Stayed at the Custom House with my parents and 2 year old daughter. The pull-out sofa was horrible with metal sticking out and a very thin mattress. When we talked to the front desk about it they laughed and said that was what happens over time to these sofas! - Then someone came and dropped an air mattress on the floor without any assistance. The front desk staff was not helpful at all during our stay. The bathroom is in desparate need of renovation as well and the picture quality in the tv awful - again the staff said that was something that could not be helped. To shorten this whole story this was the worst stay we have ever experienced at a Marriott and we checked out three nights early and moved to the Kimpton property NineZero which we loved. The Custom House is in a charming old building but really needs some updating. The hotel is in a great neighborhood and could be very good but is not today.

We really enjoyed the location being close to the harbor & North End. Subway entrance right across the circle entrance made it very easy to travel around the city. Unfortunately we were not able to get much sleep due to the noise from the bars located around the hotel. A previous post had warned of the problem, and they were right. It affected us even on the 7th floor. I really liked the area, but might look at the other Marriott property next time. The internet also did not work in our room & we wasted a morning while the engineer worked on the problem. You use your room key for elevator access & our last morning my son & I were locked out of the elevator & our room twice. Front desk was helpful.

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!