The Colonnade Hotel

"Where is this hotel? What's it like? Located walking distance from the Prudential Center, the Public Garden, Fenway Park, and the South End, the Colonnade is within reach of Boston's key sights. Owned by the same family since opening in 1971, the hotel has long set the standard for customer service—all while delivering a cheeky sense of fun. What’s the crowd like? The central location and spacious rooms make this hotel a go-to spot for families and business travelers. The rooftop pool is one of the best in town; in the warmer months, it's filled with hip young folks looking to cool off. Tell us about the digs. A pre-lockdown renovation brought a welcome freshening-up to the rooms. Mid-century modern furniture is a great contrast with those stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows which have become a Colonnade trademark, and the rooms' crisp and minimalist color palette serves as a breath of fresh air, letting each room's view do the talking. Ceramic lamps from local artisan Lawrence McRae and artworks from a range of local artists adorn the walls throughout the property. How about the amenities—was the room stacked? The spacious rooms are tricked out with modern amenities like Sealy pillow-top mattresses; super-fast free Wi-Fi; Samsung HD LCD TVs; Google Chromecasts; custom-designed bath fixtures; Keurig machines; complimentary bottled water; and iHome docking stations. Can we order food to these fabulous rooms? Room service from LUCIE drink + dine downstairs runs from 6 a.m. until midnight; the menu is a mix of international favorites, from melt-in-your-mouth diver scallops with sweet corn grits, to straciatella with pickled beets and grilled bread. Come hungry. And the service—how was it? During pool season, get to know the rooftop staff—they'll keep your glass filled, make sure you get a good chair, and arm you with plenty of towels. Anything else you want to shout out? The hotel's adorable VIP ("Very Important Pets") perks including a complimentary pet bed and bowl, your choice of three brands of dog and cat food, walkers for hire, and pet-sitting, grooming, and even spa services. So, bottom line: Why should we book here? Whether you're a business traveler looking for some fast Wi-Fi or a family looking for a pool and proximity to Boston's best attractions, there's something for everyone here." - Todd Plummer