was a huge wall of windows that seemed to give people a great view through our window. Definitely kept the shades pulled the entire time but it made the room seem dim, even with both lights on.
The location makes up for the room size because there is so much to do/see within walking distance, hopefully you wont be in ur room much anyway! All of the staff were very helpful, especially the bellman and concierge who both went above and beyond for customer service.
Let's start with the fact that this place truly is old school. It's steeped in history. If you're looking for modern conveniences, this is not your place. On this trip I was traveling for pleasure. I also travel frequently for business and this is not a place I would want to stay while working.
Their service is stellar and the concierges are very helpful and knowledgeable. We were upgraded to a junior executive suite with two full beds and a slightly larger bathroom. Based on this room still not being huge by an means, I can't imagine how small the deluxe rooms are.
I live in NYC and think that the hotel is perfectly positioned to walk just about anywhere in Boston (my travel companions disagreed).
I probably wouldn't stay here again, but it was great to stay here once.
I have to say, my stay at the Parker House was fabulous.
The location was great (think cute little neighborhood with cobblestone streets), the service impeccable, the view from my room (I asked for the room w/view when checking in) and the bed was comfy.
The concierge downstairs was really helpful, just little things like finding a local shoe guy to help me fix my heels after a long day standing at a conference.
The brunch/breakfast downstairs was yummy (omelets made to order, fresh fruit), the fitness center was clean and had just enough treadmills/equipment for everyone and fresh fruit (apples) and water cooler w/spring water were nice pluses.
I felt like the room was clean (also free internet) and the hotel had a nice historic quality. My view looked out on the historic city hall I believe it was, very cool!
I did an event here a few years ago in one of their beautiful ballrooms. The staff was great, the space beautiful, and the brunch (for 60) delish.
A few years later I'm excited to go back as a hotel guest, I just booked two nights in July for $100 on Priceline and ended up at the Omni Parker. Woo hoo!
Stayed at the Parker House last night for a sweet Priceline rate and was super happy with the stay. The room was nice and quiet, the hotel was within walking distance of everything and made our short stay in Boston super comfortable.
I booked two rooms for 4 of us doing a 3 day get-away to Boston. We were pleased to find that they put us in connecting rooms so we could open the inside door and visit between the two. The rooms were indeed SMALL, but that's typical for Boston hotels.
Even though it's an old hotel, we found the lobby and rooms to be updated, clean and comfortable. Small but beautiful bathroom. I liked that they had a nightlight option for the bathroom since once the blinds/curtains are pulled and the lights are out, it's like a tomb!
As the say - location is everything - and that is true for the Omni. It was a perfect location - close to Quincy Market and only a short walk to the waterfront or the North End. They also have a small gift shop that served Starbucks that seemed to stay open fairly late which was nice.
We found the Bellman & concierge's desk extremely helpful. They even booked us on some tours that we inquired about and provided excellent directions and recommendations.
Make sure you stop off at the "Last Hurrah" (restaurant in the hotel) and get the Boston Creme Pie (invented at the hotel - honest!). Beautiful presentation and tasty too!
My only reason for not giving 5 stars is the size of the rooms and because we had some issues checking out. The website deals were through American Express. I'd used mine to secure the rooms (paid the deposit) and I'd called ahead to see if we could split the remaining room rates on my friends' credit cards (not AmEx). They assured me it would be no problem but that wasn't the case when we checked out. They forced us to put everything on my AmEx card instead. So that was a bit disappointing, but other than that, it was a very pleasant stay. Oh and I guess I could add that the walls are fairly thin. We were getting ready one morning only to hear a couple next door having some ahh fun shall we say? So that supplied us with some good laughs but I could see where it might be challenging if you had small children in the room!
Whenever I travel to Boston again, I will stay at the Omni again. Room rate we got was amazing ($150/night for 2 beds) and it was fun to know you were at a hotel with so much history. Dispite a few issues I still enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend it.
Stayed here our wedding night. THe reservationist, on the phone, when she found out it was our wedding night, up-sold me to a "suite". Ha!
Got to the hotel by 10 pm and checked in. Went to the room, only to find that 1) it wasn't a suite, just a regular room and 2) there was someone else already there! How embarrassing!
Back to the front desk. Long discussion. Hotel staff were very nice, but not exactly falling all over themselves to fix the problem. We were finally shown to a "hospitality suite", which turned out to smell badly of cigarette smoke (!!!) and to not have any curtains on the windows. Nice! Upper floor room with a full view. Two way.
We got out of there ASAP the next morning and told ourselves that the hotel had given us a great perspective on marriage: we might find ourselves in a tough spot together from time to time, but if we kept our sense of humor and helped each other through, we'd be fine.
Maybe the hotel could advertise this service for newlyweds, sort of an early marriage test. There's probably a reality TV show in there somewhere.
BTW, when we wrote to the Omni chain management to complain, they were unsympathetic: "We're sure you'll enjoy your future stays at the Omni Parker House." Yeah, fat chance!
I haven't had much food here. But what I've had is fantastic! The Clam Chowder is AMAZING!!!! My favorite anywhere in MA.
I took away a star because you have to deal with tourists, sometimes.
I liked the Parker House a lot, but you have to be fully aware of what you're getting. This is the oldest continuously operating hotel in America (according the the hotel's channel on the TV). They invented the Boston Cream Pie (just general knowledge... seriously). So they've been around for a while. They've been around since when people didn't need a palace for a hotel room. If you can live with a small room, I think that the history, and the service, are well worth it. Of course, I was here on a business trip. So I have no idea how much the place costs.
I stayed in a tiny room AND it was still great!!
The Omni Parkker House Hotel is conveniently located in Downtown Boston. It is walking distance from most attractions and also walking distance from the subway. The hotel is in the path of the Freedom Trail.
The staff was friendly and helpful. The bed was SOOOO comfortable. It is beautifully decorated in period pieces. There is no other place I'd stay in Boston. Though next time, I would get a bigger room!
I have much love for the Parker House.
a) It's the oldest continuously running hotel in the country. Charles Dickens stayed there. JFK had his bachelor party there. There are fabulous ghost stories and tons of history tied to the Parker House. The Freedom Trail meanders right in front of the hotel. Pick it up and wander to some of the most significant historical sites our country has to offer.
b) The service is won-der-ful. I travel a lot for business and have stayed in lots of hotels that tout refined service but none touch the Parker House. I always feel that I am in the most plush of caring hands. The concierge is on top of every single little bitty thing going on in that town and there is never a request that isn't carried out with a genuine smile and spot on work ethic.
c) Boston Creme Pie. This is where it was invented people. If you're ever going to eat a Boston Creme Pie in your life, this is where you should do it.
d) The bartender in Parker's Bar is a real estate broker who knows her stuff. If you're at all curious about the city, stop by for a chat. She's the real deal.
Hotels where you feel as though you have all the comforts of home are rare, especially if you travel for work. I love the Parker House. It's my home away from home. I love the history, the service, the food, and the people and always look forward to a return visit.
A fancy place and I'm so glad we got it for cheap through http://priceline.com! The rooms run on the small side, but we got a view of government center plaza so that was nice. The shower is outstanding. Tons of water pressure coming at ya! The conceirge was extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel bellman was excellent as well in storing and delivering our bags to the room. Everything in the room was clean and the beds were extremely comfortable! The room was quiet as well. We were sad to leave but really enjoyed our stay here! Great location as well. Easy access to the green, orange and blue lines.
I've stayed at the Omni Parker House in Boston on two visits back to the city. Both stays were enjoyable. The hotel is historic, with modern and updated amenities. Prices are typically reasonable, especially if you book them online (although rooms booked online can be slightly smaller). The bed and pillows are extremely, extremely comfortable; nice, clean bathrooms, good water pressure in the showers, and friendly/ helpful staff. If you become a Select Guest Member (which is free to register), you receive free wireless Internet, and two beverages (hot or cold) in the morning with your choice of newspaper. If you have company just ask for two mugs! If you order coffee they bring a big carafe (just specify milk, sugar, cream etc.) The beverage/newspaper cards also have a breakfast selection (for a fee). The hotel also has two restaurants, a quaint, dimly lit bar, and 24-hour room service. (There is also a place called Morsel's where you're able to get a Starbucks coffee, however, I think there are at least two Starbucks and four Dunkin Donuts within walking distance from the hotel).
It is not only a great hotel, but it is in a great location! It is on the Freedom Trail, walking distance to many tourist attractions, and great restaurants. It is near Downtown Crossing, the Beantown Pub, and Faneuil Hall. I would definitely plan on staying here again, and other Omni locations throughout the country.
If you're interested in hotels with a more modern, upscale decor, Omni may not be the hotel for you. If you want to stay at a hotel with some history, in historic downtown Boston, the Omni is a great choice!
I'm probably not ever going to stay here ($$$) but the staff was really nice and helped us out during the scavenger hunt. They pointed us towards the gift shop and didn't hate on our bright red attire. The gift shop lady was great, put up with our silliness, and refilled our water bottles for free (with ice!).
We even found a thong...
But really, seems like a nice place, doesn't kick out the common folk, and is the birthplace of Parker House Rolls.. Mmmm
Stayed here for my birthday - gorgeous hotel - kinda wish I had looked a bit more for somewhere cheaper - but for the price I paid (through priceline) it was great location - and I went into the Sox game from Park Street. The interior is beautiful. Rooms are tastefully decorated but small - (to be expected in downtown Boston). I was there Marathon weekend - so it was packed. I recommend breakfast downstairs in the Parker House - pricey but soooooo good. The buffet is so average - if thats what you are in the mood for - walk down the street to Beantown Pub - they do breakfast - otherwise order off the menu and you will not be disappointed - especially if you are an eggs benedict fan like myself - they have a few varieties.
If you were to choose the spot in which to stay in Boston, The Parker House would be pretty much it...Its on the Common in the Financial district, close to Fanueil Hall and an easy walk to Newbury, The Garden and Boyleston Street.
The hotel is likable in an old hotel type of way.. They seem to do a decent job in meetings and weddings
Great place for the business traveler
My travel buddy and I stayed in Boston over my birthday in conjunction with a trip to NYC. I had not been before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very impressed with the hotel and the city! I heard that the rooms were very small and cramped, so I booked a junior suite (joining the Omni's select guest program gets you a free upgrade coupon,) which was very spacious and comfortable. The rooms were renovated earlier in the year and looked great! The bathroom was very small and lacked counter space, which was my only complaint, but it's easy to put up with when you're staying in a historic hotel. The beds are very comfortable, allowing a great rest after exploring historic trails and walking up and down Newbury Street. We had my birthday dinner at Parker's Restaurant and met the most wonderful waiter, Francesco, who shared with us his favorite things about Boston (including the food!) and invited us to stay past closing to enjoy some Boston creme pie--complete with a little candle on top! Overall, the stay was great, and the few staff members we encountered were wonderful. We will be back!
I've stayed at the Omni twice in the past 3 months for business as it's located just blocks from my employer's office. It's also very close to the T so getting to and from the airport (and anywhere else in Boston) is a breeze. It's also a short walk from Faneuil Hall if you're looking for some souvenirs or a quick bite to eat.
I'd give it 5 stars if the showers were just a big bigger. I'm only 5'3" and could barely move in the shower stall (there was no tub in the room I stayed in).
However, few places in this location can beat the price, and the amenities are excellent. Comfortable, newer beds and linens (down comforters and pillows - no disgusting bedspread). Somehow I keep forgetting about the Parker House rolls. I've still not tried them there.
Just a forewarning - they didn't tell me when I checked in that they have turndown service. I dropped my bag off in the room, unpacked a few things and then ran out to do some shopping and grab dinner. I returned to the room and stood frozen when I noticed a light was on that I knew I had turned off. Then I noticed the sheets turned down on a chocolate on my pillow. Whew! ;) My only concern with this was I had left several items sitting out in the room (my iPod namely) that I would've normaly taken with me or locked up had I known they would be entering my room. I now leave the "Do Not Disturb" sign on my hotel doors at all times.
On a humorous note... the hallways often go up a couple stairs and then down a couple stairs - it reminded me of the British tv show "Fawlty Towers". They also look a bit like the halls from "The Shining". Kinda creepy. I didn't see Jack Nicholson in any photos in the lobby though. ; )
My Mommi was in town for The Police concert, and chose to book a hotel room for us. Illogical for me to be staying here since I live about 10 mins outside of the city, but Mum wanted to make it something special and book a room so she wouldn't be driving back to NH at midnight. She booked us a Jr. Suite consisting of 2 double beds, couch, chairs, tv, minibar etc. Our room was HUGE, contrary to some of the other reviews. Beautifully decorated, big plush white beds with TONS of pillows (which had to be sensibly removed) and nice furniture. I don't usually sleep well in hotels as I'm always sort of grossed out at the prospect of sleeping in a public bed, my head resting, where thousands of other heads and god knows what elses have rested......*shudder*. I'm a tad OCD, what?
The closet was outfitted with some soft white waffle robes that I frolicked about in when we returned and I've only slept this well at another hotel, ONCE. The bathroom was quite small, I had become used to a double sink large counter type of bathroom, but it was fine for an overnight stay. It still had a full tub, and that's a plus. Last thing I want to be doing is banging my elbows against the side of a shower stall.
I slept so soundly, that when an announcement came blaring into my bedroom that there was a fire emergency....I was pretty foggy. Alas, the message repeated. You've GOT to be kidding me. I throw on my allstar hightops and wrestle around for my coat and phone, and I recollected my dorm days when I'd be stuck out in the snow in a robe for 40 mins because someone burned a bag of popcorn in the microwave. Garbage. We take the stairs to the lobby and occupy some of the chairs for the next 15 mins while BFD ok's us to head back upstairs. No idea what was going on, but went back up to cozy up for the next two hours before work.
We got the wakeup call, and headed downstairs for breakfast. $13 was the price for a bagel, fresh juice, and coffee for ONE person. We also had some famous "parker house rolls", which while tasty, weren't really that amazing to make a point of ordering them for the holidays. The dining room, in a word, gorgeous. Rich dark wood, white linens, and oil paintings of Boston such as the large one of the Common that we sat beneath.
This hotel has many a claim to fame, or at least many famous people have had humble beginnings here. Rumours abound of Ho Chi Minh and Malcolm X having worked here as busboys, the Boston Creme Pie maybe invented in their kitchens, Emeril possibly having started his career here, and guests like Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson having stayed here.
Whether any or all of this is true or not, I love this hotel. The decor is beautiful: fabulously old-fashioned and tastefully elegant, and the entire place exudes charm. The rooms are a little small, but comfortable, clean, and nicely set up nevertheless. Uber-fluffy pillows on the bed squeal for you to sink in.
The location is very convenient, not being too far from the Park Street, Government Center, or Boylston Street T Stations, and with plentiful cabs around. The bellhops and staff have generally always been sweet, friendly and polite.
This is where I had my family stay when they came to visit me for my graduation from college in Boston, and it's also where one of my closest friends' sister held her wedding celebration. The food, decorations, setup and running of the entire thing was outstanding - things seemed to go flawlessly, and the decor was exquisite with polished, gleaming surfaces, snowy white cloths, sparkling candlelight and rose petals everywhere. That first step into the banquet room was breathtaking.
It's true that there are many wonderful hotels in Boston that will also offer you a 5 star experience but perhaps with larger rooms, or lower (or higher!) prices, but there are just so many things about this place that make it special.
Great hotel right in the heart of Boston. The room was very large for being downtown (compared to NYC or Chicago) and the service was very friendly. The only disappointment was the concierge - they offered very lame suggestions for breakfast, tours, and they had no idea where I could get ice cream.
Honestly, I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Boston.
A few hours before I arrived in Boston, my manager texts me "Be warned the rooms are small!"
Okay so I went in expecting small rooms, but man! I didn't expect them to be THIS small! They didn't even have a desk, and if I wanted to use my laptop, I had to sit on the bed, plug the internet cable into the phone on one end of the room, and my power chord to the other end of the room. But like I said, it was a small room, so it wasn't that big a deal. ... Um, no pun intended.
Been here four nights already, and I really should be sleeping since I have an early flight to catch tomorrow morning, but I'll say one more thing: the bed is NICE. I think of all the hotels I've slept in, the sheets, the blankets, the pillows... are among the nicest I've experienced. Almost makes up for the tiny room. With the tiny TV.
Great location and decent price for the area. Can't beat being in the middle of everything and close to the airport. Staff have been incredibly helpful and friendly. I spent the afternoon just walking around it was great - especially if you don't have much time to see Boston.
Small rooms that are not friendly for those of us on business travel. I had to move furniture to plug in my laptop and had a hard time getting online despite a desparate need to do so for work. No desk in the room, but there is an extra bed that I don't need. Maybe they should pull some of the doubles out and make business rooms. Another downside - I can hear my neighbors easily in the next room and it makes it a little noisy and distracting.
We stayed here in 2001, and loved it! The hotel was wonderful and close to everything! Coming from a grid-city like Chicago, I was able to appreciated everything in proximity to the hotel and we never got lost!
I would totally recommend this hotel to anyone spending some time in Boston trying to soak up the history!
Small rooms but super comfortable beds and great quality bedsheets. Nice bathroom, and I like the blowdrier, it's lightweight and powerful.
The staff is super nice, all hotels should be run like this.
There is a gift shop downstairs which also sells Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea plus sweets. Two bars are located within the lobby and a dining room, althought I did not eat here...looks quite fancy.
You are right in the heart of the financial district, everything is within walking distance....bars, restaurants, shopping, the aquarium, the marina where you get on a boat and go whale watching in the Spring time. The Sam Adams Brewery (free tour) is just a short 10 minute drive.
We got a good price booking through the hotel directly...thought Im sure you can get the same price booking through a travel site.
Rooms have a TV, Coffe Maker, Mini bar ($$$).
If you're looking for a place to stay in Boston, I would definitely recommend the Omni Parker Hotel.
There is something about banquets that just brings down the service reputation of hotels. I was there for a gala benefit. One of my banquet peeves is when you have to stand in line for a drink ticket and then again at the bar. I paid the lady with the metal cash box - I felt like I was buying a school lunch. When buying my first drink they had a drink list that included a Premium Cocktail so I asked for that. They said they didn't have it and wasn't available. I was confused since it was on the list which was just a Word document. I think they could have easily accommodated the guests who wanted better liquor and were willing to pay for it. The drinks were small and weak.
Next time I go to the Omni it will be for the rolls, Boston cream pie, and the ghosts.
Fancy hotel with old world charm. Personally though, I like this place for another reason altogether. When I use to work in the Fenway and would go out with a co-worker friend to the North End or Fanuiel Hall, we would inevitably have to go to the bathroom on our trek back to our cars in the Fenway. Not wanting to squat over any old pot, we would always stop in at the Omni Parker House. Upstairs to second floor, the bathrooms are so nice, I can't even imagine how nice the rooms are. Each stall like a private oasis with large heavy wooden doors. Gold fixtures and disposable hand towels that were more like linens than paper (I use to almost feel badly throwing them away).We would giggle like little girls as we enjoyed this little speck of the posh life.
I must say I feel badly the only review on this place is its bathrooms. But I have always felt that if the bathrooms are kept up to par, the rest of the joint must be sweet =)
Omni has been great to work with. I've held two events here, and each time the staff has been great, and very accomodating. The food is great, and guests always come away stuffed.
One complaint - the "chocolate fountain" is not what you think it is! I thought I was getting an actual fountain, like the kind you see at weddings, but it was just fondue. For $1,8000. Fail! It was good, but not $1800 good....
The new catering director seemed to think that a check coming from Suffolk University wouldn't get paid, and insisted we pay in advance of our event - and told us this two days before the event, so we had to scramble and put it on a university credit card, as this had not been the practice when we held the same event the year prior. Which is weird, because various Suffolk groups have a lot of events here - I think the school single-handedly paid for the restoration! So, the new catering director is kind of dumb, but otherwise it's great.
I didn't stay here - I just attended a beautiful wedding. The room where they had the cocktail hour had a great balcony overlooking the city. Gorgeous views. The appetizers and the reception dinner was delicious - really good food. I had a lovely time and the hotel was fabulously decorated.
It is very old school Boston and is definitely worth a stay if you are visiting the city. It's also in the middle of downtown crossing - very close to Beacon Hill, the Common and lots of shopping.
And just a correction to Juliana S's review: Mao never worked there. It was Ho Chi Minh that worked in the bake shop.
One of the few tastefully opulent buildings I can think of in Boston to drag grandma through before amateur night at Centerfolds strip club. I have had many-a-contuining education class/late night seminar/social life drain at Omni and so "America's longest continuously-operating hotel" holds a special place in my heart. The hotel is home to Parker's Bar dubbed as a "mahogany haven" for lack of a better descriptive statement as well as The Last Hurrah..how fitting. Both watering holes give off an aging rag-time feel, with carpets filled with the un-fabreezable scent of cigar smoke embedded in its fibers. While I haven't put my nose to the floor to verify, I can tell you as far as history goes that Kennedy WUZ here for his bachelor party, Malcom X played busboy in his youth and Emeril Lagasse was luckily BAMMing long before my arrival. Foodies will take note that the famed parkerhouse rolls and boston cream pies came out of these gilded walls as well. But enough about things to be discovered via vague wikipedia entries, lets talk about the REAL interesting aspect of the Omni Parker House. GHOSTIES!!!!!
-searches google for appropriate ASCII-
___
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\/( )\/ oooooOOOOOOOOoooooo
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One night after class, I plopped down on a cushy couch in the lobby and found a crinkled up paper entitled "Omni Parker House Ghost Encounters". I began reading the bulleted items and decided to go on a ghost hunt of my very own.
DIYGhostTOUR
(there are more tidbits on the web)
First Stop: 3rd Floor
-Elevators are always called to the 3rd floor(which Charles Dickens occupied) without a button being pushed or a guest waiting at the elevator. I can tell you, after a few FAILed attempts of standing in an immobile elevatorcar, that there was no ghostly assistance in bringing us upstairs.
-Room 303, where Dickens stayed and smoked and drank in excess still receives complaints of whiskey and cigars long after the room has been cleaned. No one answered the door during my paranormal investigation, but I decided to carry on. The hazy halls shifted around like the backdrop of a horror film chase scene, and are cropped off in awkward alcove terminals with hot chicks in them:
http://www.carolineonc...
No such luck except for random hall barn doors leading into closetspace surely home to frisky teenagers who end up with a severed head in the small of their backs mid-coitus.
On to the 10th floor!:
-Bellmen have reported bright "orbs" of light floating down the corridor of the 10th floor and then disappearing
-In a room on the 10th floor, guests have reported the sound of a rocking chair that kept them up all night. There are no rocking chairs in the hotel
-(Ctrl C+CtrlV..I'm getting lazy)A mother and daughter were spending the night in room 1012. The daughter awoke around daybreak to find a gentleman dressed in period garments of the latter 1800's standing at the end of her bed. The gentleman sported a large grin as if he was asking, "Are you enjoying your stay? " When she smiled back the gentleman gracefully disappeared. The woman was amazed to find the portrait of her nightly visitor hanging in the dining room when she went down for breakfast. It was the portrait of Harvey Parker.
As I went to survey the scene, I leaned around a corner to peer in through a small crack in the door and as I moved in closer to get a better look..
"BOO!"
-spins around-
"DAMIEN!!!! }:O"
-SMMMACK-
Jerk. Another specterless floor.
On to the penthouse, I figured if there weren't any ghosts, that there would at least be some signs of decadence, and boy I could have never been more right.....we stumbled upon something far scarier than any ghost...AN INNER CITY PROM!!!!!
I had to explore and brought my crucifix and garlic necklace up to the party well in full swing judging by the rafter shaking Soulja Boy bass. Lots of weaves, Jessica McClintock dresses, and Sears portrait studio photos. One of which I saw taken at least 5 times before losing interest...listen...no side is your good side, and that bouquet of roses and babies breath on the faux roman column is only going to start deteriorating if you don't get a move on.
i ain't afraid of no proms!
My parents stayed here while they where visiting me recently and loved it!
True, the rooms are quite small--but it didn't feel cramped--and there wasn't a desk in the room--but we weren't there to work. I can see how some people could be bothered by the size, I just don't think it's that important! While on vacation you go out (or you should go out!) and if you're visiting for work, well, that would be up to you...
The staff was very helpful and informative--my parents greatly enjoyed hearing all of the stories about who worked there and what people did there (all that historical stuff).
Over all, it was an amazing experience! We had no real complaints.
I really love this place. If you want the most modern and trendy place this is NOT for you, but if you like comfortable, friendly and homey in a wonderful location with the added bonus of historic (this is said to be the oldest hotel in continuous business in the US, and many famous people have stayed here) then this is your place in Boston. I have stayed here many times starting in the '80's and was very happy to find this time that all the good things from years ago are still there while the rooms have been greatly updated. The bed was very comfortable and the room was very nice. Service is just the best. Only downside was a somewhat noisy heating/cooling unit, but his was no big deal. Overall, one of my favorite hotels.
I stayed here for a recent business trip, in the Kennedy suite. The room was spacious, the bed was comfortable, and the staff was very helpful. Everything they did was done well, but it didn't have the *wow* factor that I require for 5 stars.
I am in Boston several times per year, and I would stay here again.
