HotelChatter

A cordial and informative Onyx worker took me on a tour of open rooms.  He seemed genuinely excited to be working for the Onyx and reminded me that today's opening was a "soft launch" and that I should come back in a couple weeks when the mayor cuts the ribbon.

The property itself is definitely small and lacking in the views department (at least in the views I saw).  Furthermore, the rooms are not large, and the bedding choice appears to be two twins or a queen.  On the other hand, the hotel was not without its unique quirks.  Each room comes equipped with leopard print robes; some sort of yoga channel option, and according to the staff free wireless will be piped in throughout the hotel.

Boston is a location-based town, and the new Hotel Onyx is in an interesting section of town.  It is right across from the Fleet Center and very close to the North End.  However, one should not attempt to drive to the Onyx, nor should one book it thinking the freedom trail is directly outside your door.  If you do stay here you will be on top of North Station, which may or may not fit into your plans.

There is nothing like being one of the first folks in a hotel.  There is a definite "new hotel" smell analogous to that "new car" scent, and such a smell was evident in the corridors of Hotel Onyx yesterday.  The staff informed me that rooms would be at a $149 introductory rate for a while, as they are looking to sell out the hotel for much of the summer.  Certainly Britney Spears involvement in the property*, and the Democratic Convention in July, will help the Onyx in the short term.  

If you are looking for a swank new boutique hotel in Boston close to the Fleet Center or North Station, check out the Onyx.  

*Britney and her Mom apparently designed a room...Hotel Chatter will attempt to tour the room in a couple weeks and post photos here...stay tuned.