Boston is a city I visit often for work. The headquarters of my company is here, and as a remote employee, I come up (from Washington, D.C.) once or twice every few months for meetings.

Whenever I travel for work, I make it a point to stay at Hyatt hotels because of my Globalist status. Maintaining top-tier status with Hyatt is important to me since their properties work perfectly for the places my family loves to travel. Work trips help me earn more elite nights, which I use to maximize the benefits on personal trips.

For this trip, I find great rates at the Hyatt Regency Boston. Its central location and reasonable price make it the perfect spot for my two-night stay. The last time I stayed here was in July 2020; a very different time. I am curious to see how the experience has evolved…

Hotel Award Booking (8/10)

The Hyatt Regency Boston is a Category 5 property in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award rates range from 17,000 points per night during off-peak periods to 23,000 points per night during peak times, with the standard rate set at 20,000 points per night. When I book my stay, the average cash rate for a standard room is around $200 per night. For this trip, I pay cash for my two-night stay since work is covering the cost – a great option to earn more World of Hyatt points for personal travel!

The hotel market in Boston is fascinating to navigate. Rates skyrocket in the summer when the weather is beautiful and plummet in the winter when the cold sets in. For personal stays in the summer, I always use points because I can easily get 3 to 4 cents per point in value. In contrast, during the winter, I typically pay cash since it is almost always possible to find rates under $200 per night.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Public Transportation (9/10)

The Hyatt Regency Boston sits in the heart of the Theater District, inside the Lafayette City Center building, just a block southwest of Boston Common. While it is a bit farther from the historic North End, I find it to be a fantastic central location for exploring the city.

Note: I do want to point out that getting to the North End involves walking up a significant hill, which could be challenging for anyone with mobility concerns.

For those planning a visit, the exact address of the Hyatt Regency Boston is:

1 Ave de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111

Local Transportation Options

When it comes to public transportation, the best way for me to get to the Hyatt Regency Boston from Logan Airport is by taking the Blue Line from Airport Station to Government Center. From there, I transfer to the Green Line and ride to Park Street, which leaves me about a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Another option, which I appreciate because it is free, is the Silver Line SL1 bus. This route takes me directly to South Station, and from there, it is about a ten-minute walk to the hotel.

If I prefer a more direct option, I can take a taxi or Uber from the airport. The ride costs around $30 one way, making it a convenient choice when I am in a hurry or traveling with luggage.

Vibe And Atmosphere (7/10)

The Hyatt Regency Boston feels like a classic business hotel, but it also does a great job of connecting to the history in Boston. In the lobby and hallways, I notice references to famous historical sites around the city. When I head to the gym, I see the hotel highlights the pride Boston has in hosting one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. These touches make the hotel feel connected to its location.

As a business hotel, everything runs efficiently. When I make a request, it is handled quickly and professionally. The hotel also has all the amenities I need to make my work trip easy and comfortable.

Hotel Check-In (8/10)

I walk to the Hyatt Regency Boston from my office, which is about ten minutes north of the hotel. The main entrance, including street access and valet parking, is on the ground floor, while the lobby is located upstairs on the second floor. As I head up, I stop to grab some water from the station in the lobby.

There is no line at check-in, and a front desk staff member helps me right away. The staff thank me for being a Globalist and let me know that I have been upgraded from a standard King Bed room to a King Bed Corner room.

After checking in, I turn right toward the elevators. I walk past the market near the check-in desks, where I could buy snacks and drinks if needed.

I take the elevator up to the 15th floor, where my room, number 1537, is located. When I step off the elevator, I see the unique atrium design that makes this hotel stand out. The Hyatt Regency Boston has a separate atrium every four floors, each with its own small lobby area, chandelier, and distinct look. I can only assume that the unique design is like this due to how the building was renovated to turn this into a hotel.

I make a quick left turn and head straight to my room.

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

King Bed Corner – Bedroom And Living Space (8/10)

Upon entering the room…

The Living Space

…the bathroom is immediately to my left, and a full-length mirror is on my right.

Next to the mirror, I find the closet. Inside, there is a safe, an iron and ironing board, several hangers, a robe and slippers, and extra bedding, including a second blanket.

Walking further into the room, I see a minibar counter directly in front of me. To the right of the counter is a convenient spot to hang clothes after ironing.

On top of the counter, there is an ice bucket, a lamp, and some glasses. Inside, I find a fridge stocked with free bottled water for World of Hyatt members. The counter also holds a Keurig machine with coffee, decaf coffee, and tea. The Keurig is tucked away, but it slides out easily for use thanks to a pull-out mechanism built into the counter.

Against the back wall, there is a couch with a coffee table in front of it. The cushions are on the firmer side, which makes sense for something designed to last a long time.

Across from the couch, I see the TV. It swivels so I can watch from either the couch or the bed, though it feels a little far from the bed for comfortable viewing. I notice there are plenty of outlets throughout the room. Many are built into the lamps, and each side of the bed has its own outlet, which is very convenient. The thermostat is located by the window, just to the left of the coffee station. The lowest setting is 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and I like that the room gets nice and cold, just the way I prefer it.

The Bedroom

At the back of the room, I find the bed, which is flanked by lights on each side. The bed is a standard Hyatt Regency bed — comfortable and consistent with what I expect from the brand.

During my stay, I sleep well, as the mattress provides good support, and the bedding feels soft and cozy. The lighting setup on each side of the bed is convenient for reading or relaxing before going to sleep.

Related: How To Get A Hotel Upgrade Without Status

King Bed Corner – Bathroom (6/10)

The bathroom is directly to the left when I enter the room.

It is a simple setup, and while everything is clean, the space could use a renovation to feel more modern. To the left is the shower, the toilet is straight ahead, and the sink is on the right.

The shower has good water pressure, and the bath products are individual mini-bottles from Pharmacopia, which is standard for the Hyatt Regency brand. Housekeeping does a great job of replenishing them daily.

The sink is a typical hotel sink. I find a small bar of soap, some Scope mouthwash, and lotion neatly arranged on the counter.

Overall, the bathroom is clean and functional, but it could benefit from an update to give it a fresher, more modern look.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (5/10)

The Hyatt Regency Boston offers a range of amenities designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, though some features stand out more than others.

Destination Fee

The hotel charges a nightly destination fee of $29.24 (plus taxes, totaling $35). This fee includes the following:

• Premium WiFi
• $10 daily food credit for dinner
• A Boston keepsake magnet (provided at check-out)
• $2 discount on Old Town Trolley tickets (Boston tour)
• Daily newspapers in the lobby
• Printing, copying, and faxing services at the front desk
• A cup of Boston clam chowder at Avenue One (dinner only, dine-in or to-go)
• 10% discount on laundry/dry cleaning services
• Exhale Battery Wharf discounts: $10 off fitness classes or $25 off spa therapies
• Assorted board and recreational games (available upon request)
• 10% off purchases at Macy’s Boston Downtown (attached to the hotel)
• Les Clefs d’Or professional concierge services for recommendations and reservations

I find destination fees like this to be frustrating, as they often do not add much value and feel more like a hidden price increase. Thankfully, as a Globalist, these fees are waived on all reservations, as well as on points stays for all guests.

I will note that I am not given any information at check-in about what the fee covers. Additionally, I do not receive the promised Boston keepsake magnet at check-out. However, I do use the $10 daily food credit for the one night I have dinner at the hotel.

Gym

Since the Hyatt Regency Boston is primarily a conference hotel, the gym is impressively large, designed to accommodate many guests. It is located on the sixth floor, but getting there is a bit of a trek.

After stepping off the elevator, I walk… and walk… and walk. It feels like I am walking endlessly, navigating a long hallway and even several sets of stairs before finally reaching the gym. I assume there was no better space for the gym when the hotel was originally built.

Thankfully, the walk is well-marked with signage, and there are Boston Marathon-themed decorations along the way, which adds some local flavor.

Once I arrive, I find the gym is well-equipped. There is plenty of cardio equipment, including two Peloton bikes. I use one of the bikes, but unfortunately, it is not calibrated correctly — I joke with myself that I may never beat my output from that ride!

The strength training options are solid, with several machines and a full set of dumbbells. There is also a cardio workout rack, but I am unable to get a closer look since someone is using it each time I visit.

The gym provides a water station with disposable cups, along with a towel rack in the corner for added convenience.

Pool

Behind the strength machines, there is a long wall of frosted glass. This is where the indoor pool of the hotel is located — or rather, where it used to be. The pool was drained in 2020 and has not been refilled since.

Note: In my opinion, this is a missed opportunity. As far as I know, there are no other hotels in downtown Boston with an indoor or outdoor pool, which could make this a real differentiator for the Hyatt Regency Boston.

Breakfast (8/10)

Breakfast takes place in the main dining area, Avenue One Restaurant and Lounge, located just off the lobby.

Once seated, I start by ordering a coffee and orange juice. For breakfast, I have two options: ordering from the menu or choosing the buffet. Both mornings, I decide to go with the buffet.

The buffet is split into two sections: hot and cold. The hot section includes classic breakfast items like bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes.

The cold section feels more like a continental breakfast, with options such as cold cuts, fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, and cereal.

The standout feature of the breakfast is the live station, where I can get custom omelets or freshly made pancakes. Interestingly, they also have pancakes on the buffet, but the freshly made ones are far better.

One morning, I enjoy a made-to-order omelet, and the next morning, I treat myself to blueberry chocolate pancakes. Both are excellent, but the pancakes are my personal favorite. They are a real highlight and make breakfast feel like a special start to my day.

On-Site Dining (7/10)

Avenue One Restaurant and Lounge, is the only full-service dining option on-site. On my first night, I decide to have dinner there. I need to work on a presentation and want something quick and easy without leaving the hotel.

After being seated, the waiter brings me water, and I order a sparkling water, which is complimentary. For dinner, I choose a turkey BLT with fries, served with a pickle on the side. The bread is perfectly toasted, the fries are crispy, and the meal is simple but satisfying. While it is not a standout culinary experience, it fits my needs perfectly for the evening. If I wanted a more localized or unique dining experience, I would explore one of the many off-property dining options in Boston.

Note: I learn that the restaurant menu changes every three to four months, offering new items regularly, which is a nice touch for repeat visitors.

The hotel also features a lobby bar with multiple purposes. In the morning, it operates as Avenue One Express, serving coffee and pastries to go. At night, it transforms into the appropriately named Lobby Bar, offering drinks and a relaxing space. There is also in-room dining available, though I do not try either of these options during my stay.

Staff And Service (7/10)

The Hyatt Regency Boston is primarily a conference hotel, so the service tends to focus on efficiency to accommodate large groups. However, since there is no conference happening during my stay, the staff are able to provide more personalized attention.

I find the service to be quite good for a U.S.-based conference hotel. At check-in, the reception team thanks me for being a Globalist, which I appreciate. Service during dinner and breakfast is fast and efficient, yet still polite and professional.

Housekeeping does an excellent job turning over my room each day. Everything is spotless, and I never notice any issues. While the staff do not go out of their way to make my stay feel particularly special, they succeed in ensuring my experience is smooth, pleasant, and hassle-free.

World of Hyatt Status And Benefits (7/10)

The World of Hyatt program is known for offering valuable status benefits, especially because its smaller global footprint means it needs to work harder to attract loyal customers. I am pleased to say that the staff at the Hyatt Regency Boston does an excellent job of recognizing my Globalist status.

When I arrive, I am warmly welcomed and personally thanked for my loyalty to Hyatt. Throughout my stay, I take advantage of several great benefits that come with my status:

• Free Daily Breakfast: I enjoy complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant, where the food selection is excellent.
• 30% Bonus Points: I earn extra points on all eligible spending during my stay.
• Waived Destination Fee: As a Globalist, I do not have to pay the destination fee, which is also waived for stays booked with points.
• Late Check-Out: While I do not need it on this trip, it is always nice to know that I can request a late check-out if needed.
• Complimentary Suite Upgrade: Although I do not receive a suite upgrade on this visit, my Globalist status did get me a slight room upgrade.

These benefits make my stay more enjoyable and provide excellent value, especially when traveling for both work and leisure.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy my two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Boston. Over the years, this property has become my go-to for business trips and quick overnights, thanks to its central location, reliable service, and practical amenities. Whether I need to be in the city for meetings, catch a flight, or enjoy a show in the Theater District, this hotel always delivers a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

The highlights of my stay include the convenient Globalist perks, such as free breakfast, waived destination fees, and friendly, efficient service. I also appreciate the spacious gym, which offers a great selection of equipment, even if it is a bit of a walk to reach it. While the absence of a pool is disappointing, the hotel makes up for it with its thoughtful touches, like the Boston Marathon-themed décor and references to the rich history of the city.

While I would not go out of my way to stay here for a leisure trip, the Hyatt Regency Boston is a reliable choice when I need to be in downtown Boston. It is not flashy, but it checks all the boxes for a pleasant and practical stay.