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Onyx Hotel... eco-friendly, hip, cluttered
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Kimpton hotels have an excellent reputation for their green initiatives, great social responsibility programs, pet and kid friendliness in their hotels. They are hip and modern, and the chain keeps expanding throughout the country with new hotels! Until I stayed at the Onyx a few days ago, I had never previously stayed at a Kimpton property and was really looking forward to it.
Albeit my room was on the top floor, it was tiny and overfurnished. It had all the basic furniture, and it was not so much the lack of space, but rather that the space could be used more efficiently to accommodate guests better. I was impressed with the dramatic colors throughout the hotel, and the leopard print bathrobe was cute. The bathroom was very large compared to the room, but I was disappointed with the cheaply installed Gilchrist & Soames dispensers in the shower, so you can't take the tiny bottles as souvenirs for home. Plus, I couldn't find body lotion anywhere. I didn't call housekeeping for that, although I could if I needed contact solution, toothpaste or a curling iron (and free of charge). If I wanted tweezers, however, it would cost me $3. Regardless, it's great to have their "Forgot it? We've got it" menu of available amenities business or leisure travelers will inevitably forget or run out of at some point.
Surprisingly, service was just ok. Staff was polite, but detached, which was rather disappointing. The doormen I found were not particularly welcoming. And there was no turndown service, which I don't think was part of their listed amenities, but would have been a nice touch for a hotel that boasts "the ultimate in style and service."
Onyx offers a comp wine hour during the work week from 5-6pm, and though I didn't check it out on this trip, it's a good thing if you work in the area. There's a fitness center in the basement along with a small business center. The location is good, a bit sketchy at night, but only a block from the North Station T stop, so no car is necessary (why drive if you can walk or take the MBTA anyway?). If you do bring your car though, according to the hotel you must allow 30 minutes for Valet to bring it out front. Loved the hair and nail salon just steps from the hotel on Portland St., and they offer 20% off on all services for Onyx hotel guests.
Onyx Hotel, 155 Portland St., Boston
Reservations: 866.660.6699 / Hotel: 617.557.9955
Didi's note: Kimpton hotels are known for being pet and kid friendly, and the Onyx is no different. While I felt this hotel wasn't for me, and I didn't want to spend too much time there, I'd recommend it for quick business trips to Boston, for those in town for a concert at TD Garden and for travelers with pets. I think the rooms are too small for those traveling with kids though, unless I happened to be in the tiniest room type on property!
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