I’ve always been a fan of Kimpton Hotels. They are a swish, young, civilized, hip boutique hotel chain that really is the only hotel chain you should be patronizing when you travel. Tall order? Well I stand by it.
The first Kimpton Hotel hotel I stayed at was when I moved back from Manchester, England and booked a quick Vancouver getaway on my own at the Pacific Palisades. I had read about Kimpton and their brand of offering a cheery, upbeat, a lil bit eccentric but overall cool hotel experience that you won’t get anywhere else. Since then I have also stayed the Hotel Triton in San Francisco over a 5 day birthday vacation 3 summers ago. Both experiences were simply divine.
After my summer holiday debacle in Chicago I wanted a cool, leisure and really decadent fall vacation. I had 5 days to play with so I booked a holiday to Boston. I did some thorough research and after looking at crazy expensive hotels in the city centre and bed and breakfasts; I settled on the Nine Zero Hotel. I knew the Kimpton brand would offer me what I needed.
The Nine Zero Hotel sets the Standard for Boston Boutique Hotels. That’s what I was aching for. Perfection. Comfort is not sacrificed for the sake of style at Nine Zero Hotel. All 190 sumptuously appointed guestrooms invite guests to relax. Custom-designed beds, billowy down comforters, and a wide selection of pillows complement the beautiful furnishings, plush fabrics, soothing color scheme and elegant lighting throughout.
When I flew into Boston I took the free shuttle to the subway and hopped on the train which took me to Government Centre Station. Total travel time was 15 minutes. Easy. Upon leaving the station I walked up a couple of blocks with my duffle bag to the Nine Zero. Again, easy. By the way, the hotel takes its name from its street address 90 Tremont Street.
The staff at the desk was super friendly as we exchanged booking details. I was greeted by Thomas. Thomas prior to my arrival had sent me a lovely email days in advance asking if I needed anything and saw to it that I had all my needs met prior to my arrival. Efficiency at its best.
He was authentically friendly and lovely. He even arranged to have a lovely platter of fruits, nuts and specialty water placed in my room as a welcome treat. He also went beyond the call of duty by providing me with the lushest room on the 19th floor facing Boston Common. The room was nicely dressed; it was clean and very warm. Lastly, Thomas also sent a kettle, mugs and some gorgeous Mighty leaf Tea to my room. That was the most helpful accommodation he could have provided me with. Being a tea lover I love starting my day lounging, sipping tea, reading and watching t.v.. Just that simple touch made me feel at home and yet still lost in my vacation moments. 😉
The funky robe in my hotel bathroom always made me chuckle. But again exuded warmth and comfort for a weary traveller.
Whenever I came into my room on a long day out the room’s CD player was on and playing jazzy, bluesy tunes, the linens were always turned down, the lights were low and the lovely chocolate beckoned me from my desk. Consistency to detail is what Kimpton does well. I felt like I had a personal maid taking care of my space when I was out but not overly present. Those were nice touches.
Other cool amenities that the Nine Zero offers include of:
Complimentary in-room wireless high-speed Internet access for Kimpton In Touch members
Complimentary morning newspaper upon request
27″ Flat screen TVs and in-room laptop safe
iHome docking station
24-hour room service
Windows that open, breathe…
Fully-Stocked Honor Bar (for those late night munchies)
“Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” essential travel items
“Mind. Body. Spa.” in-room spa services as well as exercise programs for yoga, Pilates and core strengthening
Etro Bath Amenities, ooh la la!
Lastly, cable t.v. with a wide selection of channels. For a girl who doesn’t have cable in my own house…it was awesome coming back to my hotel room, lying in bed and watching some pretty amazing t.v.. Lil luxuries go such a long way on vacation mode. 😉
I know staying in a hotel right in the city centre could be pricey. But I encourage you to think of this, when you travel and you’re out all day and need a break – staying local is important. You can go back to the hotel for a nap, drop of gear, change clothes, use the bathroom, have a shower and then get out again. Paying a lil extra especially whilst on holidays is so worth it. You work hard for your money, why not splurge a lil? I’m so glad I did. The hotel sits close to both Park and Government subway stations.
The Nine Zero is also close to:
Beacon Hill, Orpheum Theatre, the Wang Center for the Performing Arts and the Boston Ballet, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, the Museum of Science and the Children’s Museum, The New England Aquarium, Boston Common, Copley Square, Boston’s Public Library, Trinity Church, Newbury Street and Public Garden.
So yes, those were all very good things. Anything bad? Well in my room the air filter rattled relentlessly on my last night. It really hindered my sleep and man it was quite upsetting. It was too bad the hotel staff didn’t pick up on that when they were in the room daily. The other slightly annoying thing was that I was charged (but then credited upon check out) for using an item from the honour bar in my room. It was an honest mistake. But curious. Lastly, when I made a request for some teabags one night it took almost 45 minutes to get them from hospitality. Again not a big deal but it wasn’t that late and dropping off teabags to one’s room really shouldn’t take that long.
Would I stay at the Nine Zero again? Sure! I loved the banter with Andrew Smith (Front Office Manager), Thomas Burke (Lead Concierge) and the comfort they were able to provide for the duration of my stay at the Nine Zero Hotel Kimpton Hotel in November 2011. Also a special thank you to Stacey! Go Kimpton! Rating out of 5? I give them a solid 5/5! 😉
NINE ZERO HOTEL: 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108 http://www.ninezero.com
Reservations: (866) 906-9090 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 906-9090 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Hotel: (617) 772-5800
Thirty Four Flavours 