Our recent trips to Boston included stays at Marriott, Hilton, Westin and Hyatt hotels and we decided to aim a little higher this time. Taking advantage of weekend "3 for 2" rates, we chose Mandarin Oriental, having never stayed at the Boston location even though we have stayed at Mandarins in other locations.

The hotel did not disappoint. The rooms are modern and cozy, the location is excellent if you want access to restaurants and shopping without going outside in the Winter....and if you do want to go outside, Newbury Street is just around the corner with more restaurants and shops.

Service is top quality, as good as we would expect from a hotel of this level. The free Mercedes pick up and drop off is not quite as convenient due to the requirement that it is booked in advance, can only go a maximum of two miles and only in 1/2 hour increments, but who can really complain about free Mercedes service, even if it requires a little schedule adjustment? It really is a nice touch that we appreciated.

The staff is amazingly well selected and trained, including front desk staff, room service, housekeeping and concierge, all of which we utilized.

My wife and I recently spent a night at the Mandarin Oriental to celebrate an anniversary. We ended up having a very nice time with the staff and the spa being the highlights. To begin with, however, we were placed in a room right next to some kind of a service entrance. We had paid for a relatively nice room so I was disappointed when my brief afternoon nap was interrupted every 3-4 minutes by the sound of a door closing. After a call to the front desk, we were quickly relocated and loved our new room. The spa is among the best that we have been to and the staff throughout was exceptional. Breakfast in the room was excellent the next morning. I would have given five stars except for the initial room placement. Avoid room 520 and you will have a wonderful time at this lovely hotel in a very nice location.

We absolutely loved our stay at the Mandarin Oriental this last weekend in January. The service is impeccable. The staff went out of their way to be accommodating. From the front desk, to the bellmen, to the concierge, to the spa staff, to the restaurant manager. We had a great, relaxing time, which was exactly what we needed. I would recommend the Boston Mandarin Oriental highly, to anyone that is considering staying there. You won't be disappointed!

Everything about the stay was absolutely perfect. Hotel staff was super courteous and helpful in every regard! Will definitely look to stay at at a MO on our next trip. Location is great as well to walk around Back Bay.