The 21 Best Hotels in Boston

"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