Cambridge Hotels

"Thankfully, it's really still the Ritz" insist admirers of this "lovely, old-world hotel" that's now owned by the Taj group; the "impressive service" continues to earn praise (there are specialized butlers for the bath, the fireplace and technology), "its famous bar is as excellent as ever" and, of course, it will always have the "perfect" Back Bay location opposite the Public Garden; note that the type of room you get "makes a big difference", since some are "large" and "comfy", others are "cubbyholes."

"Great location, fine hotel" sums up this bustling Back Bay lodging that's directly connected to Copley Place (offering some of "the best shopping in Boston"); regulars recommend rooms on the "upper floors" since you'll feel like you're on "top of the world overlooking the entire city", while the "numerous dining options", including seafood at Turner Fisheries and steak in The Palm, along with "pleasant" staffers", make this lodging "much better than the average convention" destination.

There's no lack of "old-world" charm at this "historic" Downtown property, built in 1855 and reported to be America's longest continuously operating hotel; the staff knows how to "make special occasions truly special" – perhaps that's why former president John F. Kennedy held his bachelor party here – and Parker's Restaurant, which still serves all "the standards" including the namesake rolls, is a nostalgic favorite; just beware that the "shoebox-size" rooms, though "newly renovated", "make steerage on a cruise ship seem spacious."

Those who "want to be in the center of things" check into this Copley Square chainster, a "huge hotel" with enclosed skywalks to the convention center and malls "that seems as if it should have its own ZIP code"; it's "just average", with rooms that are "a little tired", but there's a "nice sushi bar in the lobby" and a "friendly" staff.

Aided by Catie, the hotel's "live-in Labrador" mascot, staffers make guests "feel like royalty" at this "true grande dame [decorated] with gilt plasterwork and crystal" on Copley Square; fussbudgets fume she's looking "tired" – in particular, the "rooms need updates", unless you go for the "wonderful Gold floor" – but there's a "terrific lobby", the Oak Bar serves the "best martinis in town" and it's in a "prime location", especially "in April, when the Boston Marathon ends near the front door."