Four Seasons Hotel Boston

This Four Seasons on Boylston Street overlooks the Public Garden, Boston’s open-space jewel, and has been completely renovated to solidify its place as one of the country's best urban retreats.

• The expansive views of the Public Garden across the street
• The gourmet coffee shop that makes complimentary barista-made drinks—anything from delicious iced coffees to perfect cappuccinos
• The 8th-floor indoor swimming pool and large gym

The 273-room Four Seasons overlooks the Public Garden, Boston’s open-space jewel. Bordering the high-end boutique shopping area of the Back Bay and a five-minute walk from Beacon Hill, the hotel offers a sophisticated home base to visitors who want the best of the city’s shopping, dining and sightseeing. After an extensive design update by AD designer Ken Fulk, it has become one of the country's best urban retreats.

There is a full-time director of creative dreaming up magical moments for guests and fostering a spirit of generosity rarely seen at hotels. And there are so many complimentary perks, starting with “vaults” on every floor stocked with free snacks like M&M’s, Swedish Fish, bags of nuts and drinks. For children, upon arrival in the lobby, a hand-painted mural depicts the public garden with willow and oak trees—one special swan holds a key. They are handed a key to the mystery closet behind the front desk to choose from a veritable treasure chest of toys and books.

Coterie is an excellent brasserie serving New England classics like crab cakes and clam chowder. But Sottovento just might become your favorite place, a gourmet coffee shop equal to the city’s best (though this is Boston and Dunkin reigns supreme). Start each morning with complimentary barista-made drinks—or order it from the Four Seasons app for delivery.

Although the property lacks a spa, in-room treatments can be arranged, and there is a state-of-the-art gym and a long eighth-floor indoor swimming pool that overlooks the garden.