Boutique hotels add intimate luxury and European flavor in Boston and Cambridge

Luxurious accommodations in two lovingly preserved guest houses and a barn where historic heritage merges with contemporary American chic design, the Inn at Hastings Place offers guests the ultimate New England getaway. Spacious, uniquely appointed rooms and suites in three meticulously restored buildings have amenities from fireplaces to rainforest showers to sumptuous bedding. And dining is exceptional, from the chic Town Meeting Bistro to the exclusive Culinary Garden. Complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, and bikes are available for those who want to set out on the scenic rail trail. Guest experiences that can be arranged include historical tours, bird watching, private bonfires, mixology and culinary classes. Lexington’s historic sites are nearby; other area activities include hiking, canoeing and apple-picking.

One of Boston’s most celebrated neighborhoods, Beacon Hill, is home to one of its most celebrated boutique hotels: XV Beacon. The turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts building features 63 elegant rooms, all with gas fireplaces, heated towel racks, luxurious bathrooms and bedding and individually curated art. There’s a popular high-end steakhouse (providing 24/7 room service), a fitness center and a concierge happy to help with tickets, private tours, maps for jogging and biking routes and in-room massage services. Stroll the area’s gas-lit cobblestone streets, visiting shops, galleries, museums and restaurants, or attend a theater performance, concert or sporting event. Walk the Freedom Trail, which begins in nearby Boston Common. Ask about special packages for romantic getaways and winter and spring escapes.

You’ll know you are about to enjoy a hospitality experience unlike any other when you step through the 60-foot archway at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Nestled right on the water, this Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond urban resort also sits in the heart of history and the hub of culture, close to the Freedom Trail, the Tea Party ship, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the New England Aquarium and the theater district. Lush fabrics, bold decor and harbor and city views greet you in your chic room or suite. Enjoy 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art fitness center with lap pool, sauna and steam room. Dine on the region’s freshest seafood at the renowned Rowes Wharf Sea Grille.