THE ENVOY HOTEL BOSTON, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
The Lure
Tech-savvy, millennial-friendly ground-up property in the city’s on-the-rise harbor-side Innovation District, where startups and new construction are joining the Children’s Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art. Celeb fans include “Suits” star Meghan Markle.
The Layout
This low-rise largely glass-enclosed seven-story cubic structure holds 136 rooms and suites, a living room-like lobby and two F&B spots — all with an artsy, youthful WeWork-style sensibility and many with water and city views.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner?
Make it sunset drinks and snacks; the Envoy’s Lookout Rooftop and Bar — with some of the best cityscape and water vistas in the city — has been the place to be selfie-ed since it opened last summer; hotel guests get preferred seating to beat the locals’ scene.
Don’t Miss
When weather’s not cooperating, watch the chefs work behind glass at the rollicking Outlook Kitchen and Bar, sampling casual, globally accented American food and craft cocktails made with local spirits.
The Letdown
Despite the nearby cultural attractions and proximity to downtown, the hotel’s immediate surroundings are still a work in progress.
The Lowdown
An innovative sense of 21st-century fun and of-the-moment restaurant and bar offerings make this a spot to see and be seen this fall.
Details
From $499; theenvoyhotel.com.
THE GODFREY HOTEL BOSTON
The Lure
Two early 1900s Gothic Revival and Neoclassical buildings re-imagined as a contemporary hotel just east of Boston Common, in Beantown’s rapidly gentrifying Downtown Crossing, near restaurants, bars and theaters.
The Layout
The two landmarked buildings share a large, glossy black-and-white lobby lounge and bar; this gives way to a restored original elevator bank leading to the more conservatively designed 242 rooms on 10 levels above with downtown and park views.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner?
Just coffee, at least for now. The hotel’s restaurant, from the folks behind Yvonne’s — currently among the hardest-to-book tables in Boston — won’t land till later this year, but there’s a café from local java legend George Howell, who invented the frappuccino before selling his original coffee chain to Starbucks in 1994.
Don’t Miss
Grab an upper-level corner room to maximize your views of the Boston skyline; at the George Howell café, try a coffee or espresso flight or artisanal pastry or snacks.
The Letdown
Right now, the hotel feels more like a place to lay your head at night — and a very comfortable one at that — but not quite a place to hang out. The restaurant’s arrival should change that.
The Lowdown
A more traditional choice for out-of-towners looking to be centrally located and close to Boston Common, with top local food and drink names attached.
Details
From $399; godfreyhotelboston.com.