Hautels: The Haute 5 Hotels in Boston

Today’s haute hotels are metropolises unto themselves.  More than a location to rest your head, these destination hotels wrap every guest in comfort including spas, dining, nightlife, shopping, and beautiful vistas. Check out the hautest Boston has to offer:

Four Seasons – The Four Seasons has long been considered the pinnacle of overnight stays in Boston.  The nearly block long hotel is perfectly situated across from the Swans Boats of the Public Gardens, steps from the best of the best shopping in Back Bay and moments from evening outings to the Theatre District. This is the destination for the most discriminating of celebrities visiting Boston.  Personally, I love any hotel that has a door bell for each guest room – none of that pesky knocking to worry about.

Personal touch: While rooftop pools may be all the rage in Boston during the short summer months, the Four Seasons indoor pool offering an aerial view of the Public Gardens offers year round indulgence. With fresh fruits, orange water and lemon water available pool side, relaxing poolside is easy, whether the weather cooperates or not.

Four Seasons is located at 200 Boylston St., Boston

Taj Boston – The Taj may seem a bit misnamed considering the traditional colonial look of this very stately piece of real estate at the corner of Newbury and Arlington streets.  That’s because prior to January 2007, this 273-room hotel was home of the classic Ritz Carlton dating back to 1927 – home to roof top galas only spoken of in hush awe-struck tones and scotches shared at bars while multi-million dollar deals were made.  And though the tone of the space may have changed slightly with its new ownership, the ghosts of parties and business deals past still haunt these halls to give it a mystical and magical appeal duplicated few other places in the city. And the good news is the stunning rooftop views overlooking the Public gardens are still a part of the marvel of this Boston icon.

Personal touch A roaring fire in your room during Boston’s chilly months is delightful but not if you have to get yourself all covered in ash to get it going.  Leave it to the Fireplace Butler to not only tend to your fire, but also offer you your choice of woods: birch, cherry, oak or maple to be exact.

Taj Boston is located at 15 Arlington St., Boston

W Boston– If traditional Boston isn’t your cup of tea – then the recently opened contemporary look of the W Hotel on Stuart Street in the heart of Theater District will surely appeal to your more modernized style. With floor to ceiling windows in your room, the spectacle of Boston will surround you. The ground floor Market by Jean-George restaurant and the W Lounge are also certain to satisfy your appetite for fine food, sultry décor and some of the most alluring nightlife goers in the city.

Personal Touch Bring your precious furry little friend along for a taste of the good life as well with the W’s PA.W. Service (Pets Are Welcome). Not only will your kitty or pooch be made to feel welcomed but he or she will also enjoy a custom bed, a pet toy and a turn down treat.

W Boston is located at 100 Stuart St., Boston

Hotel Commonwealth – If time spent in Boston is critically tied to time spent with the Boston Red Sox, then the Hotel Commonwealth is your best option for luxury accommodations just steps from the spirit of Fenway Park. Offering one of the finest dining options pre-game, is al fresco dining at the hotel’s Eastern Standard restaurant.  Try any dish and it will instantly become a favorite. And in the Fall of 2010, the Island Oyster Creek Bar is slated to open – the perfect aphrodisiac to make you fall even more in love with this elegant boutique hotel.

Personal touch Take advantage of the Kenmore Square location of this hotel with a Fenway Family Fun package including deluxe accommodations overlooking Fenway Park, baseball-inspired amenities and a behind the scenes tour of Fenway Park for the whole family.

Hotel Commonwealth is located at 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston

Boston Harbor Hotel If you are attracted to the excitement surrounding the Boston Waterfront, try out its crown jewel, Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf. It is rumored that when Madonna is in town, this is not only her hotel of choice, but she makes sure to rent out an entire floor so as to avoid spectators on her slumber. With stunning views of Boston Harbor and the yachts and sailboats that adorn it, if a serene Sunday morning brunch is among your aspiration, you could not find a finer location in the city.

Personal Touch The Spa at Rowes Wharf give you all of the luxury of a spa retreat just a breath away from the bustle of the city. From a lap pool, to deep tissue massages and facials for him and her, rejuvenate from a day in the city with is made simple with this urban oasis.

Boston Harbor Hotel is located at 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston