★★★★

No. 284

No. 284’s motto is “feel at home”, and that is exactly how you will feel. This hotel is in fact a guesthouse, located in Back Bay, a residential neighborhood away from the epicenter of the busy tourist attractions, yet still close enough and in the city center. A perfect choice should you be looking for a tranquil stay and to experience a bit of the local way of life. The property faces a delightful tree lined street. The reception is tiny and the staff impeccably attentive. The style is evident upon entry: boutique, intimate and gracefully decorated with a Boston feel and inherited European charm. There are bookshelves with interesting Art and Literature works and on its walls hang original paintings, the most notable being “Kindness” by Damian Hirst. The small breakfast room (included in the room rate) is cozy, with an adorable outdoor patio for nice weather days. The rooms are small yet comfortable and nicely decorated, with unique names such as Bourgeois Room or Warhol Suite. All rooms come equipped with a small kitchen, convenient for in room dining (store bought, there is not room service). The smaller rooms have Queen size beds, so if you need something larger choose a higher room category. The bed linen is soft and the bathrooms small yet modern, functional and efficient, with excellent showers. Reception is open from 7 am to 11:30 pm. It is a perfect choice if you prefer small and intimate boutique properties to larger busier ones. On the next block, at Hotel Eliot, an Asian restaurant with a contemporary touch, UNI, guarantees the highest standard of dining in the area. Another great option for dining is Newbury Street, on a parallel street full of cafes, bars and shops.

284 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, MA.