Best public observation decks?

I've never had trouble at the Marriott. Last time I went it was closed (bad weather), but the lady at the desk told us to check out the second floor (beautiful) and implored that we come back on a clear day. It's a great view.


While it's not an observation deck per se, I REALLY like the view from the top of the 100 Clarendon Garage. On the weekend, you can go up to the top floor and feel as if you're the only one around. It's strange having that much space to yourself in the heart of the city. I once took a girl from Northeastern up there with a prepared picnic and a bottle of wine on a Saturday night. She absolutely loved it. I earned major points for that.

Bring a camera, the Hancock looks even more imposing from there than it does from the ground. The view of Copley Sq. and the BPL is awesome. I think the Pru form that angle looks as it was intended in the master plan (framed by the smaller towers).

Anyway, that's my suggestion and it's free.
 
jass said:
Try to find hours/price online anywhere or a single reference that makes it clear its open to the public.

Even the independence wharf building has a placard outside with hours posted.

Compare with
http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64
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If they properly advertised the deck, tourists by the THOUSANDS would flock there, which would then result in congesting the elevator flow and the building's very narrow halls. The tower only has 2 elevators from G to 19 and 1 from 19-26. The increased tourist (non-Marriott guest) traffic would substantially effect the owners' experience in terms of privacy, noise, and congestion.

Marriott offers this deck as a favor to the city and its citizens. It's a local gem that you won't read about in the guidebooks. You have to be "in the know."
 
datadyne007 said:
If they properly advertised the deck, tourists by the THOUSANDS would flock there, which would then result in congesting the elevator flow and the building's very narrow halls. The tower only has 2 elevators from G to 19 and 1 from 19-26. The increased tourist (non-Marriott guest) traffic would substantially effect the owners' experience in terms of privacy, noise, and congestion.

Marriott offers this deck as a favor to the city and its citizens. It's a local gem that you won't read about in the guidebooks. You have to be "in the know."
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If there is too much demand, then price accordingly. Econ 101. Simply make people reserve slots.

And again, I highly doubt the Marriott is doing this as "a favor". Unless the favor was a backroom deal where they got a tax break or something in return for the "gift".
 
Probably required as a condition of buying this building from the Federal Government.
 
Ron Newman said:
Probably required as a condition of buying this building from the Federal Government.
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Actually, it was a condition of Marriott's long term lease from the City of Boston, the building's owner.
 
Roxxma said:
Actually, it was a condition of Marriott's long term lease from the City of Boston, the building's owner.
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That makes sense, but the building itself had fallen into extreme disrepair/was closed to the public and it's not like the city was doing anything about it. While the city was arguing about what to do with the building (the BRA had cited the "worst possible use would be condos or a hotel"), Marriott bought it, completely gutted parts and restored others, bringing new life to a disused tower.

Imagine if that had been converted into offices, the lights would only be on from 9-5, but instead the tower is lit all evening and well into the night (the few who stay up to 2, 3, 4am). Also, not nearly as many people would get to experience the observation deck as do today, even if that number is relatively limited (Marriott owners and the occasional tours).
 
Reviving this old thread after seeing the signs on Independence Wharf for the 14th floor observation deck (open 10am to 5pm daily "see security guard in lobby for information"), and, by the way, the harborwalk restrooms are open those hours too, but called "Ground Floor Facility of Public Accommodation", one supposes to actually keep out riff raff who just need a restroom.
 
Arlington said:
Reviving this old thread after seeing the signs on Independence Wharf for the 14th floor observation deck (open 10am to 5pm daily "see security guard in lobby for information"), and, by the way, the harborwalk restrooms are open those hours too, but called "Ground Floor Facility of Public Accommodation", one supposes to actually keep out riff raff who just need a restroom.
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Independence Wharf's deck is solid. Great views of the seaport and greenway.
 
I still feel ripped off by the Marriott Customs House. Just called 617.310.6300. The current deal is 2pm "tour" Sat - Thur (aka closed Fridays) and the $5 donation is required (she says). Not that I have any problem with the Children's Miracle Network, and not that the view might not be worth $5, but really that "donation," if required, is just another way of keeping the general public out.
 
Arlington said:
I still feel ripped off by the Marriott Customs House. Just called 617.310.6300. The current deal is 2pm "tour" Sat - Thur (aka closed Fridays) and the $5 donation is required (she says). Not that I have any problem with the Children's Miracle Network, and not that the view might not be worth $5, but really that "donation," if required, is just another way of keeping the general public out.
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The Pru is either 17 or 18 bucks. 14 with my (somehow not yet expired) student ID. This is 5 bucks, and it's totally worth it. This is Boston, everything costs money here. Most people who live here and want to see the view wouldn't blink twice at this price. If $5 is going to keep you out, move to the Triangle in NC. (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) The buses and museums are free down there.
 
shmessy said:
My first reaction/question is "Did they take away the public observation area for this?"
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I can't answer your question, but I can add 2 pieces of information. First, I think the public observation area is the one that doubled as an event space, so do we know if they took that part away? Remember there are essentially 2 halves to this building. Second, I took advantage of this public space once and as an "observation" area it was pretty much useless.
 
not sure we'll get one if/when 65 Martha Rd roars to life, but i'd be pushin for that.
 
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