Boston’s Four Seasons is a comfortable and elegant hotel in the heart of the city. My wife and I stayed in an Executive King Suite over the Thanksgiving holiday. The suite consisted of a bedroom and sitting room, both with spectacular views of the Boston Garden.

The good news: the housekeeping was terrific. The bed was as comfortable as any I’ve slept in. Thought the room faced Boylston Street – a busy thoroughfare – there was practically no noise. The appointments, while not inspired, were certainly elegant. Flat screen TV’s in both bedroom and sitting area. The gym and pool area were very nice. Great toiletries in the bathroom and good robes and slippers were provided.

The staff was very professional and nice. The Concierge was most helpful in arranging a number of activities – including a catered dinner. Also, the less formal restaurant – the Bistro – was very nice and the food was excellent.

Always keep in mind, it is a Four Seasons, so everything costs. You practically have to have a stack of Five Dollar bills for tipping anyone and everyone associated with the hotel. That said, we had a very good stay and would stay again.

The best part is that the hotel is in the heart of everything. It is on Boylston Street in walking distance from great shopping and strolling on Boylston, Newberry Street and Charles Street. There are a number of fantastic restaurants nearby as is Boston’s theater district. It is also situated just across from the Public Garden and the Boston Common. The location really couldn’t be better.

A couple of minor complaints. First, given the cost of the room, we were surprised by the lack of drawer space. There is no “dresser” as such. There are scattered pieces of furniture with scattered drawers, but it seemed somewhat hap-hazard. Second, I like my hotel rooms cold and I could never get the temperature quite right. The thermostat said 65 degrees but I am quite sure it never got that cold. The windows would not open and we were told there was a repair issue. Ultimately, we had a fan brought in and that solved the problem. Also, the couch in the sitting room could have been more comfortable, but that is a personal preference.

However, in the end, we were well satisfied by the hotel and impressed by the service.

After staying at the hotel for a wedding, my room was broken into and a significant amount of Jewelry stolen. The Boston Police Department has since found the thief and has a video of the gentlemen leaving my hotel room. Through this terrible ordeal the 4 Seasons has been unbelievable. They have claimed that it is not their responsibility and refuse to insure my belongings. On top of everything, I was shocked when they didn't even bother to comp my room after I had to deal with a police report all day. Do not stay here unless you want to deal with a rude and terrible staff at a 2-3 star hotel. Try the Taj

We went to the Four Seasons expecting perfection and got quite the opposite. We were told our room could accomodate four people, but was only big enough for maybe two. When we asked for a cot, the sheets had stains on them. The bathroom was only accessible from the bedroom in the suite, so the two sleeping in the very small living room had to walk through the bedroom and wake everyone up to use the bathroom and shower. When we called to ask for a room change, they said they did not have two rooms available. Then, we called another hotel to change and as soon as we told the manager we were changing hotels, all of a sudden, rooms were available. It was ridiculous. They were only willing to help us when they thought they were going to lose our business. Then, they refused to give us the free breakfast we had booked for and made us pay because we were leaving early. This is not a five star hotel BY ANY MEANS. It felt like a two or three star hotel and was very disappointing. We stay at five star hotels consistently, generally staying at the Ritz Carlton or the Mandarin in New York City. We expect a five star hotel to meet our standards. Aside from the lobby, which was nice, the rooms, hallways, and service was disappointing and less than mediocre. If you're looking for a good stay, go to the Liberty. Much nicer, more comfortable, and brand new.

I stayed at the Four Seasons for a business trip, and had a very nice experience: the service was really lovely -- both warm and competent, with attention to detail -- although at times a little overly solicitous. The rooms are nicely furnished, and the little additions to the children's rooms were thoughtful. Be aware, however, that the "city view" rooms have an unexceptional view of the theater district; the "garden view" of the Public Garden is far better (although the hotel only goes up to 8 floors, so some of the view will be obscured by the leaves of trees in the summer months.) The location on the Public Garden is just wonderful, right near the swan boats and Newbury Street -- it's really a great part of the city for exploring on foot. Overall, I found this hotel to be pleasant and very well managed -- but to me, the real reason to stay here is that you're right in the heart of the most charming part of Boston.