Allow yourself to be captivated with the Liberty Hotel (pardon the pun). This stately hotel was once the infamous Charles Street Jail that was a Boston institution for the criminally challenged from 1851-1990. With an amazing multi-million dollar renovation and utilizing the architecture of the original jail, you will now find the Liberty Hotel full of fashionable bars aptly named Clink and Alibi as well as Scampo, the new project of world renowned chef Lydia Shire. The lobby is gorgeous and decadent, and the rooms sumptuous, what more could you ask for from the Liberty? Free yourself from the other hotel chains and check out the new competition in town.

At the top of Charles St., a stone's throw from the Charles/MGH T stop, this renovated red-brick, 46-room B&B retains a certain boarding-house feel. The rooms, though lacking in the usual sleek Charles Street comforts, are well-equipped with kitchenette, sitting area, and ensuite bathroom. A studio room (1 twin bed with kitchenette) is $95; standard room (double with kitchenette) $125; suites $150-175; $10 additional for 3rd person. Parking ($19) available in the adjacent garage. Continental breakfast 6-11am. Wheelchair accessible. No smoking. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

At the intersection of Cambridge St. and Blossom St., one block north of the main entrance to MGH, the Holiday Inn Select offers pleasant rooms and friendly service. Each room is well-equipped with a variety of amenities, including internet and safety deposit box; a health club is on the second floor. Rooms $129-350 depending on the season. Suites $300-$450. Executive suites and wheelchair-accessible rooms with larger bathrooms are available. Ask about AAA and senior citizen discounts. Parking $40/day. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. The hotel has a health club and pool. It has cable TV but only the most basic channels; no Disney or Nickelodeon. It also has one restaurant. A seemingly boring amenity, but one that may be useful for traveling families, is the coin-operated washer/dryer. Beats paying for a dry cleaner.

This is the place to go for a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor. On Tudor Wharf right on site, you'll find the Harborwalk Café as well as ample parking. A great location for a romantic summertime wedding on the pier. Take the time to enjoy the Navy Yard and the historic Boston Harborwalk along the waterfront. Frederic Tudor, after whom the Wharf is named, was known as the "Ice King", because he controlled the shipping and trading of ice blocks from the harbor. Bonus: there is a tea room.