Since Encore Boston Harbor opened, I have wanted to stay in its hotel. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, that desire had to wait. But the wait was well worth it. Encore Boston Harbor Is the Gem of New England.
An Encore Boston Harbor Trip Report
It was our 36th anniversary, and we had a comped room offer at Encore Boston Harbor. A good reason to combine the two and head up to Everett, Massachusetts.
The arrival at Encore Boston Harbor is always exciting to me. I called it the Gem of New England and still believe it. However, once past the entrance, I feel like I have been whisked away to Las Vegas. Since we stayed over, we went to Valet parking, open for all visitors and free for hotel guests.
Quickly we were inside in line to check in. Until the hotel is open seven days a week, Thursday check-in has an extra perk – a complimentary early check-in starting at noon.
After a short wait, our check-in was flawless, and the service was fantastic. (This will be a theme throughout). We were welcomed with a Happy Anniversary and given a beautiful room with a spectacular view on the 25th floor.
The Hotel Room – Encore Boston Harbor Is the Gem of New England.
Already reporting the largest deluxe hotel rooms around the city of Boston, Encore’s rooms include advanced technology, high-end amenities, and pleasant decor.
The huge bathroom has two sinks, a bath and shower, and larger-than-travel quality products. However, when all lights are off with one touch, the bathroom has an understated floor light for those nightly bathroom breaks. Add a lighted vanity and a TV to your experience; it may take longer to get ready for the day.
The room is large enough to include a desk, love seat, oval ottoman, table with two comfy chairs, and a 55-inch flat-screen 4K Ultra HDTV. A detachable iPad controls everything in the room, including voice-activated curtains.
Water, coffee, and espresso are provided as well. We’re not espresso fans, but we still made some for the fun of it!
Time to Gamble – And What a Time It Was
It was one of those days that Bert (my wife) and I couldn’t lose, no matter how much we tried. We were golden for 6 hours of play, whether slots or video poker.
It’s a large casino floor. But, with an untypical larger Thursday crowd for casinos these days, it still didn’t feel crowded. Of course, distancing and face masks are a must. But the service provided ensures these protocols.
DynCorp Understands the Importance of Customer Service
Guests can see a great example of the Wynn Corporation’s dedication to excellent service at the hotel elevators. One staff member holds the line going up, checking for your room key. Another leads guests to the open elevator like your personal host to ensure protocols are followed.
Throughout our visit, we experienced exceptional service. For example, when I asked for directions to somewhere like the cashier, or Mystique, a staff member didn’t just point me in the right direction – they took me there, chatting as we went. Encore Boston Harbor Is the Gem of New England because of its exceptional staff, cutting-edge technology, and success found around the world.
We found the slots, rumored to be tight, quite generous. The table games limits are still high, especially the newly opened Craps Tables.
Pai Gow Poker, a favorite of mine, had only two tables open at 3:00 pm with $25 and $50 minimums. The $50 table had seats available, so I sat down. I can honestly say this was the only negative of our trip. The dealer was grumpy, and the deals were downright nasty. After getting beat four hands in a row by dealer’s hands of two straights, whole house, and flush, all with tops, I decided it was time to go back to Ultimate X video poker.
Mystique – An Asian-Fusion Delight
We were looking for a lovely anniversary dinner and decided on Mystique. It was a perfect choice. For an appetizer, we shared a serving of spicy edamame. The sauce was delicious with just the right amount of heat. Our entrees included Singapore Street Noodle with seafood, madras curry, XO sauce, and Roasted Halibut with fresh mango and Turmeric Lemongrass Dashi. Both of us would recommend dining at Mystique for the first time. For the menu, click here.
A Few Quirky Things You Should Know About Encore Boston Harbor
No casino, hotel, or resort is without little things that make it noteworthy. So here are a few things to be aware of:
- The Dunkin’ Donuts in the casino area is adult-only because children can’t access it without stepping onto the casino floor, a major “no-no.”
- EBH takes the beverage laws seriously. We were not allowed to walk onto the floor with our DD coffees. A staff member met us with DD bags to place them in, walking on the casino floor, making us think of all sorts of loopholes for drinks, food, etc.
- Regarding beverages, you must be seated at a slot and cannot move to another slot with a drink in your hand. This was an early covid protocol for Massachusetts casinos when they reopened. At EBH, Staff will ignore your drink request if you are standing at your slot machine, so the drink staff told Bert.
- Popeye is gone! Sold to someone in the middle east. Maybe EBH is trying to help pay the bills from the pandemic.
- The two food trucks in the middle of the casino seem to be doing well. You would think they wouldn’t blend in, but they do!
- The buffet is gone. Rumor has it that part of that large area will be repurposed when Massachusetts approves Sportsbetting, whenever that will be.
- Finally, still no poker. The poker area upstairs has been taken over by…slot machines. (Poker will be coming back in the Fall of 2021)
Related Post – Return to Encore Boston Harbor
Summary
After playing more and winning, we settled back in our luxurious room with some TV and a quiet night’s sleep. The following day, like true New Englanders, we had coffee and breakfast at Dunkin’ before going home.
If you haven’t stayed at Encore Boston Harbor or even Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas, you should. Wynn staff makes you feel special and appreciated. It’s classy but comfy. It definitely should be on your New England casino bucket list!
Binbin & Bert