Stylish Yet Pricey: The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection in Boston

After my graduation ceremony was canceled last year due to the pandemic, I was overjoyed to learn that this year’s event would take place in person at the iconic Fenway Park. Now, I just needed to choose where to stay in Boston.

Boston boasts a wide variety of intriguing hotels, many of which can be booked using points. However, there was one hotel I had my eye on for quite some time: The Envoy Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection.

The Envoy is a contemporary 136-room hotel situated in the vibrant Seaport District, close to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Financial District, and Downtown Crossing. Hotels in Boston can be pricey, and this one is particularly so, so I was eager to see how it would perform.

Reservation Details

Staying at the Envoy Hotel isn't inexpensive. While rates can start around $200 during the off-season, they typically rise to about $500 per night throughout much of the year, and even higher during peak times like graduation season. This pricing is on par with some of the city’s more upscale hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental.

Alternatively, you can redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay. The Envoy Hotel falls under Category 7 in the Bonvoy program, meaning a complimentary night will require 50,000 points during off-peak times, 60,000 on standard nights, and 70,000 on peak nights. Based on TPG valuations, those points equate to $400, $480, or $560 per night.

If you need to boost your Bonvoy points, consider applying for a Marriott card like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Currently, it offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months, plus an additional 50,000 points after staying six eligible nights at Marriott hotels by January 31, 2024. This offer expires on August 9.

Card benefits include an annual award night worth up to 85,000 points each year after your renewal month at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (note that some hotels may charge resort fees), up to $300 in annual statement credits (up to $25 per month) for eligible restaurant purchases worldwide, and instant Platinum Marriott elite status. The card carries a $650 annual fee (see rates & fees).

Location

The Envoy Hotel is situated along the waterfront in Boston's Seaport District. It is less than a 10-minute drive from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and approximately a 10-minute walk from South Station. If you opt for the free Silver Line bus from the airport, you'll be dropped off just half a block from the hotel.

The hotel boasts an ideal location, with key attractions in the Seaport District, including the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, just a short stroll away. The area is rich with shops, restaurants, museums, and even features a bowling alley and a beer garden. Additionally, guests can easily access some of Boston's iconic landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and the Massachusetts State House. However, it is somewhat distant from other popular destinations like Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Fenway Park.

Important: If you're planning to visit soon, allow extra time when using rideshare services due to a current driver shortage in Boston. It’s also advisable to have the contact information for local taxi companies, including the Boston Cab Association, Metro Cab of Boston, and the Independent Taxi Operators Association.

Check-In

Upon entering the lobby, I was struck by its modern and stylish decor. It felt reminiscent of a W Hotel but was much brighter, thanks to the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A striking oversized chandelier made from reclaimed ropes and phone cords took center stage, while an interactive wall of heat-sensing bulbs behind the check-in desk responded to my movements.

I arrived at the hotel at 11 a.m. on a Friday, and even as a Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite member, I was pleasantly surprised to receive my room immediately—quite impressive since check-in typically starts at 3 p.m. The check-in staff were both friendly and efficient, and before long, I had my keys in hand. I could have chosen contactless check-in for a mobile key if I preferred.

Room

The hotel effectively captures the seaport vibe in its design. The elevator boasts a mural of the nearby ocean, and as the doors opened on my floor, I was welcomed by a wavy art installation that reflects the movement of the tide.

I was allocated a classic two-queen room on the sixth and top floor of the hotel. At just under 400 square feet, it was a comfortable size for my one-night stay.

True to its locale, the room's design featured a glass wall adorned with a map of Boston, separating the bedroom from the bathroom. It showcased a modern yet minimalist aesthetic with neutral hues and reclaimed wood elements. I did wish for a corner or water-view room, as those offer floor-to-ceiling windows.

The beds were cozy, adorned with crisp white linens and an abundance of pillows. While I might complain that they seemed a bit plain without decorative pillows and throws, these were likely removed due to Marriott's enhanced cleaning protocols. Each bed featured wall-mounted reading lights on either side, along with built-in power outlets and USB ports—essential amenities for me.

Opposite the beds was a stylish yet comfy desk chair paired with a sleek desk. This workspace featured built-in power outlets and USB ports on the side, which I greatly appreciated. As someone who travels with numerous gadgets, I found it easy to charge everything simultaneously.

The television was mounted on a stand crafted from a bicycle frame. While it sounded like a fun idea, it turned out to be somewhat impractical due to its low height. Ironically, the hotel didn't provide any bicycles for guests to use aside from those available in the gym, which I'll discuss later.

There was no minibar, but two complimentary bottles of water were provided. Although there was a coffee maker, it lacked cups and other necessary supplies to use it.

A large bean bag chair occupied a corner of the room. While I appreciate unique furniture, this piece was quite uncomfortable in reality. Fortunately, it seems only certain rooms feature this, while others offer more comfortable chaise lounges.

The bathroom was tidy and bright, though somewhat compact. It featured a single sink with a safe tucked away in the drawer underneath. As mentioned earlier, the bathroom was enclosed by sliding glass doors adorned with a map of Boston. The toilet had its own water closet with a proper door for privacy.

The shower was a walk-in design, equipped with two showerheads: a rainfall option and a handheld one. I appreciated the Malin + Goetz toiletries, but found the bath towels to be a bit small and not very soft.

Adjacent to the bathroom was an open closet featuring a few hangers and two drawers. It also included a pull-out iron and ironing board for convenience.

Amenities

As a boutique hotel in the city, my expectations for amenities were moderate. Surprisingly, the second floor featured a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center. While it wasn't overly large, it offered the essentials for a workout on the go, including a Hydrow rowing machine and three Peloton bikes — a popular choice among the TPG team. Due to pandemic restrictions, the facility limited access to four guests at a time, and some equipment appeared to have been removed to facilitate social distancing.

Nestled in the lobby's corner is a compact business center equipped with two laptops, along with printing and scanning facilities. There’s also a coworking area featuring easily accessible power outlets.

Wi-Fi is complimentary for all guests and boasts impressive speed. A recent speed test revealed a download rate of 87.83 Mbps and an upload rate of 107.27 Mbps.

Dining Options

The main dining venue, Outlook Kitchen, is conveniently situated just off the lobby. While it is temporarily closed, a Latin-inspired pop-up eatery, Para Maria, will be taking its place for the summer season.

The highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly the Lookout Rooftop, a favorite gathering place for both locals and tourists.

This space features a blend of indoor and heated outdoor seating, boasting some of the finest views of the city's skyline. During winter, you can enjoy the scenery from transparent-walled igloos equipped with heaters, making it a year-round attraction. On weekend evenings, it transforms into a lively nightclub atmosphere, complete with a line outside and a bouncer checking IDs.

Renowned for its drinks, the rooftop bar also offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The menu, though not extensive, features a nice variety of options, including a mezze bowl, chorizo flatbread, sweet and spicy pork belly, along with New England favorites like clam chowder and a fish sandwich.

I visited for brunch and enjoyed a pepper and egg white sandwich, paired with overnight oats. The food was served in paper containers and was quite tasty, although the bag of chips that accompanied my sandwich felt somewhat mismatched.

Service

With just 136 rooms, many of which were vacant during my stay, the hotel exudes a boutique ambiance. The front desk staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating. In addition to an early check-in, I received one of the latest check-out times I've ever experienced. The hotel allowed me to keep my room until around 7 p.m. while I attended my graduation, rather than the typical noon check-out.

The room was spotless, and the TV remote was sealed to indicate sanitization. Disinfectant wipes were also provided for personal use. I requested a pair of slippers, which were promptly delivered.

Overall impression

The Envoy Hotel stands out from typical Marriott properties with its distinctive design that reflects its surroundings. Though often overlooked, the Seaport District serves as an excellent base for city exploration, boasting a variety of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Would I stay here again? Definitely, but only if the nightly rate is on the lower end. Justifying a higher price tag would be challenging, especially when I could opt for upscale options like The Ritz-Carlton at a similar cost. Even the nearby W Boston, recently renovated and equally stylish, often comes at a significantly lower price than the Envoy.

All images courtesy of Benji Stawski/Dinogo