Residence Inn Boston Dedham

This hotel is often chosen for its spacious rooms and kitchenette amenities, providing a comfortable, extended-stay option for guests. It caters well to families seeking ample space and convenient amenities, business travelers looking for a quiet and functional environment, and sightseers due to its accessible location. However, a significant and recurring concern is the unavailability of the pool, which many guests booked specifically to use, often without prior notification. Feedback on cleanliness is notably mixed, with some guests reporting serious pest issues, while others found their rooms spotless. Similarly, experiences with staff vary, ranging from highly positive and helpful interactions to reports of unresponsiveness and rudeness. The property is frequently described as dated, though many acknowledge its overall functionality. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to confirm the pool's operational status before booking and to be prepared for potential noise from the nearby highway.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive mixed reviews, with the indoor pool being a significant point of contention. Many guests expressed disappointment as the pool was consistently closed for renovation or maintenance, often without adequate prior notification on booking platforms, which was a primary reason for their selection. Some even described the pool area as dirty, cold, or in poor condition with visible mold and peeling paint. On a more positive note, the fitness center is generally considered adequate, clean, and well-stocked for guest use. Many rooms are equipped with convenient kitchenettes or full kitchens, including a refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, which are highly appreciated for longer stays and for preparing meals. However, some guests reported issues with in-room televisions not working or lacking internet connectivity for smart features. The heating and air conditioning systems also drew criticism, with reports of loud operation, difficulty maintaining desired temperatures, and reliance on less efficient window units.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied. While many guests praised their rooms as very clean and spotless, a significant number reported concerning issues, including mouse droppings, rat poop, and even roaches, leading to serious dissatisfaction and concerns about overall hygiene. Other cleanliness issues mentioned include blood on blankets, hair in bathrooms, and unpleasant cigarette smells. The room condition is frequently described as spacious and large, which is a positive, but also often noted as dated and in need of updates, with some reporting visible wear such as stains on furniture, old carpets, and damaged fixtures. Regarding bed comfort, opinions are divided; some found the beds and couches comfortable, while others described mattresses as very hard, pillows as flat, or pull-out sofa beds as particularly uncomfortable due to thinness or exposed springs. Noise levels are a common complaint, with guests experiencing significant disturbance from highway traffic, loud heating systems, and noise from staff or other guests in hallways due to thin walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience primarily revolves around its complimentary breakfast, which receives generally positive, though mixed, feedback. Many guests found the breakfast to be good, delicious, and plentiful, appreciating the variety of options available. These often included fresh Belgian waffles, pastries, yogurt, and coffee, alongside hot items like eggs and sausage. Some guests particularly valued the availability of non-dairy milk options. However, some reviews indicated that the breakfast could be subpar, simple, or generic, with observations of long lines for waffles or eggs described as "spongy." There were also comments about the breakfast being heavy on carbohydrates and a shift towards more pre-packaged offerings, with a perceived lack of fresh food daily and limited gluten-free choices. Despite these criticisms, the breakfast is widely regarded as a convenient and filling start to the day for most guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering excellent accessibility to various points of interest. Guests appreciate its convenient proximity to a large shopping complex and numerous restaurants, often within walking distance. It is also well-situated near a commuter rail station, providing easy access for those looking to visit Boston or attend events like Patriots games, typically a 25 to 30-minute journey. The hotel's placement near a major highway further enhances its convenience for travelers. Parking is generally described as convenient and readily available, with many guests valuing the complimentary options. While some guests noted concerns about the immediate surrounding area, the overall consensus is that the location is highly functional and beneficial for both leisure and business travelers seeking easy access to local amenities and the wider city.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests reported positive interactions, describing the staff as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, with some individuals going above and beyond to assist. The check-in process was sometimes noted as quick and efficient. However, a significant number of reviews detail negative experiences, citing rude or unresponsive staff at the front desk who were perceived as disengaged or unhelpful, particularly when addressing guest concerns or issues. There were also complaints about high deposits being requested at check-in, causing frustration, and issues with mobile check-in not being honored. Housekeeping service also received mixed reviews; while some found rooms well-maintained, others reported issues such as rooms not being cleaned unless specifically requested for longer stays, or even premature check-outs and removal of belongings. The hotel's responsiveness to issues like non-working amenities or pest problems was often criticized as inadequate.

Additional Information
Several important details emerged from guest reviews that warrant attention. A critical and recurring concern is the presence of pests, with multiple reports of mouse droppings, rat sightings, and roaches in rooms, leading to significant distress and hygiene concerns. Guests also frequently noted that the hotel appears dated and in need of significant renovation, despite being advertised as updated; some felt only minor cosmetic changes had been made. For members of the rewards program, there were instances of dissatisfaction, with some guests reporting that their status was not recognized or that they did not receive expected benefits or resolutions for issues. Furthermore, guests encountered various hotel policies that caused frustration, including a strict noise policy leading to early quiet hours, issues with heating or hot water availability in rooms, and unexpected cancellation fees or additional charges like "tax recovery" fees, which were not clearly communicated upfront.