Element Lexington

This place looks good at first sight. But it is a complete dump. The quality of workmanship and attention to cleanliness has completely been missed here. It’s literally falling apart. I actually ended up leaving a day early and heading to another hotel. Keep going there are better hotels near by. I’m told the aloft is run by same franchisee so I would pass on that too.

No complaints, had a great experience here. Staff was very friendly and helpful, someone even went to get me fresh hot water in the morning to make tea, since I was the only one up at 4am before breakfast was set up! The breakfast is actually really good, and it’s included! Large selection of yogurts, cereals, oatmeal, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pancakes, pastries, juices, smoothies, coffee, tea and fruit! Coffee and tea in the lobby all day, and it’s good coffee.
King suite was very nice! Full kitchen (which we didn’t use other than the fridge but I guess would be good for extended stay), big L-​sofa, free WiFi, a/​c controls which we could adjust to our liking, big, relaxing shower, and everything was crisp and clean. The toilet paper holder was a bit loose, but whatever.
Fitness center is a good size with standard cardio equipment, some weight machines, dumbbells and even two kettlebells. Pool seemed nice, but no jacuzzi. There was a little noise from a truck outside in the morning, but otherwise very quiet.
Short drive from the center of town and the highway. Make sure to ask about AAA rate!

Came here for a wedding in the area, and loved the hotel! My room was gigantic, the shower was larger than usual, and the bed was comfortable. Also, the complimentary breakfast was a *full* breakfast. The only downside is that there is absolutely nothing withing walking distance, except, unexpectedly, the Minute Man National Historical Park. But the surroundings are quite pretty.
The wedding rate was $ 159/​night. If I paid $ 200, like one of the other reviewers, I’d probably subtract a star.

I’ve stayed here three times and I think this hotel exemplifies top notch service. Let me give you the reasons why I rate this hotel 5 stars and why I will continue to stay here. They know your name from day 1. Great breakfast and evening hor d’oeuvres on the house. Housekeeping staff are great. Scott who drives the shuttle is a real gentleman and accommodates all your requests. It’s s home away from home.

Love that this place is green, but wish that didn’t translate into «super-​low water pressure». It took me more than twice as long to get through my shower so I probably ended up using more water than I would have otherwise used, had the water pressure been decent. Also, the flooring in my room (I stayed on the 4^th floor) felt somewhat greasy or wet. Don’t know what the deal with that was, but I had to keep my socks on (I normally walk around my hotel room barefoot) because it felt so disturbing. That said, I enjoyed the free WiFi and the nice breakfast spread in the AM, even though I had to rush out and didn’t partake of any of it.

Yes, there’s a lot of fuss about this being a «green» hotel, but frankly, I’d prefer a quiet hotel that’s less socially correct, if I had to make a choice. Side note: parents and dog owners, please don’t travel with either if you’re not able to take care of them! I love dogs and it’s heartbreaking to hear them cry when you leave them in the room to take breakfast. And if your kid is going to have a tantrum, please do something about it. Other hotel guests shouldn’t have to deal with crying dogs or children.
Element can’t control guests’ behavior, sure, but they CAN control employees walking around with loud walkie-​talkies in the morning. Really? If I’m wearing an earplug in each ear and still hearing employees in the hallway, it’s too loud. You can’t have a conversation about moving furniture without speakerphone?
Climate control: the room was still too cold at 71 degrees, and the A/​C vent is seemingly positioned right above the bed. I woke up a few times when a gust of cold air got pumped into the room. And when I pull the shade down, being able to pull it back UP would be good. I couldn’t do that.
The TV channel list didn’t at all correspond to the actual channels, so patience is a virtue here.
Breakfast was a high point and I loved the breakfast wraps. I didn’t use the pool, but the fitness center was good. The equipped kitchenette was a nice touch, although we didn’t use it.
It’s priced well for the area, but I guess I was expecting something that catered more to business travelers and less families, especially since there’s been so much hoopla about the Aloft bar scene.

Positives:
— It’s SPG for those who like points.
— I got a pretty good Pay your Birth Year rate for two nights. Google it.
— Free hot breakfast, free coffee.
— Full kitchen.
— Forgo daily cleaning for extra points!
— The eco thing.
— Offered late checkout (as a Gold member).
— There’s a pool.
Negatives:
— Lack of soundproofing. The guy above us was a King Kong. The kids running down the hall? Yeah, you can hear them.
— The super soft bed and super soft pillows — I have a back ache after sleeping in it for two nights. It’s awful.
— The furnishings are basic. Sufficient.

I wrote a 5 star review in 2009 when the Element was new and the prices were low. Now economy good, prices run around $ 200 per night. Still a nice place but they really need more attention to detail. There were little things, some of the bath fixtures were loose (towel rack fell off the wall, toilet roll holder loose), both remotes were not clean, slow wifi. However bed and linens were very comfortable. I still like this place but it is beginning to get shopworn (similar comments made by other reviewers). The property was sold to another hotel group, maybe that is the problem?

PS I emailed Paramount Hotel Group with my comments, the GM replied same day to say that they were would look into the issues I mentioned and also that an an update of the property is planned for later in the year. I was very impressed with his prompt reply, that is a good sign.

I guess, from reading others’ reviews, that the level of service and cleanliness is sporadic. Some have raved about this property, other had negative reviews. Unfortunately, I’m in the negative camp. My room was clean, but I encountered other problems.
While my room appeared to be very nice at first glance, upon actually using the room, problems were discovered. When I picked up the alarm clock to set a wake-​up time I discovered it was broken, with the battery hanging outside of the clock with frayed wires, and the battery cover laying on the bedside table behind the alarm clock. I decided to use the alarm on my own iphone instead.
The next morning when I turned on the shower, water sprayed out everywhere from the handheld shower unit, at the point where the shower head connects to the hose. The vertical bar that holds the handheld shower unit was also broken, in the spot where the top of the vertical bar meets the horizontal bracket that connects the vertical bar to the wall. Clearly, the plumbing maintenance is lacking.
There were some nice features in the room. I enjoyed having a microwave, fridge and bar sink. The bed was comfortable. The thermostat worked properly (which is a refreshing change from the norm of nonresponsive thermostats that seem to have a maximum of 5 degrees in their range, no matter how cold or how hot you set them).
Only other major complaint is that I had the front desk to arrange for a taxi to take me back to the airport. When the car pulled up, it wasn’t visibly a taxi, with a sign, writing on the doors, etc. The driver confirmed she was the taxi the hotel called for me. When we got to the airport, the «taxi» driver charged me $ 85 for the ride! The taxi I had taken from the airport to the hotel was only $ 67. I pointed that out to the driver (while I was thinking to myself how could a gypsy cab charge me more than a regular cab) and she informed me she was an executive car service. I don’t know what kind of scam was being run here, if it was the hotel that was taking advantage, if the front desk person was in cahoots with the «executive car service» driver and getting kickbacks or what. I had not told the hotel to order me an «executive car service.» I had asked them to order me a taxi. But here I was, at the airport, with a plane to catch, when I discovered I was being fleeced. I went ahead and paid her the exorbitant fee because I didn’t have the time to argue over it.
All of the negatives I have described here have combined to leave a sour taste in my mouth for Element. I’ll choose from a different chain of properties next time. Thankfully for consumers, there’s competition is plentiful in the hospitality industry.

It was a steal!!!
*my kids loved it
*for a couple bucks more you can get the suite with a full size kitchen
*the bathroom is amazing it is very economic and very soothing showers
*MY #1 favorite it is pet friendly, i was expecting to see more dogs but i was the only one with the dog even my dog enjoyed he fell asleep anywhere
* the hotel room is very spacious and open
*the pool is quiet small and a little dark
* but this hotel has the best breakfast in history of hotel
*the overall interior is modern and simple
*the exterior was just snow limitless snow while at my stay
*the gym is pretty small but it is just perfect for a daily workout
*thankfully I’m 100% satisfied and hoping to return when there is no snow

I recently stayed here this past week and was completely grossed out. When I first came in the dour looking maid did not even give so much as a smile. Then when entering the room found trash under the table and the bedsheets with stains. Also there were stains behind the toilet (YIKES) Since I was traveling with my pets I told the front desk if they could service my room. Left for 3 hrs, came back and the room was still not cleaned. Talk about lazy! Then the air flow would go from chilly to extreme heat! This made it hard to sleep comfortably. Finally, the food needs to be improved, runny egg whites, bitter coffee… if you are paying this much go stay somewhere else, do not recommend!

What a great place!
We stayed here for a week while my husband was in town on business and had such a nice time!
What we loved:
— Staff — friendly and accomodating
— Food — Complimentary breakfast (and not just continental).
On weeknights, they have a happy hour type gathering where you get
complimentary beer/​wine and different offerings during the weeknights
(i.e., wings, chili, cordon bleu)
–Pool — We were traveling with a 3 month old and he loved it. It was an indoor
saltwater pool and we found ourselves swimming for muliple hours each day.
What we didn’t love:
–We booked a king-​sized room and ended up with 2 queen beds because they said
the only king room available was a handicapped room (which they did offer us).
Since we were traveling with an infant, we wanted a bathtub, which this room didn’t
offer.
Be aware: The location is not close to much, but we were aware of this fact and were okay with it. Just don’t expect anything walking distance or amazing food options close by.

When in the Boston area for work I typically stay at Element. The beds are incredibly comfortable, staff are friendly, and the large open space in the lobby area is great for relaxing or working. I can exercise in the gym or walk the Minuteman Trail, enjoy nice evening snacks and beer/​wine, and do my laundry in their nice laundry room. Four stars as I encountered a less than pristine duvet cover a few visits ago.
They do sell Prince Spaghetti in their pantry. Prince Spaghetti! My favorite from childhood. If it’s Wednesday, it’s ‘Prince Spaghetti Day’!!!

Lipstick on a pig, but it IS a very nice shade of lipstick.
Element Hotel, and Aloft Hotel (right across the street), are low income housing buildings that were converted into Eco-​Friendly, slightly upscale (3.5 star) hotels.
The staff is very friendly and helpful: I left my watch in my room, and freaked out, thinking it was missing. They found it. And didn’t steal it. That was nice. And honest.
The gym, main lobby/​dining area, and pool area are all contemporary urban chic and tasteful.
They provide a great breakfast that is definitely a cut above the standard «stale muffins and sad fruit» (egg white with asparagus in spinach wrap, anyone?).
They’ve got some sort of weekday dinner for M-​F guests too.
The rooms are a good size, and almost everyone comes with a full kitchen (2 burner stove!), free wifi and flat screen TV. Heavenly bed (like the Westin chain) too.
All this for 100-​$ 150/​night, depending on the deal you rustle up.
So why the 3 stars?
Well, there’s just a bunch of places where you can clearly see what this building used to be: The halls? They look (and sometimes smell) of their old, tenement days. The doors to the room have aluminum sheets riveted to them, which I think is supposed to look slick and modern… but instead looks like it is covering up damage… which is the case in some other area’s as well.
Are these aluminum sheets + rivets really fooling anyone? Cause I see this a LOT in business renovations.
Anyway, the hotel is right off 128/​95, just one exit above Rt2, so if you are a business traveler looking for access to the city without being in the city, it’s a fair deal.
All in all? If I was trying to rent a hotel room to impress *(Hello Ladies /​HBO)* Then I’d pass on this place. If I was staying for a week+ in Boston, and wanted to cook some meals, or use a fridge, this place is suddenly VERY attractive.

I’ve stayed at the Element and Aloft across the street. The Element is the place to be! The breakfast is truly amazing (and free). Breakfast wrap with egg, asparagus, and cheese? Yes. Fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, everything was excellent.
The rooms are lovely and everything is built with the environment in mind. The only trouble I had was the lack of sound proofing from room to room. It wasn’t a big deal but it was at least noticeable on one occasion.
If you’re trying to decide between the Element and Aloft, go with the Element. You can always just walk 200 feet to get to the Aloft’s bar.

Stayed here during the Thanksgiving holidays for three nights with my family. I did not like it but the kids seems to like it. The overall feel is the modern New Age style. It just feels cold to me. This is our first stay at the element. Our de facto hotel is Hampton Inn, and I still prefers that over Element.
Plus: indoor swimming pool, nightly beer and wine.
Minus: not so friendly front desk, key card constantly becomes invalid.
I would stay at another element only if there are no better choices around or the rate is at least 20% below Hampton.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said, but I’ll try. Having stayed at both the Aloft and the Element (which share the same parking lot), the Element is a much better place if you like having your own little apartment, complete with kitchenette. It’s bright and light, and the breakfast and coffee are amazingly good. It’s possible to stay here on business or pleasure for a week and not gain weight because you can start your day right with boiled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, light breakfast sandwiches, toast or bagels. The Aloft across the street is dark, funky, and cool in a male techie sort of way, buy I get enough of that at work. It’s nice that you can use the bar and patio over there but charge your drinks and snacks to the Element. The staff was incredibly attentive. Although I felt that in their efforts to be ‘green’ they were a little skimpy on the towels and TP, anytime I needed anything extra they were right there at my door delivering what I needed within minutes. The maintenance staff was right there when little things went wrong.
The Lexington area is great for eating out. There’s also a doc-​in-​the-​box next to a Walgreens down Mass Ave to Worthen Street to Bedford Street, which came in handy when someone in my family developed a nasty cold on the trip. Also, there’s great take-​out all along Mass Ave between Bedford and Arlington.

I stayed at the Element Lexington for one night in on a business trip. My fiancé accompanied me and worked from the hotel. We had a great stay. Based on our experience and if every stay was like our first one, I would definitely make this my go-​to hotel for coming meet clients in the Boston area. In fact, my Lexington, MA-​based client, Wikets (a social shopping startup) actually recommended it.
Here’s more about our stay, in case it helps:
We took the Amtrak train in from New York, got a ZipCar at BackBay Station, which was really convenient, less hectic than South Street Station. After we stopped in at a cute restaurant, ZipCar was literally 100 ft from the Station. Then an easy drive to Element. So getting there was easy. Then the hotel was exactly what we needed and wanted.
Tons of light. Great king-​size bed. Kind of like a modern NYC apartment with modern furnishings and finishes. It had everything you need, gym downstairs, pool, open area for meetings, great breakfast. Nice desk for me and extra seating for my fiancé, so we could work. Coffee all day in the lobby.
Even though the view was of the parking lot and the Aloft across the way, somehow I liked it. I think it was because I thought it was clever that this place was clearly an industrial park of some sort — or could’ve been — and The W Hotels put Element and Aloft here as great business hotels. Parking for electric cars, that kind of place. Loved the vibe. Really thoughtful.
We did work, had a meeting, then spent the 2 hrs we had left before the train in the nearby town just 5 – 10 minute drive. Downtown Lexington is very nice for walks, restaurants, and has tons of character. Oh, and when my client meeting ran long 35 minutes past my late checkout, the Element told us it was no problem. Staff is great.
Nice job Element!

You know, this is rare for me to say on Unilocal.In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever said this.
If I could give this place 6 stars, I totally would.
Top to bottom, I had a fantastic stay at this location last weekend. It’s so much more than the quality of the room (excellent all around), the comfort of the beds (honestly I hadn’t slept so well in so long), the free breakfast (having hot breakfast sandwiches as part of a free breakfast is always going to win me over), the free wifi (with the amount hotel chains try to nickel and dime you for this stuff, it’s amazing to me that they don’t), or the free evening snacks during the week (the night I showed up, they had free tacos and beer for guests… it’s like Beavis and Butthead’s greatest dream come true).
No, it’s the way they give all this to you. They serve you with a smile at all times. I mean, they could throw out the breakfast sandwiches on a table and ignore it. But there’s an attendant standing by at all times bringing out the food, and the servers are all more than willing to bring you more food. Oh, we’re out of croissant sandwiches? No problem, I’ll make you one right now. And we didn’t even have to ask them to do it. They give you free food, and then they go in the back and give you more free food happily, and you don’t have to prod them to do it. Heck, I get mediocre service at some hotel breakfast buffets I’ve paid for in my life. This is some of the best service ever for a free meal.
Now, was the food gourmet good? Probably not. They’re not putting out an omelet station here. But it’s good enough and plentiful. Plenty of breads, fruit, cereal, sandwiches, coffee, juices, etc. I didn’t complain one bit.
And the servers all talk to you, and learn a bit about you. I was talking to them about where I’m from, where they’re from, etc. They seem to like people.
The front desk was more than accommodating, and very easy going. Again, smiles and just good feelings all around no matter who I dealt with.
Oh, and by the way… I got all of these freebies thrown in on their Hotwire rate, which I’m not going to tell you what it was. Let’s just say that it was so good, I felt like I was stealing from them every time I ate a sandwich (I ate many). Their normal rates appear to be at least three times what i paid. But this was the first weekend in November just out of tourist season. Your price may vary based on demand. But I’d pay more than what I did to stay here because it was that good.
If there was anything, even anything I could bring up as a problem, it might be this. I didn’t know this going in, but it is pet friendly here. I saw many pet owners with their dogs this weekend here. I have no problem with this. It’s a nice thing. But both my wife and I are allergic. It appears that being pet friendly, I’m sure many owners bring their pets and let them sleep on the beds. The fact that my wife and I woke up every morning congested told me this was probably the reason. But I’m not faulting the chain. It’s probably more my fault for not bringing Claritin. If you are affected as well, be aware that you might need to do the same. Otherwise the room is clean, you just can’t do anything about pet dander if it is in a room. Just a fact of life.
I’ve been to a normal Westin hotel, and was nickel and dimed for everything. This brand was designed to be different. I really appreciate everything they did for us, and really wish every hotel chain behaved like this brand does. Starwood hotels generally have been good to me. This one was beyond good. Kudos to the entire staff of this fine hotel!

Great lobby best in Boston suburbs! Great staff, easy highway access, very clean spacious rooms. Large fitness center, excellent breakfast, cool courtyard