Best Boston Hotels

Mandarin Oriental
This huge hotel encompasses plush guest rooms, a 16,000-square-foot spa, and three of Boston’s most talked-about dining destinations: the relocated L’Espalier, the region’s third Sel de la Terre, and Asana, which offers chef Nicolas Boutin’s American and Asian cuisine. There’s also the new minimalist Mizu salon. 776 Boylston St., Boston, 617-535-8888, mandarinoriental.com/boston.

Millennium Bostonian Hotel
Located in the heart of Faneuil Hall and fresh from a $25 million renovation, the Millennium Bostonian offers proximity to the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, the Museum of Science, and the North End’s marvelous restaurants. It also has a top-notch dining spot of its own, North 26, which serves contemporary New England cuisine. 26 North St., Boston, 617-523-3600, millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboston.

Nine Zero
Travelers will embrace Nine Zero’s contemporary elegance, streamlined design, and central downtown location. The spacious in-room workstations and Louis Boston personal shoppers are reasons to check in; the upscale Aveda bath products and soft, luxury bedding are reasons to never check out. 90 Tremont St., Boston, 617-772-5800, ninezero.com.

Omni Parker House
Established in 1855, the Omni Parker House has hosted the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ulysses S. Grant, Babe Ruth, and John F. Kennedy…and employed staff members including Malcolm X and Emeril Lagasse. (Its Parker Restaurant is also the birthplace of the Boston cream pie.) The recently renovated rooms have preserved the original design’s warm hues and classic heirlooms. 60 School St., Boston, 617-227-8600, omniparkerhouse.com.

Ritz-Carlton Boston
With its jocular doorman, white-gloved bellboys, and panoramic skyline view, this Boston landmark promises an impeccable stay. Add the attached Sports Club/LA gym to the vast menu of amenities, ranging from afternoon tea to a scavenger hunt for children, and the Ritz exceeds all expectations. 10 Avery St., Boston, 617-574-7100, ritzcarlton.com.

Taj Boston
When the Newbury Street Ritz-Carlton became the Taj in 2007, Bostonians worried: What would happen to the charmingly faded glory of the city’s most iconic hotel? Turns out, hardly anything. The Public Garden–facing, 17-story Taj still delivers old-school luxury (hello, fireplace butler!) in the form of sophisticated décor, flawless service, and an Emily Post–worthy afternoon tea. 15 Arlington St., Boston, 617-536-5700, tajhotels.com/boston.

W Hotel
One of the newest players on Boston’s swanky hotel scene, the W aims to check off every last item on guests’ wish lists. With sleekly contemporary quarters, a luxe Sweat fitness center, and a new outpost of Bliss Spa, we’re pretty sure it will succeed. 100 Stuart St., Boston, 617-261-8700, starwoodhotels.com/whotels.

XV Beacon
XV Beacon offers 60 perfectly appointed guest rooms (you needn’t bother with a spa treatment—every room has a posh “rainforest” shower) and complimentary chauffeur service in a Lexus LS460L. Even more impressive? The fact that the hotel’s modern steakhouse, Mooo, has wowed local food editors. 15 Beacon St., Boston, 617-670-1500, xvbeacon.com.