"Located in Beacon Hill just steps from the Massachusetts State House and the bustling financial district, XV Beacon (say “Fifteen Beacon” if you’re talking about it) is a transportive paradise of serenity and relaxation. The vibe is sexy—lots of dark-stained woods, crimson accents, and antique furniture—but the ethos is entirely Boston. With only seven guest rooms per floor, XV Beacon has a distinctly residential feel, and rooms are spacious but still intimate. The fact that each one comes with a personal fireplace speaks to the level of luxury and coziness here. Every detail feels special, from the Frette linens and the one-of-a-kind commissioned artworks to the cashmere throws and the pillow menu. And there’s no better way to unwind after a day of meetings or hiking the Freedom Trail than with a soak in the white-marble tub, a feature of some rooms. Looking for food and drink? Mooo.... (three O’s, four periods) on the first floor takes the best parts of steakhouses (grass-fed beef, a killer dessert list, a solid brunch) and distills them into something that works for a boutique hotel of this scale. Not too keen on getting dressed up for dinner? Don't worry; the entire menu can be delivered directly to your door. And with only 63 rooms, the hotel offers a degree of attention and service you generally don’t find at Boston’s larger hotels. Staff is used to making check-in and check-out seamless and offering personal touches throughout the stay. Every detail of the experience feels tailor-made to this hotel, right down to the custom fragrance that welcomes you the moment you step into the lobby. From $495. —Todd Plummer" - Shannon McMahon, Todd Plummer
