InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel

"Why book? For waterfront views of an iconic slice of Boston Harbor (namely, the iconic clipper ship at the Tea Party Ships and Museum) and plenty of space to spread out, from the lobby to the pool. Newly renovated rooms and suites range from 420-square-foot rooms overlooking the verdant Rose Kennedy Greenway to a 2,100-square-foot corner Royal Ambassador suite—complete with two bedrooms, a service kitchen, plush living room, and a full office perched above the Fort Point Channel. Set the scene This property is classic downtown Boston thanks to its pairing of sparkling harbor views and manicured parks packed with public art–swathed bike paths (the Greenway, if you’re keen on sounding like a local). The property is a favorite among families and business types alike for its sprawling lobby and patio eateries; fireplace-flanked bar RumBa and Miel Brasserie. Its iconic glass outer stretches across Fort Point Channel, a narrow waterway separating the converted warehouses of Fort Point and Seaport from the densely settled downtown and South Station—which connects directly to Boston Logan Airport (and for totally free, via the Silver Line from arrivals). Neighborhoods just a stone’s throw away by foot include the historic Financial District, modern Seaport, and the cozy North End. The backstory Nearly wholly scrubbed of its prior 2000s-feeling furniture and finishings, the property wrapped up a two-year renovation in early 2022 that swapped red-leather everything for more subtle modern touches; think bright, airy interiors with pink-velvet chaises, plush navy throw pillows, and impressionist wall art that evokes the waters around the property. A massive, walk-through lobby stretches from the main thoroughfare of Atlantic Avenue back to a quiet green space on the channel, which is as popular with locals getting active outdoors as it is with families of out-of-towners heading for the adjacent Boston Children’s Museum and Hood Milk Bottle ice-cream shop (you won't miss it, as its outer is a larger-than-life milk bottle). The rooms If it’s a suite you’re here for, the property has plenty with corner views of the water so you can feel like you live in one of Boston’s most luxe real-estate corners. But rooms are well-appointed, too—there’s barely a bad view from this property—with workspaces, velvet banquette chairs, plush linens, and roomy standalone tubs with handy sliding-door windows that open into the room so you can doubly enjoy that waterfront view. Food and drink Punnily named RumBa attracts suits from the nearby offices both day and night for drinks, while Miel is the hotel breakfast option that turns into a moodier French bistro by night. The real gem of both concepts, though, is the outdoor patio where you can enjoy a stretch of sun and grass on this quiet respite of the busy Boston waterfront—it’s rare to find a truly waterfront terrace in this part of town, but this one is. The spa A sprawling hotel almost always needs an equally sizable spa, and Spa Intercontinental doesn’t disappoint, with 6,600 square feet of saunas, massage rooms, and a pool. The space is open to guests for pool and sauna use, and treatments are available by appointment. The service Friendly and helpful without being over-the-top. Check-in is a breeze, and warm staff will offer to grab your bag or valet your car (parking under the hotel is a welcome amenity in this part of town) as soon as you’re inside. Accessibility ADA rooms are available, and elevators and ramps are in use throughout the property. Anything left to mention? A picturesque waterfront option for comfort and location alike, the Intercontinental Boston upgrades and anchors any visit to this unique and historic city." - Shannon McMahon