After spending $5 million to completely renovate its 326 rooms, this Federal Reserve Building-turned-hotel maintains high standards of excellence with 2 elegant restaurants (Cafe Fleuri and the 4-star Julien), a health club, a heated indoor pool, and radios that greet guests with relaxing music as they enter their rooms. Though recently taken over by new management, not much has changed since this regal building was Le Meridien Boston. Regular rates begin at $295 and go up to $450, depending on amenities and the season; suites run $550-2000. Book Commencement at least 6 months in advance. Take advantage of the hotel's VIB Program for Very Important Babies and their families. The program ensures that families have the important necessities upon arrival, from pre-ordered baby food to unlimited Huggies to special soaps and shampoos just for babies to use of a stroller. Older siblings receive cereal boxes that are great for snacking and a book and city guide filled with puzzles, games, and coupons. The package starts at $315 per room, per night, and is valid Fri-Sun (based on availability).

The Gryphon House in Boston, MA is a luxurious bed and breakfast perfect for those looking for a comfortable stay in the heart of Boston. All of their suites feature numerous amenities, including queen-size beds, gas log fireplaces, A/C, large private bath (most with a shower and a tub), 27" Sony TV(with Direct-TV and HBO), VCR/DVD (with an extensive free video library in lobby), CD/tape player, a wet bar with refrigerator, two line telephone, voice mail, and High Speed Internet Connection (ethernet or wireless) or you can use the provided iMac in the lobby to check / send e-mail or surf the web. The rooms are simply gorgeous, and will make you feel right at home. Conveniently located less than two blocks from the T stop at Kenmore Square on the subway's Green Line, travelers have access to all of Boston, from the harbor front, through Back Bay and the Boston University campus, all the way out to Boston College. And, if shopping is on your list of things to do, Boston’s historic Newbury Street is just around the corner, as well as many other notable shopping destinations. On-site parking is available. A delicious continental breakfast completes your stay at the Gryphon House, featuring various pastries, breads for toasting, such as bagels, raisin bread, wheat bread, cereals, cheddar cheese, fruit yogurt, and more. If Boston is your destination, and a fantastic bed and breakfast is your choice of lodging, then the Gryphon House is where you'll want to stay!

Located in the heart of downtown Boston. Five-star service. Cafe Fleuri restaurant is home to a power breakfast, Sunday Jazz Brunch, and the wonderful Chocolate Bar buffet.

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.

Looking for over-the-top opulence with Asian-inspired elegence? You're in luck. Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites that span over 14 floors, the new Mandarin Oriental officially opened its doors on Oct. 6, 2008 with a ceremony officiated by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The rooms are designed with custom furnishings in golden-hued, exotic wood coupled with lush silk. While extravagant in both price and amenities, the rooms boast a to-die-for view of the Back Bay. The hotel's in-house restaurant Asana offers breakfast, lunch and dinner dining from an inspired menu by executive chef Nicolas Boutin. Sporting panoramic views of Boylston Street, the restaurant's offerings include a combination of American and authentic Asian-inspired cuisine. The Boylston street urban landscape is shared by the adjacent M Bar & Lounge.

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.

When it was constructed in 1889, the 13-story Ames building was the first skyscraper in Boston. It is the second tallest masonry load bearing-wall structure in the world, exceeded only by the Monadnock Building in Chicago, completed that same year. (Wikipedia) Currently under construction and slotted to reopen as a boutique hotel in 2009, the historic building punctuates One Court Street just off Washington Mall. The boutique hotel is slated to have 115 guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym. It is being developed by Morgans Hotel Group, of the Hudson in NYC and the Delano in Miami. Chic and hip coming Beantown's way.

The palatial Copley Plaza Hotel has been one of Boston's most prestigious landmarks since 1912. It offers the usual luxuries—a gym, bars, and restaurants and the notable Oak Room restaurant has won awards for the “Best Steaks in Boston.” Each room is furnished with “period antique reproductions,” private bars, and modern communications services. Rooms start at $300, but quickly rise to well over $450 for a double or a suite. Overnight parking $36. Make Commencement reservations at least 8 months in advance, although they will take reservations up to 2 years ahead. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This is the location of the Press/Media area for the Boston Marathon. The media areas include the Oval Room, Venetian Room and Grand Ballroom in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. No blue jeans or sneakers allowed. The Marathon Awards Ceremony is from 5 - 6 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: down the stairs before the front desk and near the hair salon.

New England's only AAA 5-diamond hotel, the Four Seasons is nothing short of exquisite. The Four Seasons boasts spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, an indoor health club (complete with pool and massage rooms), free Town Car service (drop-off anywhere within 1 mi. of the hotel), and round-the-clock room service and concierge. The hotel accommodates all demanding guests, with kosher cuisine, kids' programs, and a pet menu. Off-season singles $525-775; doubles $565-815 (depending on the view); suites $1600-3250. Reservations accepted up to 1 year in advance. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Young guests at the Four Seasons are treated to bedtime milk and cookies, video game units, child-sized robes, complimentary cribs, the special kids' room service menu, and no-tear shampoo - all available for the asking. Children under 18 can share their parents' room at no extra charge. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon available through Marathon Tours and Travel.

The 230 rooms in this chic waterfront hotel are “decorated to reflect Historic Boston,” though the prices seem to reflect inflation levels from the future. The hotel boasts a 60 ft. pool, sauna, jacuzzi, day spa, health club, a seasonal outdoor café (The Intrigue Café), an award winning restaurant The Meritage, and a business center—everything you need to get away in complete luxury. Doubles range from $250-$600+, while suites start at $600 and can run up to $1600 (higher rates during Commencement). Rooms include high speed internet access, and to ensure you're getting your money's worth, a complimentary shoe shine. Reserve at least 1 month in advance for May-Oct.; no later than Jan. for Commencement. Parking available (Su-Th $34 valet, $30 self; F-Sa $25/$20). 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. For information on their Summer Events visit the schedule on Boston Harbor Hotel Summer in the City Leventhal Map Collection: The Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor map collection in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel is just a sample of one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of maps of the Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. The collection shows exploration, development, and changes along the Boston waterfront and New England coast from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. The rest of the Leventhal collection is on display at the main branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley Square. Public restroom: Upstairs near the dining room.