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 Seaport Hotel is a deluxe hotel, meeting, exhibition, and function facility located among Boston's historical seaside attractions. It is near Logan Airport and Boston's downtown, and has a full service health club, gourmet restaurant, and wireless internet. It is the perfect place for a business retreat, romantic getaway, or family adventure.

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.

Although it does not appear hip and happening on the outside, the Colonnade presents an extravagant interior. All of their rooms are luxurious, and the location can not be beat. The piece de resistance of the Colonnade is their rooftop pool and happening bar, the only in Boston. They also boast an expanded fitness club, a French restaurant, and indoor parking ($36 per night). The Colonnade Hotel, conveniently located near the Shops at the Prudential Center, Copley Place, Prudential Skywalk, Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park, is a good bet for families on the go. It offers accommodations (two double beds) for up to two adults and two children. If you need to bring Fido along, he can cozy up in a Colonnade dog bed. Perks include the ever-popular fanny pack stuffed with goodies, and a terrific family restaurant, Brasserie Jo. Kids will love the Colonnade's Roof Top Pool www.rooftoppool.com, but don't plan on taking a dip when it's chilly outside - this pool is seasonal. When swimming is not an option, the hotel's cable channels include Disney and Nickelodeon. The hotel has on-site parking (a big plus in Boston), and a late checkout at 2pm, both subject to availability.

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.

The Jury's Hotel in the Back Bay is part of the Jury's family that is based in Dublin and quite popular throughout Ireland and the UK. This location offers a swanky hotel as well as two restaurants: Stanhope Grill and the bar Cuffs at the Jury's Hotel. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. This is a comfortable business oriented hotel based in a former police station with very busy bar on the lower ground floor.

Ho Chi Minh and Malcolm X worked here in their youth. This hotel is also famous for being the birthplace of Boston cream pie. The Omni Parker House puts visitors right where they ought to be - where the action is. Located on the Freedom Trail in Boston's downtown Financial District, this hotel has accommodated comfort-seeking travellers since 1856. The hotel recently underwent a $70 million restoration, but has managed to keep its historic charm. Families will be pleased at the attention paid to making a stay with children a pleasant one. The hotel has a Kids' Program that serves up lots of goodies. Upon arrival little guests receive a bag filled with treats, coloring book and crayons, a slap band, foam boomerang, and a list of places to visit in town. Kids are also greeted with an enticing plate of cookies and milk when they enter their room. Other little person perks include cable television and Nintendo 64 in each room. It may be difficult to convince the kids to leave the hotel! A non-refundable $50 fee is charged for an animal stay. You'll pay less for your children - children under 17 are free. Most Haunted Hotel in New England? The recently refurbished Omni Parker House, apparently the most haunted hotel in New England since opening its doors in October of 1855, has seemed to tiptoe around its supernatural history. However, the marketing crew has recently been pushing its "exclusive haunted travel" package online here. The deep-link section here explores the various sightings of the misty apparition of the hotel's founder, Harvey Parker, who has reportedly been seen roaming the 10th floor annex. While they mention the close encounter of the Parker kind, they do stress that he hasn't been around lately. The last sighting was apparently two decades ago. However, there's a slew of other stories:

• Elevators are always called to the third floor (the floor Charles Dickens occupied) without a button being pushed or a guest waiting for the elevator.

• In a room on the 10th floor, guests have reported the sound of a rocking chair that kept them up all night. There are no rocking chairs in the hotel.

• Bellmen have reported bright “orbs” of light floating down the corridor on the 10th floor then disappearing.

Click here for the Omni Parker House's spirited backstory.

A short walk from Harvard Square, the Friendly is ideal for Harvard visitors. This quiet, immaculate B&B provides private bath, continental breakfast, and free parking. Housed in a century-old red Victorian, the 18 comfortable rooms are furnished in dark wood and are equipped with A/C, phones, cable TV, and queen-sized beds. Reserve on Jan. 2 at 10am for Commencement (rooms $177) and for May-Sept. Doubles $117-127. Winter rates $77-97. Not wheelchair-accessible. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Recently acquired by the Hyatt Group from Swissôtel, the new Hyatt Regency Boston is centrally-located and reasonably priced for business travelers. The hotel boasts the largest Presidential suite in Boston, 500 rooms and 26 suites. The new restaurant, Avenue One, serves contemporary fusion cuisine, and guests can trim down at the weight room and indoor pool. Online discounted rates start at $189 and suites top out at $800. Commencement reservations should be made at least 6 months in advance. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.