I have been going to Encore since I moved back to Boston in July 2020 and I must have stayed in the hotel over 30 times. I typically have a great experience, but this past weekend was a completely different story. They are sending an advance email about the picketing and make it sound like it's business as usual, but it is FAR from that.It is difficult to get into the resort. There is a police presence for the picketers but it's clear they don't want people going in - they aren't following the traffic lights and are very slow to let cars in/out. On Friday I went at 5pm and I was waiting right out front for 20 minutes before the Uber could turn in, all while seeing the strikers and listening to their loud noise.It didn't get better. When I went to check in (I had two rooms reserved as I was treating my brother and his wife for the weekend). There was no doormen or bellmen. Valet was closed completely, which wasn't an issue for me, but this type of service is one you'd expected at a resort like this. The line to check in was wrapped around the hall down near the Wynn shop and it was very slow moving. After 20 minutes standing there, I managed to do mobile check-in through the app. Both rooms were in my name and they wouldn't let me add a name. I didn't feel like standing there (as i'm certain the wait would have been at least an hour) so I went to my room. Then I went to my second room and called down to see if they could add my brother's name over the phone so I could share the digital key - since I was calling from the room, I thought this was a realistic ask - but now, I had to go down to the desk or they wouldn't do it even though I explained I wasn't wanting to wait. I eventually went back to the front desk and waited 30 minutes to get a real key for each room and to add my brother's name. I was never able to share the digital key and when my brother arrived at 10:30 pm, he had to wait in line for 20 minutes to get the key (which was what I wanted to avoid). This entire process was super frustrating.The services are severely limited - no room service, no Rare or Rare Lounge, no Red 8, limited drink service in the casino even at the bars where you pay (one said beer only but there was no bartender at all), no water shuttle, areas blocked off outdoors (assuming they can't maintain them). The rooms seemed ok but it was clear housekeeping is struggling to keep up (they were actively cleaning rooms into the evening).The garbage cans on the room floors were overflowing every time I walked past them. The digital key is an ok alternative but I had trouble getting it to work in the elevator (you need a key to go up). My room was on the 9th floor and they do provide earplugs. I could faintly hear the picketers but it didn't disturb me. They seem to be more disruptive in terms of blocking people from coming in/going out. My brother's room was Harbor View on the 24th floor and they gave them earplugs but they didn't hear the noise at all.I spent time in the high-limit slot area and I was offered a drink. I didn't win a jackpot, but when seeing others that did, the slot attendants did seem present up there.Overall if this was my first time at Encore, I would never return especially considering the room rates and the promise of a 5-star experience. Normally I wouldn't cross a picket line, but this was a special occasion for my brother and I thought the strike would be over. I think things will only go downhill if this isn't settled - the regular staff work so hard to provide service one expects at a place like this, and whoever they hired quickly to take the place of the union workers just aren't cutting it (probably due to lack of training, etc.). If you're looking to go here for the first time or to celebrate a special occasion, I'd recommend looking elsewhere until when and if the property is back to normal staffing levels and when services are back to normal.

No one mentioned the strike that has been going on for a couple months. While disruption was inconvenient it was the lack of available amenities that really disappointed us. No room service, water taxi or restaurants outside the casino impacted our visit. We brought our daughter and friends who are 19 that weren’t allowed in the casino and with no other restaurants in the hotel or close by, we used a lot of Ubers. I get there will be strikes but you need to let customers know. This certainly wasn’t close to worth the cost.

We have stayed here once before. This is a stunning hotel property that is virtually identical to its twin property located in Las Vegas Nevada. The views from the room were stunning, the room was large, well appointed, and the bed was comfortable. I especially liked the shower and large room windows. My only complaint is the price for meals in the on property restaurants. If you stay here you know the Encore isn't cheap by any means, and you get exceptional service, but we will no longer dine here within the property. I look at it as one of those outrageously priced experiences for the food you receive. Beyond that fact, it was another great experience.

This place is amazing. Very beautifully decorated and if you happen to win on the tables or slots that’s a plus. There was a union strike on our second day of going there but we went in anyway. To would definitely go again!

★☆☆☆☆Beautiful hotel, extremely disappointing customer service and refund handlingI am leaving this review because my experience with Encore Boston Harbor after a reservation issue was extremely disappointing.I had a one-night reservation at Encore Boston Harbor for September 2–3, 2026. I did not check in, did not stay at the hotel, and did not use any hotel services.The reservation cost USD 312.44.Trip.com later refunded USD 150 as a goodwill gesture, leaving USD 162.44 unresolved. I have repeatedly asked for a clear explanation of why the full amount was charged and what specific rate terms allowed the entire amount to be retained.Instead of receiving a clear, transparent explanation, I have been sent back and forth between the hotel and Trip.com.I understand that cancellation and no-show policies exist. That is not my main complaint. My complaint is the lack of transparency regarding the exact amount that was retained and the specific terms that were applied to my reservation.For a hotel that presents itself as a luxury five-star property, I expected a much higher level of customer service and accountability.I never used the room. I never checked in. I never used any hotel facilities or services. Yet I am still having to spend significant time trying to obtain a straightforward explanation regarding USD 162.44.The USD 150 refund was appreciated, but I never agreed that it was a full and final settlement of the remaining amount.I am asking Encore Boston Harbor to properly review this matter and either refund the remaining USD 162.44 or provide a reasonable hotel/travel credit.A luxury hotel should not make a customer fight this hard for transparency over a reservation that was never used.Beautiful property, but my experience with the handling of this issue has been extremely disappointing.I would think twice before booking a non-refundable rate here.