April 2008. Flying into Logan International via Houston International. The weather was sunny and warm but not humid. Rare weather for Boston. I took the Water Taxi into the city, first from Logan a shuttle bus to the Hyatt at Logan International and a water taxi drop off at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. About $10.00. for this transportation. This property is on the wharf and is adjacent to the Aquarium and across the street from both Quincy Market and Faneui Hall. There were lots of tourist in the city on a weekday. This property attracts lots of families. So if you do not like children running around the property then this might not be the place for you. My room was quiet so there was no impact to me with all of the children at the property.

Check-in at the Long Wharf was friendly, and quick. I requested a quiet room and received a room on the 5th floor. I did not hear any outdoor car noise or people noise. I did on occasion hear a motorcycle. My last night there was a wedding party in the open area of the 3rd floor but away from my door I did not hear anything. My room was good size, two double beds. They were comfortable. There was a desk with a chair and an armchair. Lighting was good. The flatscreen TV had many local channels as well as CNBC, MSNBC, HBO and the History Channel. The best feature of the room was a combo safe and refridgerator. the Fridge comes in handy putting in fruit, snacks and beverages.

The bathroom was somewhat small but well equipped. The water pressure was good. I did not hear any of the guests on either side of the walls. The Marriott provided me with copy of the the Wall Street Journal and USA Today and the Boston Globe on both Saturday and Sunday.

I used the exercise facility on the third floor. The weight room is separate from the cardio equipment. The equipment are a bit croweded and there is low ceiling. Not like the Marriott Newport Beach Spa & Hotel nor the Manhattan Beach Marriott which both feature airy and spaced out exercise facilities. The workout room was popular in the early morning with the business crowd.

The cleaning crew and valets were all friendly and helpful. Almost everyone I came into contact with at the Renasisance was helpful and friendly.

While this property is on the wharf it is convenient to the Faneui Hall, Quincy Market, the North End and the Financial Center. Boston is a easy city to walk through but the paving is uneven.

I walked from the Long Wharf to the Park Street T station and walked from restaurants and shops on Newberry street to the Long Wharf via the Public Gardens and the Commons.

My training was at the Batterymarch Conference Center located on the 2nd floor of the Hilton Hotel in the Financial district. Less than a ten minute walk from the Long Wharf property. This building at one time was the tallest in the Boston. The center is located between Broad street and Batterymarch street.

Most of the workshop attendees, stayed at this Hilton and paid around $250.00 per night. Several mentioned they could hear garbage trucks and other auto traffic from their rooms as well as some thin walls.

The conference center features many Northeastern University night programs. I was attending the Linkage Inc.'s Developing Leadership Development Systems workshop which was a good workshop and Linkage Inc. offers a good and reasonable priced Leadership Development & Organizational Development Certitificate Program linked with DePaul University. Kudos to my Linkage Account Rep., Monna. She's the best!

Service and food were good at the Batterymarch Conference Center.

I ate at Dick's Last Resort next to Faneui Hall. Good and plenty of food with "rude servers." If you want "fun" that is the place to be. I picked up some souvenirs at the Hard Rock Cafe next to Faneui hall. I also ate at Mother Anna's on Hanover in the North End for authentic Italian food. Purchased baked goods at Bova's which is famous for their Italian bread. Bova's is located on Salem. The oldest bakery in the Northend. I also purchased some unique souvenirs at Boston Prints in the North End (near Paul Revere's house) and had interesting conversation with the owner Alice. there is QVS pharmacy located on Hanover in the North End if you need to pick up beverages, snacks and or personal supplies.

I picked up some M.I.T. souvenirs at the Coop near Kendall Square which is a "T" stop. Spent some time sipping coffee at Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square. I ate at the higher end restaurant called Piattini's on Newberry street. Popular with the local crowd.

I had a pleasant stay at Marriott Long Wharf. I paid a special group rate of around $180.00 per night. A good rate for nice property in Boston. I highly recommend this property if you can get a reasonable rate.