Boston Park Plaza Hotel

I stayed at the Boston Park Plaza in August 2005; I'd just hot-footed it from a dingy youth hostel in Everett, MA that day, so a shiny new hotel seemed like a sight for sore eyes. I paid approximately $119 for a standard room, and boy was it standard! I opened the door and it hit against the side of the bed. Having said that, even though the quarters were diminutive, everything in the room was spotless and in its place, and the room even smelled freshly cleaned. Basic amenities were provided - cable tv, coffee/tea maker, towels, standard toiletries, and free broadband internet access (though I did not have my laptop with me).
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful at the front desk, and the porter was only too happy to oblige taking my luggage up to the room even though I was dropped off at the wrong entrance by the taxi! The lobby is very large, lavish and classically grand, so it's no surprise that it's a member of the historic hotels of America. The concierge was also very knowledgeable, and provided me with a map, directions and information and helpful tips about the local tourist sites.
There is also a (rather expensive!) restaurant/bar on-site, which I did not have the time to go to but glanced at the menu and noted that it offered quite up scale fare and an extensive drinks menu.
In terms of the local area, it's in the Back Bay, and practically right on the Freedom Trail itself, which was very handy given that I was on foot for my vacation. The down-town shopping areas, including the Prudential Mall and Newbury St, are all within walking distance, and there is a Walgreens just right down the street.
All in all, if I could book a bigger room next time, I'd be happy to return - given the hotel prices in Boston, I'm quite surprised I got a standard room down-town so cheap (even if it was quite cramped!).