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East 2018 [Hotel] Partners and Discussion
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Honestly, a lot of people would argue the Seaport is the best choice, so you're definitely in a good spot.
I actually meant the "Aloft Boston Seaport." Didn't realize there was also a Seaport Hotel!
PSN: L00nyEclip
Steam: Loony Eclipse
Twitter: @Loonyeclipse
Aloft is definitely a solid hotel!
FYI, later in the day, after the queue hall is cleared out and what not, you can use the side entrance of the BCEC to just walk straight across the street to your hotel. Pretty convenient.
Honestly getting in the Westin is a pipedream that a lot of us chase but I can definitely say the Seaport, the Renaissance, and the Aloft are fantastic. Each has their perks. The Seaport has a really short walk in the morning to the entrance, the renaissance has a hidden starbucks that no one goes to, and the aloft has an extremely short walk in the evening (due to being able to go right across the street from the side exits).
I'm in the Aloft again this year and I'm not disappointed in the slightest.
Element is an extended stay hotel, so it's got the kitchenette, and it's a bit more spacious. I'd recommend Element over Aloft.
Yeah, I got in a few minutes early thanks to another Forumer posting the hotel link, and already the Westin only had single-bed, and I think for only some of the days. They probably had about two and a half rooms available.
...I'd forgotten about the Secret Starbucks (TM) when I made my booking.
PSN: L00nyEclip
Steam: Loony Eclipse
Twitter: @Loonyeclipse
Truthfully, the only real selling point that the Westin has going for it is its direct connection to the convention center. The walk to Renaissance and Seaport really isn't that bad, and now with the Aloft and Element you have options basically across the street. If you need that direct connection then by all means go for it, but you're perfectly fine anywhere within that "Big 5." And like I said before, many people would argue that those other hotels are better choices for various reasons anyway. There was a point where I would lose my mind if I didn't get the Westin but I'm honestly not that hard pressed anymore as long as I'm in that area.
I have stayed at the Westin, Seaport, and Renaissance multiple times and I can confirm the Seaport is our favorite of the "big three" in South Boston. I pass up chances for the Westin now to get rooms there. Its not THE closest but its pretty damn close. The Aloft and Element are new and haven't tried them yet so I'd love to get feedback from people who have stayed there as I might try it in future years, depending.
But yes as Zerzhul said, the Seaport is a really good grab so get hyped! :P
I stayed there last year. The rooms aren't large by any means but the restaurant downstairs was pretty good and the availability of fresh fruits as well as drinks and pastries in their shop is quite a nice addition. The rooms are well laid out, but as i said it probably wouldnt be great for someone trying to fit more than 2 people in a double occupancy. The place is well maintained and clean. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the short walk at night back to the door made it an easy call to rebook there.
I like the rooms at the renaissance better, but that short evening walk when your feet are already on fire by day 2 is a nice break lol.
Yea only room close and cheap is the midtown but thats 2.5 miles away and trying to get to pax on actual pax days is a pain. Says about 30 mins but with traffic could take even longer. So ill just be more careful with room sharing. I would have loved to get my own hotel at the close ones but didnt get them in time. Edit again was in process of booking it and now its gone.
As for the Westin.... I'll just leave this review here. It should cover most of my feelings.
I'm also in the Element. I stayed there once earlier this year on a separate trip to Boston and I loved it. Tho I didn't use most of the actual kitchen it has, having a full size fridge and an extra sink is amazing. Breakfast was not bad at all for being included free
Anyone else at the Element this time around?!
I booked Element this year so we could save some money on food instead of eating out every meal (so much $$$). I've not stayed there before, usually stayed at Seaport. Good to see some experienced opinions since I hadn't heard about most of those benefits :biggrin: