This charming turn-of-the-century hotel offers renovated rooms (last refurbished in 1998), all with marble bathrooms and free wireless internet, and many with fireplaces or great views of the Boston Marathon finish line. Guests can dine at in-house restaurant Azure, then kick back with a drink or two at either of the hotel's bars, City Bar and Solas Irish Pub. Reserve up to a year in advance for Commencement. Rooms start at $189; suites $695. Parking (valet or self-park) $36. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. One of the older hotels in Boston that has been well maintained and managed for years by the Saunders Group. Family owned and family friendly. Boston Marathon® Tip: Considering their finish-line proximity, rooms at the Lenox and Commonwealth hotels can offer some awesome race-day sights--but at a price: $300-$600 per night. Public restroom: Up the stairs next to the Sam Adams pub.

Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel.

Three stories of pure sport, play, and athletic clothing for every level of athlete. Shoes, iPod gear, pants, shorts, t-shirts, and women's sport bras. The staff is friendly= but why not? They get to wear cool/comfy workout gear to work everyday. This store is g-r-e-a-t for athletes and comfort clothing-seekers alike. Runners.... they have a great program (normally Wednesday nights) for those wanting running partners. They pair people with their running ability and let them loose around Back Bay. Come rain or shine, and the best part.... it's free. Just bring your running shoes, and the want to run. NikeTown is located right around the corner from the Boston Marathon finish line off Boylston Street. The whole store is decked out with Boston sports memorabilia and lots of street signs from the marathon route. The store includes footwear for runners and non-runners alike. The store features an homage to the Boston Marathon, seats from the old Boston Garden and autographed shoes from Marathon champ Uta Pippig. Store Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

The Vox is the perfect place to see and be seen. Although quite the meat market, if you are in the mood to schmooze it up and look your best on a Saturday night, it is a fun place as an outing with friends. Serving 27 of the most creative martinis around in a hip but unpretentious milieu, this swanky bar is Boylston Street's “It” spot. A mostly twenty- and thirty-something crowd fills the bar on weekend nights to down $9 martinis. It kind of has that 'beautiful people' vibe going on... which can be oh so good, and can also be a complete nightmare. There are some creepy types who frequent the place hoping to pick up the aforementioned beautiful people, but thankfully they are amusing to watch. Granted, the drinks are expensive, but with such tempting varieties as the Tiramisu Martini and White Crantini (a clear martini made for men who “don't want to be seen with a pink drink”), who can resist? 8 types of scotch ($8-14), 12 bottled beers and 6 on tap, traditional cocktails ($6-9), and wine by the glass ($7.50-10.50) provide ample variety for those morally opposed to martinis. Thanks to Vox Pop's massive space there's always a quiet corner to retreat to, even on busy weekend nights. No cover.

Thai cuisine- that combines gentle spices and often a coconut milk, or something to off-set kick. Part of the Asain food catagory, Thai is a great alternative to your traditional General Taos- on the high end scale. For a great judge of a good dining place, it's been opened for a while on Boylston, and always draws a crowd.

Vibrant and hurried, this Boylston street classic in the Back Bay is Abe and Louie's answer to seafood. Filled with first dates, client dinners, and family celebrations. UPDATE: The Atlantic Fish Company has re-opened with renovations after the restaurant had to close due to a fire.

One of the classic Boston steakhouses, however Abe and Louie's was hot even before the recent steak craze. Dark and decadent, this Boylston street hotspot offers a variety of steaks, fabulous wines, and even a wonderful weekend brunch. Over-sized leather courtroom chairs and Hollywood-style booths in the dining room create an inviting atmosphere while impressive bronze chandeliers, massive torchieres, traditional mahogany detailing, and the gold leaf barrel vault ceiling add an air of elegance. Make sure to try the steak benedict!

Legal Sea Foods is a culinary classic on the east coast. A Boston-based chain Legal Sea Foods offers a variety of high quality sea food. The clam chowder has been served at the last seven presidential inaugurations. The food and service are consistently great. Located in the Prudential Building- Legal Sea Foods attracts the mall walker and the couple on a serious date. Expect lines, and try the chowder! Live jazz during Sunday Brunch.

Innovative Asian cuisine with a twist. This large Chinese restaurant chain sits in the Prudential Center and is continually busy all day and night. Dishes are artfully presented, with many sauces made tableside by servers. The user-friendly wine list features more than 50 wines by the glass and bottle and is organized by flavor--from light to full intensity. As the restaurant is usually quite crowded and loud, take-out is another good option.

You don't go here for the decor or the service. You go for the best pizza anywhere -- but only the original is in the North End.