EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We have issued our reports dated March 1, 2005, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Annual Report of Boykin Lodging Company and subsidiaries and Boykin/AEW, LLC on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. We have also issued our report dated March 1, 2005 on the effectiveness of Boykin Lodging Company and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Boykin Lodging Company and subsidiaries on Form S-8 (File No. 333-39259, effective October 31, 1997) on Form S-3 (File No. 333-39369, effective November 14, 1997). /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP Cleveland, Ohio March 15, 2005