enVision Hotel Boston – Longwood

EnVision Hotel Boston is a boutique, three pearl gem with a classy neighborhood feel to it—helped by the small size (only 39 rooms) and trendy design touches, like the glass city map greeting visitors at the reception. Funky lamps in the corners and green accents brighten up the muted browns and grays throughout the space. A handful of books and board games are carefully stacked among rows of comfy couches at the entrance, along with a stash of umbrellas, and there’s hot tea served in the lobby cafe. Staff hosts daily receptions that showcase dessert tastings and occasional live music. The hotel’s medical rate means the homey vibe is most often appreciated by those headed to Longwood Medical Center, who make up the majority of the hotel’s guests. 

EnVision Hotel is on busy South Huntington Ave, a two-minute walk to the E train on the Green Line, and five minutes from the D Line. From there it’s about a 15-minute T-ride to get to shops on Newbury and Copley in downtown Boston. Fenway Park is only a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is an eight-minute drive. Most guests stay here for the proximity to Longwood Medical Center (10 minutes by taxi) and to take advantage of the hotel’s medical rate. The hotel is in a dead zone in terms of restaurant and nightlife—the closest restaurant is Wok and Talk, or a sandwich shop a little further down on South Huntington. Otherwise the only other option is to hop on the T or take a taxi to a livelier section of town.

One perk is the hotel’s proximity to the Emerald Necklace park system—a historic green space that stretches from Back Bay to Dorchester. Olmstead Park is just a 10-minute walk away and has a handful of fresh-water ponds and wooded trails.   

Rooms here are each unique in their layout, but all are immaculate, spacious, and come with top-notch amenities, like flat-screen TVs, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, and iPod docks. Extra touches make these rooms special: robes and slippers in every closet, super soft mattresses, and a contemporary design that incorporates shades of green with dark mahogany furniture and tasteful lighting, all of which gives off an overall soothing tone. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos covered by a white fabric curtain with brown stripes. Single sinks provide enough counter space to unpack toiletries and standard toiletries are provided. 

It might be worth requesting a room towards the back of the hotel, not only for the lovely views of Olmstead Park, but also to avoid any potential noise from busy South Huntington Ave out front. 

The hotel offers Brew'en’s Café, a replacement for a typical hotel breakfast. It offers a sizable variety of breakfast and lunch options, including bagels, cereal, and vegan granola bars—all at reasonable prices. The basement gym is not huge, but has a wide range of modern equipment and free weights, a number of TVs, fresh towels, a scale, and a Wii Fit for those wanting a more creative workout experience.

The business center makes up a small and informal space in the lobby, where guests have access to iPads for internet and printing. Copying and faxing options are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.