The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common
Boston's only Ritz (the Taj chain bought the famous Back Bay property in 2006) is an 11-story glass-and-steel monolith that looms above the Common's greenery. Opened in 2001, the hotel transports you — oddly — to 1985; the glitzy marble lobby, filled with giant potted lilies and a 10-foot fireplace, is pure Trump Revival. Thankfully, the 193 guest rooms are a bit more subdued, with velvety earth-toned upholstery, feather beds and Frette bathrobes — appealing amenities after a workout in the adjacent 100,000-square-foot Sports Club/LA (where $15 gets you near-round-the-clock access).
Room to Book: Any room above the ninth floor; these have the most direct views over the Common
Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for celebs; the Yankees usually stay here when they're in town. Nothing enhances people watching more than fondue and Bloody Marys at the Ritz's Artisan Bistro, which opened with much fanfare September of 2011.