The folks at Marriott’s Residence Inn recently brought together a group of bloggers to learn about their brand and explore Boston. I was invited as a parent blogger, this was not a travel blog oriented trip, this was an experience for us moms and dads to learn about these extended stay properties, and what they have to offer families as they travel around America, and the world.
My first disclosure is that I stayed in Boston almost exactly one year ago and had such a great vacation, I almost booked the exact same trip for this Labor Day weekend. So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf, a spot that we had walked by almost exactly 1 year ago while we were on the Freedom Trail! Not only that, but this property is adjacent to the foot/car bridge my son had us stand on for 1 hour as he watched some guys fishing. It may not look like much to you, but wonderful memories flooded back to me when I arrived at this location!
Plus, the view from my room was awesome!
We spent the day exploring the city of Boston by taxi cab, boat, and with a walking tour of the North End. My niece started Boston University last year and that trip included a visit with her in her very first week of college ever. So while the boat passed her University, I snapped some photos to let her know Boston was eagerly awaiting her return this week!
Our walking tour of Boston’s Italian section, called the North End, was also a wonderful experience. I had done a walking tour of our own last year with an 8 year old child who was more interested in anything but history. I was able to enjoy several hours of just listening to this wonderful tour guide and learning about the history of this area. Below is the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s mom, Rose. Who knew she was born here?
I am married to an Italian American so it was all the more interesting, besides the fact that I have not learned anything new in the historical genre since college (and that was a few decades ago!). The North End of Boston is incredibly rich with the history of our country. And we had an excellent tour guide to explain it all.
We walked back to our Residence Inn, it was a quick trip over that bridge I fell in love with the year before. Did I mention that is was also a 5 minute walk to the USS Constitution? This all-suite property was located almost exactly on the Freedom Trail. I can’t speak for every property, but the central location of this Residence Inn is perfect for any trip to Boston, a city that everyone should visit with their family, it is incredibly rich in our history. If I am repeating myself it is because this is a must see city with your family!
We spent the next morning talking more about why the Residence Inn properties in the Marriott group are the perfect vacation hotel for families. Every room is a suite. Every couch folds out. Earlier this year we went away with my brother-in-law and his family of 5. These suites are something that would work perfectly for me, as well as for his larger family. Especially because each suite comes with a full kitchen.
A small full size fridge, a microwave, a dishwasher (and yes, the staff cleans your dishes!), a stove, and the ability to have the staff do your grocery shopping at no extra charge! I am thrifty (read cheap) and I would immediately take advantage of the grocery shopping amenity. I have been known to travel to Paradise Island with a suitcase full of snacks to save money, instead of paying tourist prices. Between that and the case of water I would request, this would already add up to a nice cost savings for me. Additionally, you could have lunch supplies purchased, it is costly enough to eat out dinner when we are on vacation, having to eat out lunch as well could literally mean 1 less trip a year. The larger your family, the greater the potential savings.
Some of what I also learned was that the Residence Inn is a pioneer in the extended-stay hotel segment. (For full disclosure, I will share that I had been at an event with a competitor’s property, but never wrote about it. The passion for the brand did not come across, it more than does with Marriott’s Residence Inn’s staff.) These apartment style accommodations are perfect for the trips my family takes. I have a 9 year old son, so weekend vacations are too quick, I like to stay at a property for 5 days or longer. I want to settle in, I don’t want to live out of a suitcase. The larger suite size of the Residence Inn works much better for that purpose. This would also be perfect for extended stay business trips, there is a work space, the ability to have your shopping done so you have an alternative to fast food at every meal, free wifi and a business center, and even a laundry room, standard on all the properties. I don’t want to do laundry when I am on vacation, but sometimes I have to. It costs much less to do it yourself while the kid is hanging out at the pool with the spouse (yes, almost all properties have an on-site pool, this is a must have when I travel with my son!), then sending it out to some over priced service.
And the longer you stay, the better the rate. Last year we booked our Boston stay based on the fact that the 5 night rate was the best deal.
I have to say my only disappointment was that I did not know there was a 24 hour health club at this property, I would have been sure to bring my workout gear and not used it! Ha!
I am heading off to pick up my family at my in-laws. The topic of discussion will be about planning a trip to Boston with my brother-in-laws family and staying at this same Residence Inn. The Residence Inn’s are generally in fantastic locations (soon to be 3 in my own home town of Manhattan!), great size accommodations, and the nicest staff you will ever meet! There is also a fantastic breakfast that was so good, it requires a separate post!
For more information and to book, visit Residence Inn by Marriott.
And follow on Facebook and Twitter because there is always some extra info there!
Disclosure: I was provided transportation to Boston to learn about the Residence Inn properties by Marriott. I was provided with a room for a night, food, and a tour of the city. No other compensation was received. All opinions are always 100% my own and honest.
BenSpark says
I didn’t realize that you would be in Boston! Hope you enjoy the stay.
Jean Parks says
Hold the phone! These people will shop for my groceries AND do my dishes? I live in Boston & didn’t know about this place! Sorry I didn’t get to see you while you were here, come back soon!
Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama says
We love staying at Residence Inns when we travel because of all the fabulous features for families. All the ones where we’ve stayed have great pools and you can’t beat the convenience of the buffet breakfast and staff that is always kind to kids. I’m glad that you had such a great time in one of my favorite cities! I went to grad school there and miss it!
Teresa Young says
Residence Inns by Marriott sound fantastic for family stays – we are planning a trip to Florida next year & they have a location in Fort Myers Sanibel – it will definitely be on our ‘short list’ of places to stay.
Elizabeth Owens says
The room looks so spacious! I love that you had a full size fridge/freezer and table. That is unheard of!