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The extremely posh Langham occupies a jewel of an Art Nouveau building, the former Federal Reserve bank in the heart of the Financial District. Spacious rooms feature modernized Second Empire decor with rich brocades.

Under family management for over 35 years, this Edwardian landmark on Copley Square is intimate and European in style. The rooms are splendid (especially the corner suites), some with working fireplaces.

Recent renovations brought this hotel right up-to-date. The waterfront location means most of the bright, spacious rooms have superb harbor or city skyline views.

This fine Greek Revival house between Harvard and Porter squares has just 20 guest rooms, all delightfully decorated in traditional “historic B&B” style. Some rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and whirlpool tubs and there’s a beautiful outdoor terrace.

This 159-room budget motor inn in Back Bay was built in the 1960s but has been renovated to bring it up-to-date. Kids appreciate the outdoor pool and drivers enjoy secure, inexpensive parking.

Rooms run the gamut from tiny to palatial in this elegant and swanky oasis close to bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace (see Faneuil Hall Marketplace). Some suites even have their own jacuzzis.

Several Back Bay residences have been linked inside to create this homey 32-room guest house. Rooms vary in size, but tend to be cozy with eclectic furnishings. Good value for the location.

Newcomer Nine Zero marries sleek and shiny steel, chrome, and glass with warm woods and designer furniture for a contemporary look with a soft edge. The Downtown Crossing location is ultra convenient.

America’s oldest hotel in continuous operation (1856), this opulent downtown hostelry gave the world Boston cream pie. Renovations costing $70 million brightened up all 551 rooms, although some remain compact.

Large desks, good views, and an excellent on-site Greek restaurant are highlights of this older 200-room Cambridge riverfront hotel. For the best vistas climb up to the hotel’s observation deck. The location isn’t ideal unless you have a car.