A 63-room hotel with exquisite service, a genteel but easy-going vibe, and a beautiful location in residential Beacon Hill, Fifteen Beacon (or XV Beacon) blends historic New England elegance with modern, minimalist design and hi-tech amenities. A great fit for discerning business and leisure travelers.

Occupying a former jail, the 298-room Liberty Hotel is truly unique, with a playful design that incorporates the incarceration theme in fun ways. The stunning lobby, comfortable rooms and quality on-site restaurants make this hotel a good choice -- but mediocre service and amenities keep it from being a great one.

Opened in 2008, the 150-room Fairmont Battery Wharf has great harborside views, attentive service, spacious standard rooms, a celebrated restaurant, and a location on the site of one of Boston's most historic wharves. Overall, it's a great harborfront pick.

On a barren street in the desolate West End, the once-stylish Onyx Hotel is affordable and convenient if you're catching a Celtics or Bruins game at TD Garden or visiting nearby Mass General Hospital. But otherwise it's fairly removed from prime tourist attractions. And while the rooms are comfortable (if small), amenities are slim and the service could be more polished.

A clean 303-room business hotel across from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Beacon Hill. The outdoor pool, comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi are highlights, but the small bathrooms, tube TVs (in standard rooms), and outdated furniture make it worth comparing rates elsewhere.

On a barren block in the nondescript West End, the Bulfinch is already showing signs of age, despite having opened in 2005. Rates are reasonable, though, and major attractions are within walking distance. The nearby Onyx Hotel offers more features at a similar price, and the immaculate Harborside Inn is a better bargain closer to the action.