Where to Stay - Boston 2009 - page 67

A Note About Smoking
Some large hotel chains and many smaller properties ban smoking throughout
their premises. Still, nonsmokers shouldn't assume that they'll get a nonsmok-
ing room without specifically requesting one. As hotels squeeze smokers into
fewer rooms, the ones they use become saturated with the smell of smoke and
air freshener, even in lodgings that are otherwise antiseptic. To avoid this dis-
agreeable situation, be sure that everyone who handles your reservation
knows that you need a completely nonsmoking room—or book a room at a
Marriott, Westin, or (as of Jan. 1, 2009) Sheraton property.

Tips

The following organizations can help you find your ideal B&B in Boston,
Cambridge, or the greater Boston area:
• Bed & Breakfast Agency of Boston, 47 Commercial Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
( & 800/248-9262, 0800/89-5128 from the U.K., or 617/720-3540; fax 617/
523-5761; www.boston-bnbagency.com)
• Host Homes of Boston, P.O. Box 117, Waban Branch, Boston, MA 02468
( & 800/600-1308 outside MA or 617/244-1308; fax [phone];
www.hosthomesofboston.com)
• Bed & Breakfast Reservations North Shore/Greater Boston/Cape Cod
( & 800/832-2632 outside MA, 617/964-1606, or 978/281-9505; fax 978/281-
9426; www.bbreserve.com)
• Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony, P.O. Box 57166, Boston, MA 02457
( & 888/486-6018, 08/234-7113 from the U.K., or 781/449-5302; fax 781/455-
6745; www.bnbboston.com)

2 Best Hotel Bets
• Best Historic Hotel: The Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave. ( & 800/
257-7544 ), opened in 1912 on the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (also the architect of the Plaza in New
York), it has entertained presidents and celebrities since the day its magnificent
gilded lobby opened. See p. 86.
• Best for Business Travelers: If your corporate travel department hasn't booked
you into the default chain megahotel, live a little. For about the same price, enjoy
posh surroundings, personalized service, and excellent business features at the
Millennium Bostonian Hotel, 26 North St., at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
( & 866/866-8086 ), or the independent Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington
Ave. ( & 800/962-3030 ). See p. 75 and p. 85.
• Best for a Romantic Getaway: The intimate atmosphere and elegant furnishings
make a suite at the Eliot Hotel, 370 Commonwealth Ave. ( & 800/44-ELIOT ),
a great spot for a rendezvous. If you and your beloved need some time apart, close
the French doors—you can be in separate rooms yet maintain eye contact. See
p. 86.
• Best for Families: The Doubletree Guest Suites, 400 Soldiers Field Rd.
( & 800/222-TREE ), offers two rooms for the price of one, with two TVs and a
refrigerator, and a nice pool. The location, straddling Boston and Cambridge, is