Our travels back to the States have been eventful, to say the least. But a good night’s sleep is always welcome when we are traveling. One of the perks of living so publicly and sharing our lives through this blog are the occasional invitations we receive to write a review and share our experiences about hotels, attractions, etc. On this occasion, we were so grateful to receive the opportunity to to stay at 40 Berkeley in Boston in exchange for our honest review.
Visiting the United States is expensive. Staying in Boston is more expensive than I could have imagined. This was our first time visiting New England, and our first visit to Boston. We have been living on a budget now for just about 4 years and our relationship to money has changed drastically. Knowing that Boston is one of the most expensive cities to visit we were so grateful for the opportunity to stay in a hotel for two nights without having to pay. But according to the 40 Berkeley web site, our room rate would be over a $100 a night. Here’s what you get for that in Boston:
Our room, was a simple dormitory room style, equipped with two single beds, desk in front of the window and a very functional radiator heater on the the well. For me, the mint green walls had a calming effect, since hey, green is my favorite color. Down the hall we found the shared bathrooms, a common concept on our travels. (For some reason I forgot to take a photo of our dorm room, but the photos on 40 Berkeley web site are pretty accurate.)
The Bathroom
The bathrooms were clean and there was plenty of hot water to accommodate the guests on our floor. Our first night there, I took a very hot bath in the deep bathtub, and lounged undisturbed for about 30 minutes. Privacy though is consideration, as several women came into the bathroom and used the toilet while I was in the bath, and the smell was not always so pleasant. Just saying.
The Envirnoment
The halls were clean and sterile. There were security domes with cameras throughout the hotel and I personally felt like I was being watched which was a little unsettling, although many find that comforting. Miro and I talked about how the hostel has a very formal feeling in contrast to many of the hostels we’ve stayed at in Central and South America.
There was wifi throughout the hostel, a TV room down near the loby and rocking chair through out invited us to relax and check emails. However, more than once, I had flash backs of living in college dorm, oh so many years ago.
The loby was clean and inviting. The staff was friendly and helpful. There were fresh cookies to greet us when we checked in and free popcorn popping throughout the day. The waiting area was stuffed full with information about Boston and the activities and all questioned went answered.
Breakfast Included
Every breakfast food you can think of was included. Cafeteria style. Miro and I both felt overwhelmed with choices so we ended up with odd combinations. Miro: a plate of bacon, French toast and cornflakes. Me: yoghurt, cheerios and pumpernickel toast. The coffee, milk and juice came from a machine and always ready to refill until our cup runneth over.
Everyone we spoke with was pleasant. The other other guests thought they received great value for their bucks, and overwhelmingly people seemed happy with 40 Berkeley. The service, smiles, information, and cleanliness balance the college dorm institutional like feel. The location was ideal, the hotel was easily accessible and the neighborhood was safe. And all we spoke with felt it was a good value.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
