Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Needham

"Driving rain storm or not cars parking in handicapped spaces should tagged. Walking from far parking space was not an easy trip. Otherwise good staff and nice rooms."

"Really nice service! Good experience with expectations set vs other options in area and based on prior reviews. In particular: such nice front staff. I only interacted twice but walked by few times and heard others complimenting them as well. I think many of the guests aren’t the type to be online, so perhaps skewed perception from below? hotel itself was nice lobby, clean, decent room, very quiet (compared to residence and Sheraton down street), and surprisingly good breakfast- so much better than homewood - residence inn had the expensive Greek yogurt in both brands, and full array of options for adults and kids and mostly equivalent to what you’d chose for yourself for breakfast. Ironically only comment I overheard was a man asking for bread for toast (there were bagels and nice English muffins instead), so a package of bread could be easy solution there haha. Also some grandparents waiting on waffle maker for a while- I bet adding in another hot station ready made of pancakes would be a hit but generally amazing and better than cafes! In terms of location: I’m local (went for night just to get work done), so was all good for me, and most know what to expect or there for reason. I do think would go long way for random grandparents type guests to have clear walking paths to cutler, Panera etc (I crossed paths with an old couple who were sent to a sub place from front desk that was shuttered end of July.. 5 months ago… I didn’t want to contradict but I did inquire to front desk after they walked away hotel hadn’t been informed of their closing, and that person mentioned she had last week off lol… but she was so nice so not her fault.) Again, the couple wasn’t even upset, they had adventure. Everyone seems to love the staff there since they are so nice to the guests (was my experience as well), so perhaps just managerial effort to put together better recs, particularly since lots of nicer older couples trying to walk locally (which is tough but doable). Overall: Check in and check out- super easy and nice. Food: better than residence inn and non-existent options at Sheraton on same street. Tips to management to set yourself apart from local competitors and repeat clients: upgraded TVs that link to Netflix etc like other spots; a day pass option (was flexible for late checkout but given nature of folks stay in that area, I noticed many around till 5-6, so could have one for $25 for extension of overnight guests till 6 on vacant room, or $50 a day for a 10am-6pm (or 12-8) on empty rooms (seems to be many!) I know it’s cleaning service issue but would incrementally increase revenue overall (especially for locals with pool… which sat empty till 4pm…). Another idea: a hybrid “room service” option (just partner up few lunch spots like Pressed cafe, Panera, and few on that strip that aren’t walkable for a hybrid model of them placing the order through u, u do Grubhub or Uber eats order, charge to them, and have driver bring up to room? Again - think lots of folks feel isolated there if don’t know area so may help. Could offer Spiga and district 118 for dinner (partnership with taking small cut for increased revenue of deliveries there? No extra staff needed). Anyway, again, these just ideas for future. Overall, this is great spot for travelers coming to area. I usually like Homewood better, but comparing the two on the street- this one was superior in terms of breakfast, front desk staff, flexibility, room noise level, respectful guests, and lots of potential!"

"This is a very pleasant and well kept hotel, located in an industrial park. The overnight gentleman who checked me in was lovely and kind. However, I paid over $225 for a a night stay on business. I arrived at midnight, self parked my car, and was informed that they charge a $10 parking fee. In a huge mall-esque parking lot. In an industrial park. It seems insane to complain about, but it was just such an obviously greedy move from a corporation that it prompted me to write this review. It’s so unfortunate because I had a pleasant stay otherwise, but it just felt so gross and unnecessary. Even the person checking me in seemed embarrassed to even present the request. I stay a lot in this area, but definitely won’t be stopping at this location again."

"People who never stay in hotels shouldn't design them. A sleepless night here. - Noisy! Little to no soundproofing between floors and rooms. - Terrible HVAC. You can set your fan to "always on" to keep air moving, but only for about four hours or so, which means it craps out in the middle of the night. Welcome to the sweatbox. - Cheap bedding. Flat pillows, thin bedding and not enough of it (so you have to keep your room warmer--see sweatbox above). - The word "suite" doesn't mean what you think it means. These are large rooms, not suites--you're sleeping in the same room as the fridge and the dishwasher. My "suite" was partitioned out with random dressers. - In the middle of nowhere. Well, in the middle of a far-out industrial park, but nowhere. Calling this "Boston" is an overstatement. - No disposable cups and the permanent stuff that's here is stacked up in a cabinet like a college kid would do it. It's just icky. - There is coffee in the lobby, which is much appreciated after a sleepless night, but the cups are tiny. Dixie cups. Have a little mercy on us, Marriott, and bring on the 20 ouncers. Staff is nice and I feel bad for them, but this place is all-around janky and definitely not up to Marriott standards."

"New style residence inn - newer room style - and as always - very nice and well kept. Why 1 Stars... the arrogant cash grab for parking - 10 bucks for what - you are not responsible for anything, I'm just being charged 10 bucks because I booked through a third party - or will you respond with - No we charge everyone (aka - yes its just a cash grab to make our rates seem lower)... Will not (and did not) stay here again. The snooty attitude of the parking came through in almost every interaction with the front desk (yes I would like ice for a cup when I check in - the impatience I must have displayed was offsetting I'm sure - why wouldn't I want to wait an hour or two at 10 pm for ice to kick out of the ice maker in the room - who needs sleep... And YES, I stayed at the Hilton down the street - and guess what - booked 3rd party and wasn't charged parking (considering my car is there 10p to 7am, not sure why)..."