What a great stay in Boston! I booked this hotel through an exchange of points and a little cash with RCI. I wasn't sure if this hotel would be "worth it" - boy was I glad I splurged and booked here! The room was huge - about 650 sq feet - which I understand all the rooms are large. The main area had a queen sleeper, a dining table for 4, a counter area with mini fridg, coffee maker sink etc. Dishware in the cupboards for 4. The bedroom had a king bed with lush duvet and 14 (we counted!) pillows! small safe in closet, ample drawer areas and laundry basket. Bathroom was large in size but only a single sink and tub/shower area. This room would have comfortable held a family of four looking to stay in the downtown area and not have to book two rooms.

The hotels location was the main reason for booking - as previously reported it is right across the street from the Fanueil Hall/Quincy market area (convenient for food and if shopping - not having to lug packages around all day). Also a 10-20 minute walk from most of the common historic sites (freedom trail sites, Italian area, etc.) Aquarium, splash fountains and so forth.
I traveled alone with my daughter and was a little concerned about the number of bars and pubs nearby - but it was really no big deal at all - and we were there during the 4th of July celebration which included several members on shore leave from the Navy and the Marines celebrating at the pubs but it wasn't an issue for us at all. We were on the 19th floor facing the pubs - and the only real noise that bothered me was several fire trucks at a nearby apartment building - but that can't be helped - its city life.

My daughter liked the chocolate chip cookies at the reception desk when we checked in and thought it was cool to have the game room - even though several things were out of order. We also spent time on the observation deck looking at the city view and for the falcons that nest on the building.
Parking was expensive here ($38 a night) but I parked and didn't move the car during our stay as the Aquarium T stop was right out the front door of the hotel.

In Boston we enjoyed the Frog Pond area and make Way for Ducklings at Boston Common, We took two days to explore the sites on the freedom trail up to the bridge over to the USS Constitution and my 10 yo was fascinated by the blanks in history she was able to fill in (plus the National Treasure movies sparked some interest as well). I might have moved along a little more but I didn't want to discourage her from soaking it all up. We liked the foot tour but our very knowledgeable guide the best. (Boston by Foot)

Most mornings were a quick pastry and coffee at the nearby Au Bon Pain. We had an ok dinner at Joes recommended by hotel staff - I wouldn't go again but it wasn't horrible. We enjoyed dinner one evening at cafe Florentine in the North End followed by a stop at Mikes Pastry shop for Gelato for daughter and an espresso and Canoli for me. Most of our other meals were eaten in the Quincy Market which had some very good places and some places that were like eating at the food court in the local mall.
Overall we had a fantastic stay in Boston and I can't wait to go back. I will surely book this hotel if its available!

We stayed at the Custom House from June 29th to July 3rd, 2008. I can't say enough great things about this place. If you can spend the money, stay here with small children! Paid $329 per night on Priceline last -minute for a 1 bedroom suite. Arrived and got a 19th floor harborview 1 bedroom suite which was amazing. 1st time in Boston, traveling with 9 mo old and 4 yr old. Perfect location - Faneuil Hall/Quincy Marketplace, Aquarium/Imax, horsedrawn charriages, trolley and boat tours all within 1-2 blocks. Little Italy, parks with playgrounds within 5 minute walk. Boston Common within 10-12 minutes. T (subway) station and a 24 hr market right out the front door - don't even need to cross the street.
Game room with ping pong, air hockey, video games and even a train table (4 yo was in heaven - but BYOT - bring your own trains) on the 24th floor. 26th floor has an observation deck with amazing 360 degree views of city, harbor, accessible ONLY to hotel guests - another awesome perk. Game room has vending machines for snacks and several washers and dryers. Laundry was free to guests and room includes one package of Tide, can buy more at front desk. We did laundry while 4yo played trains! For those without small kids, every evening offered an interesting speaker - wish we could have attended.
Downside - breakfast not included, but is offered for a small fee on 1st floor daily. No hotel restaurant, but Faneuil Hall has dozens of restaurants in and out of its food court one-half block away.
One tip - best place for baby food and diapers was Rite-aid several blocks away across from City Hall - rest of food could be found at the 24 hr market outside the hotel. Rooms clean enough that I let our 9 mo old crawl on the floor, which I rarely do. Finally, the hotel has their own off-street court for unloading, so no rushed frenzy to load/unload the car and all your stuff with small kids - plenty of space and didn't feel rushed even in peak travel season. Enjoy- this place is wonderful!

My wife and children stayed at the Custom House for a week; June 6-13, and had a great experience. It is very close to several inexpensive eateries, parks, wharf, harbour, and historic places.
The staff; Anna, Norbit, John, Ellen, Chris, and Karen, GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO ASSIST YOU.
Because it is an historic building, there are no large grounds to roam around like many other Marriott ressorts, but you have all of Boston.
My three boys ages 16, 13, and 10 loved the arcade/gameroom and proximity to the aquarium and other places. On the 26 floor is an observation deck....you feel like your on the entire state building, neat experience, and the GYM is great...TV"s on the treadmils! The Custom House is very very clean. One thing is that there is no pool, BUT you can cross the street to the Marriott long Wharf and use their pool, which we did most evenings...very nice pool, with outside sitting deck!!
The Custom House is close to some bars; but nice bars, not dives. It can be a bit noisy on Friday and Sat nights, but request a higer floor, we were on floor 23 and heard NO NOISE from the street. We were there during the Celtic-Laker playoffs and LOVED the excitement in the streets.
We took the ferry to procincetown, great day trip, and took a very inexpensive limo tour with Antique limo tours; a 1939 cadalac limo, awesome experience, and cheaper than a trolly tour for a famiy of five, and it was a personal of the city!
We booked the Custom House as an exchange and had a perfect vacation. The Italian food in the north end is so good.

This is an excellent time share property. The room we stayed in on the second floor was refreshingly different. It was a loft suite with the original custom house marble and plaster appointments along with a modern half kitchen. Unlike other reviews, we did not find the furniture to be excessively worn or dated. The 26th floor observation floor was a great feature. The gym on the 25th floor was well equipped and if you feel like a swim you can use the pool at the Long Wharf just across the street. The location is excellent as it is a short walk to Quincy Market and the North End and the Aquarium T stop is right outside the front door. The walk downtown (The Common and Public Garden) is only about 15 minutes. For breakfast try Anthony's Deli about two blocks away across from Columbus Park. And for lunch pick up something at the Golden Goose market in the same direction.