Kimpton Onyx Hotel

Wedged between its neighbors on a narrow side street, the Kimpton Onyx Hotel’s handsome 11-story facade combines classic brickwork with metal accents that fits in well with the Boston architecture. The lobby is more contemporary but a bit loud, due partly to speckled tile floors and brown-and-beige patterned carpet. It's largely brash because of the Ruby Room eatery and bar, which occupies a large portion of the lobby and is separated from reception by a chain curtain. Boasting a red leather bar under a sparkly chandelier and a mix of red and black bucket chairs, it’s touted as a full-service restaurant, though has the feel of a cocktail lounge. This vibrant style continues into the guest rooms. There's little else of interest on-site, aside from nightly free wine hours typical of the chain, but the crowd of mostly sports lovers or pet-touting tourists find the hotel acts as a good base. 

Set on a rather barren street, the Kimpton Onyx is ideal for spectators who’ve come to watch the Celtics or Bruins play at home in TD Garden, which is right around the corner. In the immediate area are several sports bars and fast-food joints, and this West End location is in close proximity to popular North End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods. Travelers are within a 20-minute walk of many top tourist sights. For those who prefer using Boston’s public transit system, the Haymarket T Station and North Station transportation hub are both five minutes away on foot. Boston Logan International Airport is about a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.- 10-minute walk to the Old North Church

• 11-minute walk to Faneuil Hall Marketplace or Paul Revere House 
• 15-minute walk to the Museum of Science
• 17-minute walk to New England Aquarium
• 19-minute walk to Public Garden Swan Boats
• 20-minute walk to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

In a city that's chock full of hotels capitalizing on its colonial past, the Onyx distinguishes itself by providing contemporary accommodations with lots of personality. Done up in charcoal tones, they combine oversized wood headboards, leather-like wallpaper (complete with faux stitching), and zigzag carpeting, with bright pops of red in carved dresser/desk combos, bed skirts, and throw pillows. Playful pillows -- some in collegiate colors and others with the text “wicked smaht'’ -- add nods to Boston. Rooms are on the small side, but all have air-conditioning, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, yoga mats, and iHome docking stations, as well as plenty of plugs and USB ports. Bathrooms papered in a houndstooth pattern come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted bulk Atelier Bloem toiletries, and hooded fleece robes. Unfortunately, the short street the hotel sits on is home to two big bars, and noise on weekends may reach front-facing rooms.

The biggest feature here is the Ruby Room, which is open for breakfast and dinner, and serves a variety drinks. Room service is available and food receives positive feedback, though many other dining options are within a short walk of the hotel. A standout offering of all Kimpton properties is the daily free evening wine hours that provide white and red wine and encourage mingling. Morning coffee is also offered. A conference room, business center, and gym are all located in the basement. The business center is essentially a desk with a pay-for-use computer. DThe 24-hour gym is tiny, outfitted with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and a stationary bike. Free morning papers and overnight shoe-shining are also available, as are add-ons like laundry services and valet parking. Consistent with brand policy, pets of all sizes and species stay free with advance notice. Loaner gear (think beds, cages, and bowls). Wi-Fi is also part of the daily amenity fee.