Related Resources • More Reader Lodging Reviews • Submit Your Review • Boston Hotels

Elsewhere on the Web • Onyx Hotel Web Site

The street where the Onyx Hotel is located--Portland Street--is a very small street. Knowing Boston, we did find it through all of the winding turns of the "Big Dig." Once things simmer down in the future, it will be easier. It is within walking distance to Haymarket Square T stop, which is probably what we will do next time instead of driving, since we only live south of Boston. 

There were vehicles parked on Portland Street, and the road was quite busy. However, the doorman immediately noticed that we were trying to get there, so we just stopped the car. It was a Friday morning, and Boston Harborfest was just beginning on the July 4th weekend. 

We chose Valet Parking, which is $34 a night, as we didn't know of anywhere to park before we got to the hotel. There is a parking garage, but the rate was not known to us. Valet service was well worth the price.

The decor in the Onyx Hotel lobby is very elegant--vivid reds and gold. The lobby is small, however. I wouldn't want to be checking in with a group. There is a very long sofa for waiting, which is nice if you need it. Luckily, we had no wait and were immediately and very professionally helped by the gentleman at the counter. We had received an opening rate at the hotel because of our prior stay at the Hotel Marlowe, so I really do not know the usual rate. Boston in summer is pretty standard for rates, and this is most likely on the high end. 

I did, however, hear rumor that Britney Spears has a suite at the hotel when in town (for those that care). The staff, however, is very closed mouth about it. [Editor's Note: The Onyx Hotel actually allows guests to book the Britney Spears room, decorated by her mother to resemble the pop singer's bedroom at home.]

We were taken to our room on the ninth of 10 floors. We had a view of the Boston skyline; some rooms don't have any view other than the next building. The room was in the same color combination as the lobby--very luxurious. Extra pillows, comfortable bed (we had a king), and all of the usual amenities were included: coffee maker, hair dryer, honor bar, nightly turndown, morning newspaper, etc. 

The bellman was very prompt and efficient. It seems that the ice machines were not yet installed, so he got ice from elsewhere. 

The rooms are small and probably are not good for any more than two people. They are very comfortable, furnished with a chair, TV, large bathroom and all new fixtures. 

The Onyx Hotel is within walking distance of many Boston attractions. City cabs are always available for those who don't walk. We walked to Faneuil Hall, the North End, Beacon Street, across the Boston Common and around. When we returned to our room the first day, a knock at the door brought us a large apple and a bottle of Perrier water, which was very refreshing after being in the sun all day. We were then getting ready for our dinner in the North End and went down to the lobby, where they have a wine hour from 5 until 6 p.m. They have open red and white wine that you serve yourself, and you can either mingle with others or take your glass of wine around the wall to the hotel's elegant lounge. The lounge is a wonderful space for a final drink at night. We caught part of the Daytona 500 with others, and it was nice to not be cheering alone. We left Sunday morning, checked out, and our car was returned. In our checkout envelope was a $20 gift certificate for a return visit. 

There was nothing we didn't like about the Onyx Hotel, and we would recommend it to other couples. I don't feel it is a place for couples with children; however, it is pet-friendly. They have dog biscuits out front when you arrive. Can't wait to go again. Perhaps in the fall.