Marriott’s Renaissance brand is the big chain’s attempt to grab the boutique traveler. The Waterfront is a sleek nautically-themed hotel with Marriott’s service-with-a-smile touch.

GREAT FOR CONVENTION GOERS

In the South Boston Waterfront area, hard by the Fish Pier and the new Institute of Contemporary Art. The Convention Center and the World Trade Center are a stone’s throw away, but getting to major tourist destinations can take multiple stops.

THE ROOM

Our fifth-floor rooms didn’t have much of a view — they both overlooked a deserted patio outside the hotel fitness center. But they were bright and comfortable. The desk, with a plug-in technology panel, was big enough to work at, and it came with a sleek Keilhauer desk chair. In addition to the flat-screen TV, there was an iHome dock for our iPod(s). Overall nothing really felt “boutique.”

ROOM SERVICE

Standard fare.

AMENITIES

The lap pool (open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The adjoining fitness center with treadmills and elliptical machines is open 24 hours a day. In addition to 606 Congress, the hotel’s “modern American” restaurant, there’s a Starbucks in the lobby and 24-hour room service. Wired and wireless Internet are available for $12.95 or $16.95 a day, depending on access speed.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re in town for a convention or to do business in South Boston, the Renaissance would be a no-brainer — convenient, with high-end tech toys and a friendly, helpful staff. (Plus, an early run on the nearby Harborwalk is a delight. You can say hello to the seals outside the aquarium before turning around to come home.) For families or those looking for a classic Boston scene, the out-of-the way location may override the positives. Doubles run from $199 to $499.

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, 606 Congress Street, Boston; (617) 338-4111; www.marriott.com.

CENTRAL & CONVENIENT

Whether your in town visiting Boston University, shopping the Back Bay, or if you’re just exploring for a few days, it would be hard to find a more central and convenient spot.

STAY IN PREMIERE KING & AVOID BOUTIQUE QUEENS

Be sure not to stay in the hotel’s “boutique queen” rooms, which are New York-size (205 square feet), with just a thin perimeter for movement around the bed.

PERFECTLY COMFORTABLE BATHROOM

The wallpaper featured unusual reading material: the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, in cursive. Otherwise, the bathroom was a nonevent, though perfectly comfortable. As usual, the nicer the hotel, the tinier the trash receptacle; the little bins were no match for our junk.

AMENITIES

The Copley Square is a small hotel with smallish amenities; don’t stay here if you need a gym the size of a health club or other services.

ROOM SERVICE

Super-speedy, but very bland and unremarkable.

BOTTOM LINE

Avoid the roomettes and make plans to eat out. An enviable location, the experience is lackluster.

Copley Square Hotel, 47 Huntington Avenue, Boston; (617) 536-9000; www.copleysquarehotel.com. Rates currently start at around $230.