Leaf peepers delight: Where to stay to see fall colors in New York and Boston
- Price: $333/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4.5
- Location: Back Bay, Boston
Bought from the Ritz-Carlton in 2007, the Taj Boston holds on to the Ritz' elegant look, but also offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar. Given its free business center, well-equipped gym, and ideal location bordering the Public Garden and the swank boutiques along Newbury Street, it's an excellent luxury pick. Room categories with views of the Public Garden include Premier Rooms, Deluxe Rooms -- Park View, and Commonwealth Suites.
Jumeirah Essex House
- Price: $466/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4.5
- Location: Midtown West, New York City
This large, luxurious Art Deco icon evokes the opulence of bygone times. With a recent redesign that put modern technological amenities in the rooms, the Essex House is moving comfortably into the future. And its location on the southern edge of Central Park is ideal for leaf peepers. Book the Central Park King Room, Central Park Queen Room, or Central Park Deluxe Suite for views.
- Price: $268/avg. per night
- Pearls: 3.5
- Location: Cambridge, Boston
One of the cheapest hotels in Cambridge, the Hyatt Regency could get away with being a bare-bones business hotel. In fact, it's better than that: The rooms were renovated in 2010, there are quality amenities (including an indoor pool and a well-equipped gym), and it has a charming location overlooking the Charles River. It's a great value for those who don't need to be in the thick of things. A number of rooms have spectacular views of the fall colors along the Charles River. If you get stuck with a Cambridge view, just head to the sun deck off of the 75-foot atrium pool to take in the colors of fall.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
- Price: $925/avg. per night
- Pearls: 5
- Location: Upper West Side, New York City
It's not an icon like the Plaza or the Pierre -- but so what? The Mandarin Oriental, located across Columbus Circle from Central Park, offers a dizzying array of modern luxuries -- a 75-foot pool, one of the city's best spas, sweeping views from nearly every common area, and superb on-site fine-dining options, to name a few -- even as it upholds traditional values and outstanding service. Book a Central Park View Room, Premier Central Park View Room, Central Park View Suite, or Premier Central Park View Suite for views of the bright leaves.
Hotel Marlowe
- Price: $246/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4
- Location: Cambridge, Boston
With large, playfully furnished rooms, the 236-room Hotel Marlowe is one of Cambridge's most family-friendly hotels. Its neighbor, the Royal Sonesta Hotel, is cheaper and has a pool, but the Marlowe offers a boutique-like feel at a reasonable price, with personality to spare. A number of its rooms -- such as the Studio Suite -- overlook the tree-lined Charles River, a beautiful site in the fall.
- Price: $664/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4.5
- Location: Upper West Side, New York City
An ostentatiously luxurious hotel with a supremely well-trained staff, and huge, elegant rooms designed by Ivanka Trump herself. The location (overlooking Central Park at Columbus Circle) can't be beat -- especially for guests seeking views of gorgeous fall colors. The hotel also has two highly regarded restaurants and an in-house pool.
If you're headed to New York City or Boston and want to take in the fall colors on your trip, you'll want to stay in a hotel with a view of the trees -- or with easy access to the city's best parks. Below, check out our picks for leaf peepers this fall.
The Taj Boston borders the Boston Public Garden, and offers views from a number of its rooms.
The Hyatt Regency Cambridge has stunning views of the tree-lined Charles River from some of its rooms.
The Trump has some of the best Central Park views in the city.
Trump International Hotel & Tower