Taj Boston (CLOSED)

Back in the days of yore, this Beaux-Arts building housed the city’s original Ritz-Carlton, a resplendent destination with all of the expected ornate trappings. (Winston Churchill and Joan Crawford were both visitors.) Rooms are done up in a throwback style but boast many a modern-day perk, from Frette linens to down-filled comforters and a pillow menu; when you’re ready to retire for the evening, feel free to ring up the bath butler to attend to your bathing needs (fireplace suies come with a fireplace butler). The first floor cafe serves a menu of both New England and Indian dishes. Other Brahmin pleasures include afternoon tea in the ornate French room and a fireside martini in the wood-paneled bar. From the hotel you can walk to every major site in the city—the Public Garden is literally across the street—but why bother when the luxury house car can take you anywhere you please?