The Envoy Hotel in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood opened in 2015 and is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The six story building includes 136 guest rooms, restaurant off the lobby, and rooftop bar with views of downtown Boston.
I received five free nights at Marriott properties through a Chase credit card sign up. Each of these free nights could be used at a property that cost up to 50,000 points, though up to an additional 15,000 points could be added if the award night was more expensive.
I booked two nights at The Envoy Hotel over Presidents’ Day Weekend. Saturday night was 64,000 points (free night certificate plus 14,000 points) and Sunday night was exactly 50,000 points (free night certificate). There is no resort fee as of 2024.
Location
The Envoy is located on the northwest side of the Seaport, a newly developed portion of Boston built on the old south waterfront. There is a lot to do around the hotel; including tons of restaurants in this shiny, modern (and somewhat soulless) development.
The closest T (subway) station is South Station (Red Line), a 10 minute walk. There is a bus tunnel stop across the street that can take you to the airport on the Silver Line. It’s about a 20 minute walk to Faneuil Hall or the Old Statehouse.
Check In
I arrived around 2:30 and my room wasn’t ready yet, so I left my bag and took a walk around the neighborhood. When I returned at 3:15 my room was ready. I was told since I had booked two separate reservations that I would need to stop back in the next day to update my keycards.
The lobby, and the entire hotel, has a slight boat theme — including a chandelier made of fishing ropes and telephone cords.
Room
I was assigned room 329.
As you enter, the toilet is immediately on your right in its own enclosed area followed by a glass sliding panel with the shower and sink. To the left is an open closet area and wall mirror.
The bed faces a TV mounted on what looks like the frame of a bicycle.
Next to the TV is a desk with rustic leather chair.
Against the window is another leather chair as well as a leaning book shelf with light.
There are a lot of lights in the room; each with their own way of being controlled. Some have wall mounted switches, others have switches on the fixture. I found the lighting to be a bit confusing. For example, the light over the bed was controlled by a switch somewhat hidden by the leaning shelves. It couldn’t be turned on or off while in bed.
There is no fridge in the room but there is a coffee maker. One bottle of water was provided.
The floor to ceiling window looked out directly on Seaport Blvd, a five lane arterial that is extremely noisy at all hours.
If you are a light sleeper I would avoid this property. Not only the traffic noise, but sounds from adjoining rooms was loud. The curtains did not do a good job of keeping out the noise or the light.
Bathroom
The bathroom is divided into two sections. The first is the shower and sink area that can be closed off with a sliding glass panel. However, it does not offer much privacy if you are sharing the room with someone else — there is a gap between the two glass walls.
The sink is small with not much counter space. However the shower is quite roomy. For some reason I only had bath towels when I checked in; so I called down and asked for hand towels and washcloths. Only hand towels were delivered.
The shower is quite nice with a large rain shower and a hand held wand.
Wall mounted bath products by Five Wits were provided in addition to bars of soap.
The toilet is in a separate cubicle with a solid door by the entrance.
Rooftop Bar
One of the draws of the property is a rooftop bar with great views towards downtown and Boston Harbor. During the winter there are heated domes available.
Unique art is located in the elevator lobby of each floor.
I found the service at The Envoy to be hit or miss. When I asked for a bucket of ice it was at my room within 60 seconds. However, after being gone for the day, when I returned at 4:30 my room hadn’t been made up.
If you have a free night certificate, the value is good at the property. Cash rates seem to start around $300 in off season but can go north of $500. The property is new but amenities are limited. I would imagine most rooms are going to be quite loud and as it is only five floors of guest rooms, no room is high enough to get above the noise.
I do like the location but it isn’t particularly central to the tourist areas of Boston. If it were my first time visiting Boston, I would have much preferred to stay at the new Hyatt Centric or another property located along the Freedom Trail.
Have you stayed at The Envoy? What were your impressions?
