Sonder The Magnolia Apartments Back Bay — Hotel in Boston

Probably one of the worst "hotel" experiences I have ever had, in one of the most beautiful locations.

Before I continue, it is important to point out that this review is specifically for room #21. If you get this room, your vacation has just drastically changed for the worse.

We stayed there during the end of December. We arrived there after our flight at around 10 PM on a Monday. The street on which this hotel is located could not have been more beatiful. It was one of the placed to be in Boston. Shopping, food and parks all in reach. On arrival, first we noticed an elevator in the middle of our living room. When entering the bedroom, the floor was very very cold, as the windows couldn't be shut properly, allowing the very cold Boston winds to enter easily. We thought to solve this the next day, and moved the matress to the living room, since it was impossible to sleep at that temperature,

After a few minutes, we noticed loud music coming from the evelavtor shaft. It actually sounded like somebody was listening to music in our own living room. On contacting the hotel via their app, I got a quick reply saying that there was already a complaint and that they would "send security" and find out where the noise was coming from. It then stopped at around 11 PM. The next day at around 10 AM, the sound came back on. And even louder than the night before. After contacting them again, we were told the elevator leads to the "Shake Shack" restaurand below us which plays music from 10 AM to 11 PM pretty much every day. They "are not the restaurant so they couldn't change the volume". On asking whether we could change rooms, they told us everything is booked but that we "were happy to leave if we wanted", no refund, no other help. The fact that they knew about the restaurant music, proved that they clearly lied to us the night before when they "send security" and just wanted us to be quiet. They claimed there was a noise disclaimer on their website, but nowhere it said there was loud music in the living room from 10 AM to 11 PM. We stayed there for one night and changed hotel the next. We ended up paying half of what we payed there, stayed 2 streets to the south and had a wonderful experience at our new accomodation.

All in all, the hotels location is beautiful and I think other rooms here offer a great stay. But to even offer this room #21 on their website should be illegal. This was one of the worst stays I've ever had and the customer support was rude and clearily, we weren't the first guests that complained about this room since it felt rehearsed what they were going to...

I was weary of the oddly low reviews for this place, especially given how pricey it is (as is everywhere in Boston, especially during the fall season).|I needn't have worried. The location is right in the middle of the action on bustling Newbury Street, so perfectly placed. We strolled into the centre several times via the tree-lined avenue that runs all the way up the adjacent street. Note that if you are after somewhere quiet, this isn't for you - it is a busy street, especially in the evenings/weekends. Yes there is noise, but this is to be expected. Take some earplugs, no problem (this was a sign in a room saying earplugs were provided, although they weren't, so glad I came prepared).||The appeasement was great. We had a king on floor 3. The main kitchen/loving space was excellent. I've dropped one star as although she bathroom is totally adequate (including a nice shower), it has all become a little scuffed and battered at the edges, so is certainty not 'luxury'.||The check in process was also completely smooth. If travelling from abroad you will need to make sure you have a working mobile phone to get the email/text with the check-in details (which are just codes for the door entry system - there is no reception and no one on site to help you). I asked a few questions about the self-storage lockers via the Sonder app, and had fast and helpful responses.||I should address the things about stairs, which seems to be the basis of most of the bad reviews. I agree the fact there is no lift (unless you are in the 'accessible' apartment, which has a dedicated lift) could be made clearer in the advertisement/booking websites. BUT unless you are elderly or have health issues, this seriously should not be any problem whatsoever! We had 4 large bags, which we managed to get up the stairs without issue, and once you are in, going up one for two flights of stairs when you dip in and out really isn't a problem! It's an apartment block, so stairs should not be a surprise!!||Overall, this was perfect as a base for a couple of days to...

One of the worst experiences of my life. |Access codes were the biggest problem. Distribution of Codes were promised to be distributed 3 days before the stay by the Booking Confirmation. |Called Sonder because they did not arrive. My confirmation number was changed from 10 digits to 8 digits (both still active per phone calls to Sonder). |Was informed the policy changed to one day before (4 PM Check in) and that I should check tomorrow (the day of my stay). I was promised delivery of codes before noon. I was informed that staff was onsite 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM. There was no staff or location for staff on the property.|Codes arrived in early afternoon but the Codes did not work when I attempted access. |The keypad was loose and not firmly attached to the wall and the number were almost impossible to read.|Another tenant allowed me in. I was able to access the room because the door lock malfunctioned|I had an appointment, did not have time to sort it out with Sounder and the time, and assumed all would work out with enough tries of the codes. |WRONG! When I arrived back the codes still did not work. I called Sonder and never received codes that worked. I was locked out at night with no possibility to stay in the room let alone retrieve my belongings.|Again fortunately, another tenant let me in.|Spent more that an hour with Sonder over the 3 days|Totally...