The Westin is an excellent convention hotel, with both small and large meetings rooms, comfortable facilities, easily accessible restaurants and shops--and quite comfy beds! The Brazilian restaurant on the ground floor is a fun place (provided you restrain your appetite a bit). There are a couple of reasonable coffee places in or just off the lobby, but best of all, just across the bridge, is an Au Bon Pain. It's a short walk to the Back Bay rail station, and to a number of T stops. Across the bridge, too, is a fancy mall, with indoor connections to other shopping areas, restaurants, and hotels. Right across the street is the wonderful Boston Public Library (check out its courtyard restaurant at lunch). And a block or two away are a host of shops and restaurants, many on Boylston. Close by is the amazing H.H. Richardson Trinity Church and a few blocks further the Green.
We had room 828, extra-large and pleasant and very convenient to 7th floor meeting rooms. There's a good gym, with all the usual machines, well kept-up.

I first stayed at this hotel in about 1986 -- soon after it was built, and have been to the hotel for meetings many times since. The rooms are very nice, large and comfortable. The bathroom is bit crowded but the shower was fitted with beautiful and functional hardware. The windows were clean and the shades were functional and gave privacy without shutting out light. The desk chair was not adjustable and found it uncomfortable. Overall the room was very nice.

On check in I was asked if I wanted the Green Alternative: Basically in lieu of maid service I would get 1000 points (any extra towels or supplies are provided upon request). I decided to try this out and it worked out for me. I am not sure how "green" this is, but it must save on maid expenses and I do use my hotel points.

I ranked the service as "average" because I did not use the "service".