"What was once a classic Ritz-Carlton in the vein of an Eloise book is now an amenity-laden luxury hotel with most of the building’s original beaux arts details intact (the Instagram-worthy lobby alone is worth a visit). Originally opened in 1927, the 17-story retreat hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and Joan Crawford (said to be an especially high-maintenance guest). In 2002, the hotel underwent a massive renovation on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; in 2006, Taj Hotels bought the building and formally unveiled Taj Boston in 2007. Rooms are awash in comfort: down-filled comforters, a pillow menu, seasonal fireplace butlers, and bath butlers. In keeping with the hotel’s blend of Old and New World traditions, the customer service is gracious but not stuffy. The best part of the hotel, though is what lays outside it: Taj Boston's central location means guests can walk to all the city’s sites."