Renaissance Boston Seaport District — Restaurant in Boston

I recently stayed at the Renaissance Boston Seaport District, and unfortunately, the experience fell well short of expectations—especially considering the premium rates charged. From the very beginning, the check-in process was fraught with frustration. Upon arrival, our vehicle—a high-top van—was refused by the valet service with little explanation or prior notice. This caused an awkward and unnecessary delay, forcing us to escalate the issue to the front desk. It was disappointing that the hotel’s policies regarding vehicle types were not clearly communicated upfront, leaving us feeling unwelcome and confused.

The hotel's on-site restaurant, which boasts live music on some nights, also missed the mark. While live entertainment can enhance a dining experience, the volume level was far too loud for the setting, making it difficult to have a simple conversation. This detracted significantly from the atmosphere, which seemed better suited for a relaxed, conversational meal rather than a loud venue. The food itself, priced at a premium, did not justify the cost, and service was frustratingly slow and inattentive. It often took multiple requests just to receive basic items, which further diminished the overall dining experience.

In addition to these issues, the hotel imposes several extra fees that guests should be aware of. There is a so-called “special fee” of $40, which is partially refundable or credited back in a manner that feels unclear and unnecessarily complicated. Moreover, the $60 parking fee for guests seemed exorbitant, especially considering this is a downtown hotel where such charges might be expected but rarely so steep for patrons. These surprise fees added to the feeling that the stay was more about extracting money than delivering value.

The accommodations themselves were also disappointing. The room, though clean and modern, had maintenance concerns that impacted comfort—most notably, a shower fixture that felt dangerously loose and unstable. After reporting the issue, no meaningful action was taken during our stay, suggesting either poor communication or neglect on the part of the staff or management. This lack of responsiveness was particularly disheartening given the price point and the expectations for service excellence.

Overall, while the Renaissance Boston Seaport District may have the look and feel of a high-end hotel, my experience was marred by subpar customer service, hidden fees, and a lack of attention to guest comfort. For travelers seeking a better value and smoother experience, I would recommend exploring accommodations slightly outside the immediate downtown area—such as Fairfield Inn & Suites or similar options—which often provide a more welcoming atmosphere without the surprise charges or frustrations. Until the management addresses these concerns, I would hesitate to recommend this property and would not consider...

*My Google reviews are based on those that are mobility impaired or disabled. (Mentally physically accessible) I decided to come to this hotel for a night because I had just come across the country in an insane holiday air traffic, and there was an unbelievably good rate through Expedia When I went into the front desk I immediately got lost because the hotel is large and spaced out with high ceilings. I finally made it to the front desk and they were very kind but I made several comments about how I couldn't wait to be in the jacuzzi and the pool. As you can see from the pictures, the jacuzzi and the pool were being renovated and were both either clothes or not in their usual shape. Nobody told me that at the front desk and there were at least 2-3 people that work there A four-star hotel on the Boston Harbor should always have a functioning jacuzzi we are at the very least, either know it's closed or tell the guest when they're checking in ! I do understand that renovations need to take place and I admire the hotel for doing that but I do believe that we should be told ahead of time about renovation and I would have understood since the price of the room was so ridiculously low I wouldn't have minded! The front desk people are all very nice and efficient. However when I was trained to work at the Marriott over 25 years ago it stuck with me when the manager said "no matter what the problem is with the guests, you were sure them that you will find a solution" . When I went to the pool I put my key card and my glasses on one of the lounge chairs and when I got out I didn't see it. I went to the front desk telling them I can't see without my glasses and I will be willing to pay for a service of some kinds or get help through them because I needed them. Young man who checks me in said well there's a CVS it's a 5 - 8 minute walk. I'm an obese 51-year-old that can't see, going out into freezing weather. I asked if there were any leftover glasses or any way at all I could get someone to go to CVS etc and he said that if they find any they will bring them to my room. I was in people travel frequently, and I'm talking about all kinds of disabled people. Perhaps this is an opportunity to rise above other hotels as disabled people of all issues are traveling regularly now, and there should be more training on how to deal with someone that is disabled mentally, ( as travel is disorganized and difficult ) I see this as cornering an entirely new market! One can learn from various airlines because they are trained in this as well. The South has potential and they are not disrespectful or that at their jobs. But adam, the security guard, gave me a feeling of Peace as he let me into my room and then told me we would resolve my glasses one way or another and I sunk down on the bed as he went on down the hallway to help me+(and he found the glasses LOL right...

Stayed in Dec 2024, Platinum status. Pretty familiar with the hotel and area as I used hangout in the neighborhood a bunch and lived about 15 min walk away. Also got married here, so thought it would be cool to come back stay here. Hotel is visibly under construction (I knew this when I made the reservation) as you enter. Out of curiosity, I inquired at checkin and was told all the upper floors are closed off, and everything probably wouldn't be done until Apr 2025. ||Overall, adequate for a quick overnight stay. The hotel is in a good location for Seaport-y stuff, restaurants, shopping etc. Silver line is just a block away if you need to hook into the Mass transit system in Boston. ||Room was decent and I may have gotten an upgrade to 10th floor 1019, which has a side view of the water (it's on the same side as the entrance). Good size room and couch. Bed was ok though the tv seemed to be a little lower than expected--standing/walking around the room, I felt like I had to be looking down a little bit to see it and I'm not a tall person. The bathroom while on the smaller side is functional, tub/shower situation with decent water pressure. Fridge in room too.||My one beef--had an awkward conversation where the front desk thinks I'm forgetful:||Me: "What can I use this $10 voucher (I had received it at checkin since the lounge was closed) for?"|Front desk staff (FDS): You can use it for the restaurant only, not the market or starbucks. You should though just be able to use your breakfast benefit, looks like it's about to close though, did you pick up your breakfast voucher? |Me: "What breakfast voucher?" |FDS: You're supposed to pick it up in the morning, we told you at check-in.|Me: Interesting, I don't recall anyone telling me at check-in.|FDS: We told you.|Me: I don't remember hearing that--and you checked us in too|FDS: Yeah you probably forgot (doubling down in a somewhat mocking/subtly condescending tone)|Me |Wife: Nobody told us that||No biggie, as we wanted to sleep in and probably wouldn't have gotten down in time for breakfast, but certainly an awkward exchange.||As a related aside, not sure what the point of having to make an additional trip down the next morning to get your breakfast vouchers--seems to be a whole lot easier to just hand it to you at check in rather than requiring an additional trip back the front desk, and having the front desk/guest expending additional effort. They handed me the $10 voucher get in, why not the breakfast voucher too? ||Anyway, I did have a good stay overall and the place has some nostalgic value, so I'll probably be back someday but will definitely wait until renovations are done and the...