Behind its grim and stony facade, the Colonnade presents an extravagant interior. All 285 sunny rooms in this luxurious, optimally-located hotel come equipped with cable TV and high-speed and wireless internet. They also offer Boston's only rooftop pool, an expanded fitness club, a French restaurant, and indoor parking ($36 per night). Singles and doubles (deluxe suites) $180-425, but rates vary seasonally. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. 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.

If you're looking for the perfect pre-/post-theater date destination, look no further. Situated off the lobby of the Colonnade Hotel, the lively Brasserie Jo offers classic French cooking in a casual but stylish setting. Although steak frites ($22) is the main attraction (and understandably so), a variety of other simple bistro entrees including swordfish, salmon, and roasted chicken are available and uniformly good. The wine list offers lots of affordable options, and desserts are absolutely marvelous. Entrees $15-25. Bar with a “light menu” open daily 11am-1am. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.