Hotel 140

Built in 1929 with a redbrick and neoclassical facade, this historic property was the first YWCA hostel in the United States -- their administrative offices still reside in the building. The hotel's lobby was renovated in 2016 and has a chic and calming atmosphere; it is decorated in neutral tones with modernized period features and a large open gallery revealing the floor above. A pair of elevators -- as well as the original curved balustrade stairway -- connect guests to one of 13 floors.  The next floor up from reception and overlooking the lobby has more of an institutional feel with wooden benches and mesh vents, pointing to the building's previous life. Beyond these areas, there's no public space and parts of the building are private residences and businesses unrelated to the hotel. The competitive rates and central location attract mostly business travelers or vacationing couples watching their budget.

The hotel is very centrally located in the middle of the city in Back Bay, an upscale commercial and residential area where skyscrapers tower above centuries-old churches and expensive brownstone homes. It's a popular area for business travelers -- the Hynes Convention Center is here -- but it also has some of the city's best shopping, from quaint Newbury Street boutiques to the massive Prudential Center mall. Major attractions like the Public Garden, Boston Common, and the start of the Freedom Trail are about a 10-minute walk; other tourist hot spots, like the North End and Faneuil Hall, are 20 to 30 minutes away via public transport. The area is filled with mid-range and upscale restaurants, many of them chains; the South End, a more lively bohemian area with trendy bars and eateries, is a 10-minute walk away. Logan International Airport is about 30 minutes drive.

More modern after renovations in 2016, the 65 rooms are mostly small and simply decorated with monochrome carpets, velour bedspreads, and dark-wood furnishings. Straightforward amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with some premium cable. While Standard Rooms vary only in bed size (full, queen-, or king-size), the Kennedy Suite has a lounge and two bedrooms (one with a king-size bed and the other with three doubles). Tiled bathrooms are small but functional with step-in showers, hairdryers, and decent toiletries. Report suggest some rooms are prone to noise -- either from other rooms, late-night revelers passing along corridors, street traffic, or AC units. Some room also overlook an unattractive inner courtyard.

While the hotel does not have its own restaurant, Viga -- an Italian eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- is located on the first floor of the building and serves good quality, inexpensive food. For meetings and events, the hotel has a four rooms of varying sizes, all with free Wi-Fi. The hotel does not have its own parking facilities but with a validated ticket, parking next door is available at a reduced rate.