XV Beacon

XV Beacon manages to deliver the personality, intimacy and character that corporate hotels too often lack, but also the high-end execution of service that boutique hotels usually cannot.

• The complimentary, chauffeured Lexus that will drop guests around town
• That the hotel is pet-friendly and offers dog sitting and walking
• Rooms 906 and 1006, the corner studio rooms on the high floors, which have views of the Boston Common and the State House building

It’s no surprise that XV Beacon consistently ranks as the top property in Boston in Conde Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Not only is the historic Beaux Arts building a work of art, but the hotel is also distinguished by its outstanding art collection (including works by Jules Olitski and Gilbert Stuart) and interior design by Celeste Cooper, which combine to create a sense of elegant sophistication. The check-in staff is efficient, but warm, and the cozy lobby feels more like a living room than a hotel entry. There’s a fireplace and deep, comfy couch and you may see a dog curled up at a guest’s feet on the striped carpet.

The historic 1900s building is not as old as many of the Beacon Hill landmarks in the surrounding neighborhood, but it is dripping with architectural drama. The 63 guest rooms and suites all share a similar palette with lots of black, white and shades of gray. This crisp, contemporary look is softened by homey details like in-room fireplaces, piles of books and interesting art that ranges from black-and-white photographs to 19th-century oil portraits. The seven types of rooms all have fabulous marble bathrooms with rainforest showers and LeFroy Brooks fixtures.

The hotel sits on the edge of the Financial District and a block from the Boston Common, so it attracts a mix of tourists and parents visiting college kids, as well as executives in tech, advertising and media who expect excellence (and 24-hour room service), but appreciate individuality. The hotel restaurant, Mooo is an area favorite that is known for its steak, seafood and wine list. Guests can book wine and whiskey tastings in the beautiful wine cellar, which has a Roman mosaic that dates back to the fifth century A.D. The hotel also has a rooftop 24-hour gym, hot tub and terrace, but no spa (in-room massages can be arranged.)

Note: This is a pet friendly hotel.

Travelers who want the best room product in the city and appreciate a sophisticated boutique hotel, parents visiting college kids, families with pets, business travelers and art aficionados.