Boston Hotels

The large, lavish lobby is a flashback to the 1920s. Huge crystal chandeliers hang from its high ornate ceilings and large bevelled mirrors decorate the walls. Though the Boston Park Plaza has been completely renovated, it still retains its early 20th-century allure. Comfortable guest rooms are decorated in ivories and beiges with mahogany furniture. Beds have white duvets and tufted headboards. Each room contains a nice work area, high-speed internet access and an interactive digital television system. You will not go hungry either. There is 24-hour room service and three restaurants. The hotel is well located - adjacent to the Public Garden and within walking distance of the State House, theatre district and Beacon Hill.

Stars, compasses, planets and diamond/harlequin patterns are part of the 'discovery' motif at the funky and fun Hotel Marlowe. Around the faux-marble fireplace of the tufted-velvet walled Living Room, there are complimentary evening wine hours and Wednesday evening poetry readings. Comfortable crimson and gold guest rooms are accented with velvet, leopard-print carpets, furry blankets and amenities that include modern electronic comfort, Aveda toiletries and leopard-patterned terrycloth robes. Even four-legged guests are regaled with leopard-print collar tags, treats and other pet services. The inviting American-styled brasserie, Bambara, is adjacent to the hotel.

Located in the cosy Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental combines comfort and style to produce one of Boston's most luxurious and trendy hotels. Rooms resonate with classic oriental styles with a modern flare and boast beautiful views of the Back Bay cityscape. After a long day of touring and shopping, enjoy a soak in the oversized Jacuzzi baths or indulge in a massage at the Mandarin Oriental's five-star spa. Perfect for a business retreat or a relaxing holiday, the Mandarin Oriental will not disappoint.

Ultra-smart Newbury Street is lined with boutiques, galleries and places to eat and is situated close to the Convention Center. The Guest House has 32 rooms, converted from three 1880s townhouses, with appropriately Victorian décor. Architectural details have been preserved, including Tiffany glass panels. Family run, it is relaxed and friendly, more like an English country house than a city hotel. A continental breakfast is included (in the dining room or on the patio), while a limited number of parking places can also be arranged for a charge. Smaller rooms towards the back are quieter. All have private bathrooms and breakfast is included.

Avoid the hassle of Fenway on game day and enjoy the game with amazing Fenway Park views. Hotel Commonwealth is right in the centre of Kenmore Square with easy access to Fenway, Newbury Street, and the Kenmore T station to take you anywhere in the city. Spend a cosy evening in the Kenmore rooms overlooking Kenmore square, or live it up in the presidential suite with a Jacuzzi bath, plasma TVs and a fire place. With the high convenience and low prices you can afford to treat yourself.

Prison chic is made a reality in the Liberty Hotel. For 120 years, the Charles Street Jail held some of Boston's most infamous criminals but in 2001, Liberty designers converted the building into a classy, unique hotel. Much of the décor mirrors the building's 20th-century charms, including The Clink restaurant which features authentic cell bars and the main lobby that reveals the inner atrium of the original prison. Far from being prison-like, this upscale hotel boasts all the necessary 21st-century amenities along with stunning views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline.

Anchoring the gentrification of the waterfront, the handsome architecture of BHH has become a Boston landmark. While the 230 luxuriously appointed rooms are comforting, the hotel offers many activities, hosts concerts and exhibitions, has an outstanding health club and spa, plus a marina. Its Meritage restaurant specialises in wine and food pairings. There is accessibility to yacht charters for sightseeing or sport fishing. Chauffeur service available.