Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston

Just as palatial as it was when it first opened in 1912, the storied 383-room Fairmont Copley Plaza remains as iconic to Boston as the Plaza is to New York City -- and no less grand, as they share the same architect. The lobby alone is 5,000 square feet, and has 21-foot-high gilded coffered ceilings, restored mosaic tile flooring, and plenty of gold and bronze accents. "Boston’s Grand Dame" has welcomed just about every U.S. president since Taft, celebrities from Frank Sinatra to Tom Cruise, and more than a few of the world's most powerful moguls.These days the Fairmont Copley Plaza draws a wide range of guests, from conventioneers to college parents to Freedom Trail tourists. The location, right on Copley Square in the heart of Back Bay, is as good as any in the city. And the palatial lobby and the romantic OAK Long Bar + Kitchen restaurant have more extravagant impact than anything you'll find at Boston's other top luxury hotels -- the Ritz, the Four Seasons, and the Mandarin Oriental among them. And yet room rates here are reasonable, compared to those hotels, largely because the standard guest rooms are about half the size.Entrances from several streets all lead to the large front desk, with concierge and valet stands beside it. The lobby opens right into entrances for the ballroom and several meeting rooms, as well as a small business center, and on the other side are entrances to the gift shop and restaurant. A seating area with jewel-toned couches and armchairs is nearby, thoughtfully arranged to allow guests some privacy, and elevators and staircases are close by as well.

Right on Copley Square, the hotel is easy to spot with its grand facade and bright red awnings. The Copley Square T stop is one block away, giving guests convenient and easy access to the rest of the city, and a number of popular areas are a short walk away, including the Prudential Center, Newbury Street, the Charles River, Trinity Church, and the Boston Public Library. The surrounding area is safe, clean, and well-lit at night.

While this property is over 100 years old, all guest rooms are up-to-date with a contemporary, elegant feel; most have a color palette of blue, silver, and white. The Moderate Rooms and Fairmont Rooms are on the small side for a Boston luxury hotel, starting at 210 square feet, but prices reflect this and this isn't unusual for a historical property. (The Commonwealth does have larger accommodations for around the same price, however). Upgrading to the Deluxe Room will get guests an ample 360-plus square feet.The seventeen well-appointed specialty suites each have a different theme, from landmarks and events in Boston. Gold Club rooms are also available, and feature free Wi-Fi, private check-in, and a lounge that offers free breakfast, a small business center, a library, and free snacks. All rooms feature views of the inner courtyard or the city, and include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and marble bathrooms. Due to the central location in a busy part of the city, lower-level rooms could experience some noise.

Although the Fairmont Copley Plaza may not have quite as many amenities on the property as some other nearby luxury hotels, the features that it does have are modern and convenient. The large top-floor fitness center was added in 2012 and includes separate areas for cardio, weight training, and aerobics, all with city views. Ballrooms and meeting rooms are available for conferences, weddings, and special events, and the OAK Long Bar Kitchen & Restaurant features local ingredients and modern American cuisine, as well as 24-hour room service. Guests on the Fairmont Gold level can enjoy a private check-in area, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, a library with books and DVDs, and their own business center, in addition to the small business center on the ground floor.