Citizenm Boston Back Bay

The hotel is very trendy. The lobby is on the second floor, and you can self-check-in. The front desk staff are also very helpful. The restaurant is also on the second floor, with plenty of sofas and booth seating, perfect for gatherings and working. Although the room is small, it has all the necessary facilities, and the view from the window is quite nice. The gym equipment is new, and there's a water dispenser and tissues available. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the bustling street below.

An excellent hotel! The front desk staff were incredibly warm and welcoming. Although the breakfast selection wasn't huge, it was absolutely delicious and satisfying. They even didn't mind guests taking a reasonable amount back to their rooms (just don't overdo it!). The room wasn't large, but it was perfectly adequate, and the layout was very efficient for a solo traveler. There's a subway station right downstairs, but it was temporarily closed. Luckily, there's another entrance just across the street. Most importantly, I think this hotel is incredibly friendly for Boston Marathon participants: it's very close to the expo, with two DICK'S Sporting Goods and Lululemon stores nearby, and my 'uncle' (referring to a store/landmark) is right across from the expo. You can walk to the starting line or take two subway stops; since Copley station was closed, it was effectively just one stop to the bag drop-off. After finishing the race and picking up my bag, it was just a short walk to an open subway station. It wasn't blocked off, and it was again two stops (or effectively one) back to the hotel. The Back Bay airport shuttle is also very convenient, about a 500-meter walk from the hotel. The Museum of Fine Arts is within walking distance, and the Charles River is perfect for a run. There's a Chinese restaurant nearby, and Berkeley Noodle House is quite good – the owner is from Guangdong, and she's very nice. Surprisingly, I didn't find the Vietnamese pho to be that great.

Having lived in Boston for over a decade, this was my first time returning and staying in a hotel for a business trip. Overall, I really liked this hotel, but it's not for everyone. **Pros** First, the location is excellent, right next to Newbury Street, which means easy access to dining and shopping. The Green Line subway station is also nearby, making it convenient to get to various parts of the city. Second, the room was very clean and relatively new. The design style is modern and minimalist, making for a refreshing stay. **Cons** The most obvious drawback, and a common characteristic of all CitizenM hotels, is that the rooms are incredibly small – very, very tiny. There's barely any space for large luggage. Also, the bed is designed right next to the window. If two people are staying together, I wouldn't recommend it, as you'd have to 'climb over' the other person if you need to get up at night, which can be quite inconvenient. Another downside is that it lacks many basic amenities found in traditional hotels, such as an in-room coffee machine, coffee, electric kettle, slippers, or bathrobes. Even items like an iron aren't available in every room; you have to use them in a common area. If these amenities are important to you, there are many other more comprehensive and comfortable options in the vicinity. In summary, if you're traveling solo, don't need much space, aren't particular about extra amenities, and appreciate a quiet, clean, and conveniently located hotel, then this is a great choice.