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Behind the Copley Plaza and the Hancock Tower, this Marriott-managed hotel offers affordable accommodation right in the heart of the city of Boston, along with plenty of large meeting spaces suitable for your next Model UN conference or Scrabble tournament. Each spacious room has a private bath, cable TV, and A/C. Rooms with 2 single beds or 1 queen-sized bed and suites available ($145-180). Room for 1 person as low as $79. Reserve rooms for Commencement as early as possible. Corporate discounts. Parking available for $18/day or $6/hr in the John Hancock Garage, across the street. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. John Hancock Hotel & Conference Center offers continental breakfast along with a complimentary WiFi, weekday newspaper and discounted parking is included for overnight guests. All guest rooms have cable TV with HBO, in-room coffee maker, Neutrogena bath products, and individually controlled heating & air conditioning.

When it comes to Boston's thriving boutique hotel industry, it's all about location. And there's one hidden gem that's in the center of the action. Hotel 140, officially opening its doors in June 2005 and boasting 54 contemporary rooms, is an affordable alternative to the pricey Back Bay hotels popping up in the Copley Square area. Named for its desirable Clarendon Street locale, Hotel 140 is a smart solution for travelers on a budget ranging from the collegiate crowd to tourists in the know to the savvy business traveler. Located in the nation's first headquarters of the YWCA and a Boston landmark since it was built in 1929, the completely renovated digs at 140 Clarendon Street is within walking distance of the upscale retail district on Newbury Street, the shops at the Prudential Center, the expanding arts and cultural offerings of the Theatre District as well as access to the South End's hipster dining and nightlife scene. Also, Hotel 140 is next to the John Hancock Tower and Conference Center, the historical Trinity Church and literally next door to the Back Bay Station, a major hub for the MBTA's commuter rail system and Amtrak as well as an Orange Line T stop. Whether you're looking for an extended stay or overnight lodging, enjoy stunning downtown views and access to high-tech amenities, a top-notch fitness center and access to the upgraded Stuart Street Grill which serves up complimentary continental breakfast to hotel guests. Hotel 140 boasts several cost-efficient deals including its Theatre Extravaganza Package ($169) which includes two tickets to the current Lyric Stage Production, located on the mezzanine level of the hotel, and one night stay in their Wellesley Superior Suite. Looking to impress your partner? They have a special Romance Package ($299) including overnight accommodations in a Copley or Wellesley Supreme guest room, next day 1 p.m. check-out, fresh flowers upon arrival, a box of chocolates by "All things Chocolate" and continental breakfast for two in the Stuart Street Grill. Hotel 140 also offers special corporate ratesfor the business traveler and long-term accommodations ranging from one to four weeks. Overnight covered parking is available with a hotel validation for a nominal fee.

Connected to the upscale Copley mall via skybridge, The Westin puts you at the center of historic Boston's Back Bay and trendy Newbury Street; It boasts the largest guest rooms in Boston and spectacular views of Back Bay and Cambridge (especially from the rooms facing west). It is advisable to reserve rooms in advances (up to 1 months; 1 year for Commencement). Rooms are $249-499, depending on size and view. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: Go up the escalator, bear right at the Rolex display, take first left past the shoeshine guy.

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The Copley Square Hotel plans to unveil its new urban-chic look on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 after a $17 million facelift. The historic hotel's initial re-launch date was postponed from Nov. 11 to New Year's Eve after mandatory city inspections held up the renovations kicking off more than one year ago on January 24, 2008. At this contemporary boutique hotel, guests will enjoy top-tier accommodations at a lower rate within walking distance of many of the city's most popular restaurants, nightspots, shopping and attractions, The Copley Square Hotel showcases the best of Boston at highly competitive hotel rates. Also, the revamped hotel boasts a new martini bar, formerly Domani Bar & Trattoria, called Minibar. Inspired by lounges at the W Hotels and Miami's Delano, designer/architect Stephen Sousa's Minibar boasts modern design elements including a black-and-metallic color motif and gray-leather seating surrounding a minimalist U-shaped bar area.

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