Revealed: The Top 10 Hotels in Boston
The Spa Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Boston. (All photos via respective hotels.)
Sure, technically it's only been 2013 for 29 days, but U.S. News & World Report is already two steps ahead when it comes to recognizing the best of the best. Today, they release their list of the Best Hotels in the U.S. and Caribbean, a top 10 luxury roll call based on a detailed analysis of expert and user opinions. Calculating the ratings in itself is quite the hefty feat: U.S. News editors consider the number of awards and recognitions received by the hotels, in addition to estimating a mean-average class rating (a 4, 4.5, etc.) and tying in fairly weighted hotel guest ratings, provided by TripAdvisor.com.
And the highest rated hotel in the U.S.? That would be the Amangani, a breathtaking resort nestled in the cerulean peace of a high mountain valley, surrounded on either side by snow-capped mountains and endless miles of luscious green in…you guessed it! Jackson, Wyoming. Who knew? New York peaked at number four with NYC's The Setai Fifth Avenue, and California landed itself at number five with Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort. Hawaii managed to make the list twice with the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i (at number two) and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu (at number seven). Other surprises included South Carolina wedging its way into the top three with The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, An Auberge Resort.
While Boston may not have made the coveted top 10 list (there's always 2014, you guys!), that's not to say we don't have our fair share of top-of-the-line hotels wrapped around every corner. Here is U.S. News’ list of the best hotels in Boston.
1) Mandarin Oriental. 776 Boylston Street.
Tempting Tidbit: Sure, the Mandarin boasts an enticing blend of of international luxury and New England charm, but did you know you can welcome the Year of the Snake by celebrating the Chinese New Year at The Spa with a 110-minute spa therapy experience? There's even a treatment designed specifically for men called “Gentleman Essentials,” which includes a power-lift facial and a revitalizing Boost program.
2) Four Seasons. 200 Boylston Street.
Tempting Tidbit: Not only does the “Road to Romance” package include custom martini service delivered to your room, but you and your significant other can test drive a Porsche Panamera. Really.
3) Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf. 70 Rowes Wharf.
Tempting Tidbit: For a lot of people, one of the worst aspects of a vacation is leaving your pet behind. At the Boston Harbor Hotel, canines are welcome with the “Pamper Your Pooch” package, which includes spa services from Doggie Day, a posh pet services company that'll provide a wash, cut, dry, and even a goodie bag!
4) XV Beacon Hotel. 15 Beacon Street.
Tempting Tidbit: If you're not a fan of early checkout times and you are a fan of scrumptious breakfasts, the “Be Boutique Breakfast” deal may strike your fancy. Since checkout is at 2 p.m., take your time sleeping in and then indulging in a peaceful afternoon meal, courtesy of XV's award-winning restaurant, Mooo.
5) Hotel Commonwealth. 500 Commonwealth Ave.
Tempting Tidbit: Boredom doesn't seem to be an option at this establishment. Amenities include a DVD lending library, in-room spa services, a guest room book collection with Boston authors, and a Sony Playstation 2.
6) The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. 10 Avery street.
Tempting Tidbit: At the Avery Bar, located right off the hotel lobby, you're transported back to the 1950s. Italian marble floors, wool rugs, warm fireplaces, and best of all? Pre-prohibition cocktails to really set the mood.
7) The Eliot Hotel. 370 Commonwealth Ave.
Tempting Tidbit: There are three words you've always wanted to hear, but never knew it. They are the following: “Late Night Ramen.” Uni Sashimi Bar, a Japanese fusion cuisine bar located in the hotel, has one of the highest food ratings in Boston, according to Zagat. Plus, they have Late Night Ramen, which is served after 11 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And did we even mention the Sake Bomb special? It's offered on Tuesday and Sunday nights.
8) Fairmont Battery Wharf. 3 Battery Wharf.
Tempting Tidbit: The “Fire and Ice” package has your best interests at heart this terribly frigid winter. The package includes overnight accommodations and dinner for two at The Terrace at Aragosta Bar and Bistro. This means heat lamps, plush blankets, seasonal cocktails, even fondue and s'mores.
9) Nine Zero, A Kimpton Hotel. 90 Tremont Street.
Tempting Tidbit: Nine Zero loves Massachusetts. If you're from the home state, present your valid ID to get free valet parking, an automatic upgrade from deluxe to premier accommodations at the time of booking, and a $25 room service credit.
10) The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel. 215 Charles Street.
Tempting Tidbit: CLINK., a Modern American Cuisine restaurant located in the hotel, not only provides fine dining and an open kitchen, but the chance to experience it all in the vestige of an original jail cell. Now that's luxury.