Description: This is a return trip for us to the Marriott Custom House - a part of the
Marriott Vacation Club - therefore all rooms are suites. The hotel itself is a historic building - a former "Custom House" with a Clock Tower, Rotunda and Counting Room - marble everywhere and a large winding stairway in the atrium. The 26th floor has an observation deck with great views. the game room and health club are not much to speak of, but a nice touch is the laundry room that is complimentary - even detergent is provided.
Our suite was a very spacious one bedroom with high molded ceilings and very long narrow draped windows overlooking
Faneuil Hall Market Place and the Old North Church beyond. The living room/dining room combo has plenty of storage space in a large dark wood armoir that houses a TV/DVD player and cabinet with drawer space. The mini kitchen area is well stocked with dishes to serve four, a small refrigerator, coffee maker, micro and blender.
The Counting Room is set up for continental breakfast as a service to guests - on the honor system - you sign for what you eat and coffee is free. Pricing is very reasonable...fruit cup $1.50.....muffins $1.00....waffles $2.00. Starting at 5PM, a bar is open and there is some sort of entertainment a few nights per week - guitarist, jazz combo etc. Another perk is the use of the pool at the Long Wharf Marriott just across the street.
The location of the Custom House is perfect - across the street from the "Aquarium" stop on the subway (metro). One block to the
Aquarium and Imax, a five minute walk to the
North End (Italian Section) and around the corner from Quincy Market with all of it's shops and restaurants.
The staff is extremely pleasant - all employees greet you with a smile and each time that you enter or leave the hotel, you are asked how your day was or if then can help you with anything.
The food court at Quincy Market has such yummy things....Chinese, Pizza, Pastas, Chicken, Salads, Heros, Chowders, Lobster, Thai, Pastries, Gelato and superb Desserts. Can't find an empty table - no problem - take it back to your room where you have a dining table and refrigerator for left-overs.
Can;t beat this for a family - Marriott even offers a 2-night special for $299 which requires you to attend a very low key Vacation Club presentation. Remember - they are Marriott and don't want to take a chance of offending you with high pressure sales tactics. We'll certainly return on our next Boston excursion.
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