The Boston Common Hotel and Conference Center

This eight-story Boston Common Hotel and Conference Center strives for elegance, but it looks tired and worn. The spacious lobby has marble-tile flooring, stone walls, and brass chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. Clusters of brown upholstered armchairs are grouped around oval coffee tables, and the wood, marble-topped curved front desk sits enclosed by arches. A large, sweeping staircase with brass handrails leads to an impressive, rotunda-like space on the second floor, where tall columns frame brown-accented marble floors. But the overall look is still past its prime, with faded textiles and designs that feel two decades out of date. Located in the desirable Back Bay neighborhood, this quiet, budget-priced hotel attracts travelers from across the spectrum -- couples, families, business travelers, and those voyaging solo or in groups. Boston hotels are notoriously expensive, and this is one of the more affordable choices in a prime location.

The hotel enjoys an enviable Back Bay location in a commercial and residential area with centuries-old churches, town houses, and shopping. It's about a 10-minute walk to the Hynes Convention Center and Newbury Street, which is famous for its boutiques and cafes. The massive Prudential Center mall is also about a 10-minute walk. The Back Bay T and train station and and the T at Copley Square are a three- to four-minute walk from the hotel, and Boston Common is about a 10-minute walk. Fenway Park and historic Faneuil Hall are both about 17 minutes away -- in opposite directions -- via public transportation. Boston Logan International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive depending on traffic, or a 40-minute trip on public transportation.

The Boston Common Hotel and Conference Center's 64 rooms are dated and drab, and in need of a refresh. Worn green-and-gold patterned carpeting and basic white walls give a dull backdrop. And old-fashioned floral bedspreads and beige drapes also drag the spaces down. The reddish-brown wood furniture, which includes dressers, desks, and upholstered chairs, shows signs of wear, with visible scratches and nicks. TVs are also dated, in tube models. Rooms are small, and several past guests have complained frequently about moldy shower curtains, stained tubs and carpeting, dirty grout, musty smells, and an overall lack of scrubbing. Standard Rooms come in King, Queen, and Double-bed options -- Queen Deluxe and King Suites have sleeper sofas. Bathrooms are small and dated too, with drab beige tiles, mosaic floors, shower/tub combos, and small white ceramic sinks mounted on the walls. All rooms come with TVs, phones, alarm clocks, and toiletries, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. Views are primarily of the surrounding buildings. 

This is a no-frills, budget hotel in a terrific location. It has no restaurant or lounge, and no longer serves breakfast. Juice and water is available in the lobby, along with newspapers during the week, and a safe deposit box is available at the front desk. There is a business center with two computer stations and printers. Free Wi-Fi is available only in the public spaces, although some guests have reported they could pick up the signal in their rooms. The conference center has 13 separate rooms that can host events for up to 500 people. Parking is available in an adjacent garage, which offers discounts to its guests.