REVIEW: Ramada Inn Boston

STAY DETAILS
July 19-21, 2008
1 queen room, 1 handicapped queen room
Price: $129.99/night Government rate at Ramada.com

I’d probably recommend this hotel for the location, convenience and price for a Boston hotel.  But be warned about cleanliness.

You may get a cheaper rate walking in instead of reserving online.  There are hotel coupons in almost every rest stop in the highways to Boston.  However, it was peak season (summer) so we decided to reserve in advance.

LOCATION
The location is South Boston, but it was still convenient.  There was free scheduled shuttle to the JFK/UMass subway station (MBTA) and the airport.  There are restaurants on site, the Phillips candy/chocolate store and a family entertainment complex that had bowling, arcade, pool and more.  Stores such as CVS, National Wholesale Liquidator and other stuff, are just across the street.  There are beaches close by, but they were muddy.  The location is the best asset of this property, but that’s just about it.

PREMISES
The place had ample parking and seating in the lobby.  The hotel layout was very poorly planned.  Other reviewers complained that the hotel was a maze, and it was.  Even the front desk staff got confused.  To go to one side of the hotel, you will have to go through at least 3 doors.

STAFF
The staff were friendly, but they need to be more knowledgeable.  We had to switch rooms because the first rooms we had were too far from the exit and we had a handicapped kid with us.  A staff gave us wrong directions to get to the rooms, but he was apologetic.  The keys to one of the rooms weren’t working and I had to go back to front desk twice.  The front desk didn’t have a map of the area, only downtown Boston and Cambridge.

ROOMS
There was a strong smell in the rooms.  It looked like housekeeping sprayed too much air deodorizer to mask other smells.  I didn’t think the rooms were too clean.  One of the rooms we booked (handicapped) had poop in the toilet.  The other room was alright, but when we tried to use the extra pillows in the ‘closet’, they smelled like sweat.  We think housekeeping just stocked them in the closet without cleaning them.  The closets weren’t really closets, they were just a separate space with clothes rack and hangers.  One of the rooms had a desk, a small round table, two chairs, a tiny bathroom (with a tub), and the sink right outside the bathroom.  The handicapped room didn’t have the small round table.  It had a bigger bathroom, but with no tub.  The sink was inside the bathroom.  Air-conditioner was great, but it made some noise which didn’t really bother us.

AMENITIES
Pool
The pool was very small and goes from 4 to 9 ft deep.  I saw the lifeguard check the quality of the water every morning which was good.

Breakfast
Continental breakfast was included with the rate and was served from 6am-10am.  At the two days we were there, they didn’t serve the same ‘entree’.  The first morning, we had waffles which were delicious.  You could make your own waffle, but this wonderful lady (staff) offered to make them for those who want them  The second morning, we had scrambled eggs.  On both days, there were bagels, bread, toasts, muffins, fruits, cereals, yogurt, juices, coffee.

Internet
There was free wireless internet access and the speed was good.  You would need to ask front desk for a password to access it.  If you plan to access the internet, take your laptop with you.  To use the hotel’s own computer to access the internet is not free.  I believe it was $7/hr.

MY RATING: 

If you have stayed in this hotel, you can add your rating below:
Your rating: (No Ratings Yet)  Loading ...