Colonnade Hotel

Here’s the setting: bright blue sky, bright blue water, handsome poolside staff, a full bar and lunch menu, and a 360-degree view of Boston’s skyline. On weekdays, 40 bucks buys 12 suntastic hours more than 100 feet above the sweltering sidewalk (towels and an outdoor shower included). Cheapos can spend $20 for a late-afternoon poolside outing, but there’s no guarantee of scoring a seat.