Hotel Review: When you stay at a Four Seasons property anywhere in the world, you expect extraordinary service – it’s all part of their legendary reputation. Regardless, we were still blown away by the incredible service we experienced on our recent trip to The Four Seasons in Beantown.
Any encounter we had with the staff – no matter how minor – was a pleasure. From the housekeeping staffer who merely brought up some Equal sweetener, to the front-desk concierges, we were both struck by the genuine courtesy, pleasure and results that the staff imparted to us. We swear, if only more people behaved this way in their daily lives, towards others, the world would be a much happier place. What made it all singular, however, was the sincerity with which the service was given. 
Another outstanding amenity: you might not realize this, but the Four Seasons Boston, like all of the Four Seasons properties around the world, offers,(if you forget yours) complimentary workout gear, sneakers, and even disposable swimsuits. We were thrilled that after forgetting our bathing attire, we could still swim in the 82-degree indoor pool.
And take note: there’s even an entire “Oh Dear” cupboard, filled with everything that travelers might forget: Cell phone adapters. Eyeglass repair kits. Pantyhose. Hair Gel. Even, for men, yarmulkes, ties, belts, rainwear rubbers, and even a sampling of black shoes! It absolutely amazed us – and Kristin Fletcher, the director of public relations, told us that the “Oh Dear” cupboard gets opened at least once a day. We also enjoyed the complimentary 24/7 computers in the Business Center. Inconvenience? The idea doesn’t exist inside a Four Seasons property.
These stories don’t even begin to address the crackerjack concierges here at the hotel, some of whom are members of the prestigious “Clefs D’Or” (gold key society). We sat with Head Concierge Maggie O’Rourke, who regaled us with incredible true stories of the hotel going the extra mile for its guests. Like the time a guest, who was scheduled to be a bridesmaid in a Boston wedding, had left her gown behind in New York. Faster than you can say, “The Big Apple,” a concierge got the bridesmaid’s house keys, and took the shuttle to New York, to her apartment, to retrieve the dress. “In about four-and-a-half hours, it was all taken care of,” says O’Rourke. Or the time a woman’s earring broke as she had dinner. The waiter brought it to the Engineering Department within the hotel, and by the time dessert was served, the earring had been fixed. “To us it’s a given, a routine, that we fix it. It’s what we do every day, automatically,” says Sam Ioannidis, the hotel manager. He knows firsthand – in his office were several toilets of varying measurements, there because a guest had called prior to his visit, informing them that he needed specific plumbing. Ms. O’Rourke herself traveled to the U.S. Customs Office at Boston’s Logan Airport every day, to retrieve a specific Greek newspaper for another guest who made that special request. “It’s thinking out of the box, but for us, it’s routine,” she said with a smile. This staff – they’ve seen it all and they’ve done it all – even what seems like no-brainers – sending chicken soup to a guest with a cold, or sending up popcorn to a family watching movies.
We’ll tell you what Sam did for us, which made us laugh out loud (and still does). Before Bill met us for our meeting with Sam, Debbi casually mentioned to Sam that he would soon meet “Mr. Bill.” Guess what showed up in our suite later? Nothing other than a “Mr. Bill” doll – you know, the doll seen on Saturday Night Live. The whole effect was hilarious, and of course, much appreciated. Just another example that the slightest thing does not go unnoticed at a Four Seasons Hotel.
That’s what staying at the Four Seasons Boston is all about. Even in our suite, Deb had set her jewelry on the dresser. After lunch, she came back to find it neatly organized and displayed in two fine-glass trays.
Rooms At The Top
We stayed in a State Suite costing $2,900 per night – and believe us when we say we were in the lap of luxury. This perfect little paradise features a pullout sofa, two plasma-screen TVs, two bathrooms, writing desk, three phones, huge bed and tassels galore. (The beds are so comfortable that The Four Seasons frequently sells them – the whole kit and caboodle -- to celebrities and VIPs.) Accommodations at the property feature 273 guest rooms, including 76 suites, and they’re all spacious and sumptuous, featuring bay windows that open for fresh air. Many offer views of the Public Garden, Beacon Hill, and the gilded dome of the State House. Even the guest-room doors will let you know where you are: they are opaque black with large brass knobs set in the middle, creating a true Bostonian sense of arrival. Each room also features a wonderful selection of luxury magazines – always a welcome addition, in anyone’s book.
No doubt about it – the hotel is THE place to be on a Saturday night, right in the Bristol Lounge, where we had an excellent dinner. The place was mobbed by hotel guests and locals. Special highlights of the menu include a raw bar; homemade crab chowder; the hotel’s own signature hand-rolled pasta (such as tagliatelle with Maine lobster); and The Bristol Burger – a grilled gourmet burger with aged Vermont cheddar cheese and the star of the show – unusual French fries made with truffles and Parmesan. “They are so popular, we will never take them off the menu,” explains Brooke Vosika, Executive Chef. For dessert, there’s a $25pp Viennese dessert buffet, with a delicious selection of pastries, cakes, tortes, cookies and crepes. Sweet! It’s easy to see why The Bristol Lounge is heralded as “Boston’s living room.” If you want to do dinner, take your Mom to tea, or hook up with a friend for a cocktail, this is the place. On Friday nights The Bristol Lounge also features live jazz. Right across the street from the Public Garden, it’s a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
The Green Team
Another distinction that sets this hotel apart is its team of associates who are responsible for the implementation of green programs and initiatives. The list is exhaustive, but includes light motion sensors to ensure that lights are on only when those areas are occupied; a green housekeeping program in which magazines are recycled to employees; dry cleaning covered with paper sleeves and not plastic; and in the kitchen, a huge composter, eliminating all traditional steps associated with waste removal and disposal, including trash hauling services. “You’d be surprised how many companies don’t do this,” says Ms. Fletcher.
For Kids Of All Ages
Your children and grandchildren will also feel right at home here. The complimentary services – we repeat, complimentary – inclusions include:
In fact, it’s so incredible, we wish we had kids whom we could have brought with us. These special services are a standout for parents of young children.
Is it any wonder, then, that the Four Seasons Hotel Boston has won practically every award known to man? The list is extensive, and includes the Forbes Five-Star award (from 1999-2010); AAA Five-Diamond Hotel Award (1988-2010); and others from Boston Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and all of the top names. It’s renowned among business and pleasure travelers.
All we can say is – shouldn’t you be one of them?
Special rates through April 9th, 2010, include the “comp third night free” when two consecutive nights are paid, starting at $283 per night.
A HAIR AFFAIR AT THE HOTEL
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston offers its utmost to make your stay special. And included in that, are fabulous services that the Concierges can recommend, to make life sweeter. After all, that’s what concierges do, right? For example, for many celebrities and VIPs, the concierges have brought in and recommended the services of Salon acote on fashionable Newbury Street, for those guests who wish a hair appointment in the privacy of their guest room or suite. “We do a lot of work with the Four Seasons Boston, and we make many ‘house calls,’” says Alex Safar, owner of Salon acote, Boston’s most French salon known for its chic styles and cuts. “And there are many reasons why,” he explained. “They include Muslim women who don’t want their hair done with men present, to other guests who have lost some of their hair due to cancer, to celebrities who want privacy, to some hotel guests who just don’t want to deal with inclement weather.” He added: “It is our pleasure to go out of our way for a Four Seasons guest,” says Mr. Safar. “We like to do what we can to welcome visitors to Boston, and to give them world-class hair services that make their stay a bit more special and memorable – if not beautiful.”
By Debbi K. Kickham and William D. Kickham. Esq.
JustLuxe Contributors
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