The 148-room Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay offers some of Boston's most luxurious standard rooms, plus a 16,000-square-foot spa and extraordinary service. It has no pool; and the views aren't as grand as those at the high-end properties on Copley Square. But it's as special as any hotel in Boston -- and a clear winner if you prefer contemporary to traditional decor and ambience.

This cozy, 225-room hotel in a beautiful old building -- the former police headquarters -- is full of nice touches, from hot towels at check-in to free Wi-Fi in rooms. Sure, rooms aren't huge and the tiny fitness center disappoints, but beds are luxurious, the bar is lively, and service is lovely. Quite nice for the price.

Boasting the city's only rooftop pool, this 285-room Back Bay hotel offers spacious standard rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a fitness center with South End views, and an affordable French brasserie. Score a cheap rate, and it's worth it -- despite the lack of 24-hour room service and the daily Wi-Fi charge.

Bought from the Ritz-Carlton in 2007, the Taj Boston holds on to the Ritz' elegant look, but also offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar. Given its free business center, well-equipped gym, and ideal location bordering the Public Garden and the swank boutiques along Newbury Street, it's an excellent luxury pick.

The 148-room Hotel Commonwealth is one of the most well-rounded boutique hotels in Boston. With its classical (but slightly dowdy) furnishings, large rooms, and impressive array of services, it captures the spirit of the city like few others.

Just around the corner from Newbury Street, this French-inspired, 95-unit Back Bay boutique offers mostly spacious, elegant suites with (smallish) marble bathrooms, a well-regarded French restaurant and sashimi bar, free passes to Boston Sports Club, and in-room touch-screens through which guests can make lots of service requests.

Dating back to 1912, this iconic 383-room Fairmont hotel in tony Back Bay has the most opulent lobby in the city, a classic oak-paneled bar and restaurant, and top-tier service. But most of its guest rooms are much smaller than standard rooms at most other luxury hotels in Boston (almost half the size), and extras are pricey -- including Wi-Fi and valet parking.

With large, stylish rooms, a Jean-Georges restaurant, a happening bar, and a Bliss spa, the sleek, 235-room outpost of the trendy brand offers a striking, modern alternative to Boston's historic hotels and traditional chains. Too bad it lacks the unique charms of smaller boutique properties.

After a thorough 2008 renovation, this historic 143-room hotel in Back Bay features cutely decorated (if tiny) rooms, a fun martini bar, free Wi-Fi, and free wine and coffee in the cozy lobby. The fitness center is small and the restaurant doesn't serve lunch unless requested for a private function. Low prices make it a solid value choice, however, especially for the central Copley Square location.

Attached to the Hynes Convention Center, this gigantic 1,200-room Sheraton caters to business travelers with the best pool and fitness-center complex in Back Bay, stylish rooms with panoramic views of Boston, and a free business lounge. On-site dining is limited -- just a single bar and restaurant -- even though there is dining nearby. There's also a pesky fee for in-room W-Fi.