I stayed here for 4 nights in October. From the personal service, to the location, to the elegant rooms, this hotel is fantastic. It is a true boutique hotel experience that should satisfy even the most discriminating guest. The Clio restaurant inside is one I highly recommend.

Boston was my hometown once. Now my family and I live in China and visit here a few times every year. For the last five trips, we stayed at the Eliot. Before that, we tried the Fairmont Copley, Cambridge Marriott, and the Cambridge Hyatt. We think the Eliot is the best of them for the location and service. The hotel is convenient to a large selection of restaurants and shops (the Newbury street stores, the Prudential and the Copley malls.) Only a short walking distance to the Fenway stadium and the Symphony! Close to the T (subway) if you want to get around faster than by walking. The hotel looks dated from the outside as is the entry hall and elevators, but functional enough...in keeping with the historical neighborhood. The staff are very friendly (do keep in mind that Bostonians are stolid people, not easy to emotions until they get to know you) and helpful. (On the last day, we needed a van-cab to bring our 7 suitcases and ourselves to the airport, four in the morning! The taxi company kept sending us cars and the desk manager kept calling them back until we got what we needed, with not a word of complaint to us.) The rooms are smartly decorated and roomy enough for my family, including one energetic four year-old. Having been there a few times, we noticed that the layouts are not the same for every room. To us, some seem more usable and practical than others; so, ask to see if there is another layout if you are not pleased with the one you were assigned. If you like Sashimi, don't miss out from trying the Uni restaurant in the hotel, expensive but very unique and worth the experience at least once.

For a boutique hotel, there is not anything remarkable about this venue. The front lobby is attractive, but not inviting for a little lingering. Too small and overheated, all marble and hard surfaces, and really nowhere for a cozy conversation. The rates are quite high, and the Deluxe Double room very small. The bathroom was very tight with little space to spare for one's toiletries, constant juggling, and I am not a "product" hog. It was a nice marble lined room, but the toilet was tight up against the wall. The floors in the bedroom were slanted and there was a queer feeling of a change in the subfloor, as though one was walking on a grate just below the carpet. The worst part was the never ceasing street noise. Situated on the corner of Commonwealth and Mass. Aves, it is not the place to try to get a good night's sleep if the sound of buses, accelerating motorcycles, and loud late night party goers might disrupt your slumber. Wifi is an extra $5 a day!!! Shouldn't a luxury hotel include that in the price of one's stay? Really, should anyone be inconvenienced to login to AT&T and dish out their credit card after paying over $320 a night?! "Nickle and diming" leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, and therefore, it is not on my list of hotels I would want to revisit. Much more friendly boutique hotels in the vicinity: Copely Square Hotel and Back Bay Hotel. Copley Square has a "Wine Down" hour with a complimentary glass of wine in the spacious, yet cozy side lobby, and Back Bay has a morning coffee bar (free of charge) in their bright and expansive side lobby. These very small gestures make a guest feel truly welcomed and valued. The management of the Eliot should consider that people spending at this level are accustomed to the little extras which keep them coming back.

My wife and I recently stayed here on a trip from the UK - I had stayed at the property 10 years ago, recalling its excellent position, smart decor and attentive service positively. Well, at least it's in the same spot - the rest though is distinctly on the wane. Decor tired, aircon deafening, service sadly lacking. The owners would do well to spend a night or two in the Four Seasons a mile down the road (to which we decamped after 2 nights once we realised the Eliot was not going to work) - there the service was attentive, and thoughtful, with a local Boston flavour.

I am sure that the Elio can rediscover its form - will take some energy and some money.