Best of the New

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common

The hotel’s entryway.

Higher love at tree level in the ballroom.

The Ritz’s smaller meeting rooms can host rehearsal dinners.

While the hotel itself has reigned supreme on the Boston Common for seven years, the Ritz-Carlton has never been content to rest on its laurels: Construction was just completed on a ballroom (occupying the former Loews movie theater bar). The new venue overlooks the Common through a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving revelers an unobstructed view of the Boston sunset. And though the décor is contemporary, the event space has lovely art deco touches, including carefully reproduced 1930s chandeliers and tufted wall panels. The rich, silk gold-toned drapes provide a great backdrop for any wedding color scheme. Located on the edge of the Theater District, the hotel also shares the building with the Sports Club/LA, so groomsmen can rent a court while the ladies hit the spa-or sip strong martinis at the adjacent upscale bar and restaurant, Blu.

An unparalleled vantage point.

Standout Features: There’s no beating the Ritz’s park view-especially when the Common’s trees are in spring bloom, awash in bright fall color, or sparkling with holiday lights in December. Inside the hotel, the private event wing-replete with a dedicated coat check for guests and its own set of restrooms-is pleasantly secluded from the property’s public areas. It includes the high-ceilinged ballroom and chic-looking cocktail area (think mother-of-pearl tiles and ostrich leather wall panels). And in true Ritz-Carlton fashion, French-trained executive chef Clayton van Hooijdonk’s cuisine dazzles, too, particularly the risotto station and creative seafood entrées like sole roulade stuffed with lobster. The hotel is also pet-friendly-just in case you happen to have a best dog in the wedding ceremony.

Capacity: 200

Catering: Must be provided by the hotel, except for cakes from outside bakers

Food and Beverage Fee: $30,000 during high season; low-season prices vary

Find it: 10 Avery St., Boston, 617-574-7100, ritzcarlton.com