Charlesmark Hotel

The Charlesmark lacks amenities such as room service and fitness facilities, and instead relies on its wonderful Back Bay location, contemporary (if slightly utilitarian) style, and competitive rates. The modern lobby has slate, red, and cream tones and an uncluttered check-in area. Exposed brick hallways lead to attractive, Ikea-esque rooms. The outdoor patio has metal tables and chairs with wide umbrellas; it's an excellent venue to unwind during the warmer months and people-watch with a cold cocktail in hand. The popular Charlesmark Lounge and Martini Bar draws a local crowd, offering guests an authentic Boston experience. The small size of the rooms means that the hotel is best suited to couples and business travelers rather than families.

The Charlesmark is housed in a building that dates to 1886 and was originally a private residence.

Located on Boylston Street in Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood, the hotel is across from the Boston Public Library and the Boston Marathon finish line. It's just down the street from Copley Square, and The Copley T station is nearby, as is the Back Bay T station for easy access to Amtrak and other trains. Plenty of restaurants and tourist destinations are within walking distance.

• Two-minute walk to Copley Square
• Three-minute walk to Boston Public Library
• Three-minute walk to Boston Marathon finish line
• Five-minute walk from Newbury Street shopping
• Five-minute walk to The Shops at Prudential Center
• 10-minute walk to Prudential Center
• 15-minute walk to Fenway Park

Rooms are small but practical, with custom oak furniture, tan and gray geometric pattern bedding, and red accents. There are drawers under the bed rather than closets (rooms really are that small), and full-length mirrors. The decor is modern and functional, and abstract paintings hang on the walls. The full-size beds are outfitted with Serta pillow-top mattresses, comfortable down feather pillows, and clean sheets. Small bathrooms have decorative Italian blue glass tiles, walk-in showers, and wall-mounted hair dryers. Each room also has a mini-fridge and 32-inch or 39-inch Insignia flat-screen TV equipped with surround sound, cable TV, and movie channels. And that's it. Experienced guests know to ask for upper-level rooms that have less traffic noise and better views of Boylston street.

There's no room service, but guests can order delivery from nearby restaurants.

In keeping with the hotel's boutique ethos and budget rates, features are limited. The main highlight here is the stylish Charlesmark Lounge, which specializes in Thai food and martinis; it has a local following and an outdoor patio on Boylston Street, which has great people-watching. There is discounted off-site parking for those traveling by car. The lobby business center has two computers and printer access. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free, and the free continental breakfast includes bagels, pastries, fruit, instant oatmeal, coffee, tea, and juices.