The Westin Waltham-Boston

Renovated from top to bottom in 2014, the hotel has chic, modern decor from the outside in. The facade is made up of reflective glass and inside, decor features a color scheme of blues and soft greens reminiscent of the ocean. The pattern on the lobby carpet resembles sea anemones. Floor-to-ceiling windows help make the hotel's conjoined lobby, restaurant, and bar areas seem open and bright. There are plentiful light blue cushioned chairs, along with tables and booths for eating or meeting. To the left of the front desk is a smaller, slightly darker room that houses a Starbucks coffee shop, and six computer stations with a printer for guests to use.There are free newspapers out on the tables, and strips of outlets, placed along bar-style seating, for charging electronic devices. 

A separate wing of meeting spaces hosts gatherings ranging from conferences on technology and science, to social events, to weddings. Views from the common areas are nice, overlooking trees and the Cambridge Reservoir in the distance. Overall, this hotel is exceptionally attractive, well-maintained, and welcoming. Offerings such as live music in common areas on some weeknights, healthy restaurant menu options, and a New Balance fitness gear lending program makes the Westin Waltham-Boston a good choice for business travelers who spend much of their time on the road, and may miss the creature comforts of a more settled life.

The Westin Waltham-Boston is located in the suburbs of Boston, approximately a half-hour drive from Boston Logan Airport. Surrounded by business parks, it's a convenient location for travelers working at any of the nearby corporate offices, which include Microsoft, Stride Rite, Cisco, Raytheon, and IBM. The hotel offers a free shuttle to business parks within a five-mile radius. Less than one mile from I-95, the hotel can also be a suitable location for those commuting by car into the city, but is less suited to guests who need to rely on public transportation. GO Boston Shuttle is a 24-hour service that stops at the hotel and will take visitors to and from the airport for a fee; seats must be reserved 24 hours in advance. The nearest commuter rail station is five miles away and not accessible by hotel shuttle. A rental car desk inside the hotel makes it easy for guests who need to access a vehicle to get one. Both self-parking and valet parking are available at the hotel. Self-parking during the day is free; all other options (including self-parking overnight) require additional fees.

There are seven types of rooms at the Westin Waltham-Boston, all of which are reasonably large. Rooms are decorated in shades of gray and white, and look soothing and clean. They are well-lit, with multiple lamps and large windows that let in lots of natural light. However, some rooms face strip malls, business parks, and a Costco shopping center. Despite the nearby highway, there is little noticeable or distracting traffic noise. The quiet, combined with the general layout of rooms, creates an environment conducive to getting work done. Many rooms have two phones, one at the bedside table and one at the desk. Wi-Fi is available (free in all but the Traditional Rooms) and wired Internet cables are secured to desks. Coffeemakers with free Starbucks brand coffee are provided in all rooms.

Suites feature iPhone docking stations, and spacious living areas that are sectioned off from bedrooms by French doors. Two guest rooms at the Westin Waltham-Boston have cardio equipment in them, but they are frequently booked, and therefore difficult to reserve. Bathrooms carry herbal-scented body products including lotion, shampoo, and small soaps that are shaped like leaves. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos with modern-looking square showerheads.

The Westin Waltham-Boston offers a 24-hour fitness center, which includes modern Lifefitness cardio machines, plus free weights and balance balls. There are refrigerated towels, free earbuds, and a water cooler. Due to a collaboration between the hotel and New Balance, guests can borrow clean sneakers and workout attire through its lending program (for a small fee). The indoor, heated pool has a deck set with reclining beach-style lounge chairs and music is played through speakers. There's a poolside menu for ordering food, which is a nice perk. On some weeknights, guests are invited to attend a small plate dinner event with live jazz music. The American restaurant and bar, called Seventy at Third, serves dishes that incorporate healthy ingredients such as avocado and spinach. Drink options include microbrews from local breweries, alongside more conventional domestic lager options. Breakfasts may be purchased at the restaurant, but are not included in the cost of rooms. Those who wish to dine in their rooms may take advantage of 24-hour room service, which provides a full menu even during late-night hours.