THE LENOX HOTEL BOSTON – USA

THE LOCATION: In the central Back Bay neighbourhood, the 11-storey, 214-room red brick hotel has been peering down on Boyleston Street since 1900. Boston Common and the boutiques and galleries of Newbury Street are close-by.

THE CHECK-IN: I was warmly welcomed by door staff who had my bag into the lobby before I had settled the taxi fare. The reception, with its chandeliers and Turkishlooking carpets, is offset to the right of a busy area flanked by a bar and a restaurant. It is both historic – with quirky features like a working mailbox from the early 1900s – and super-stylish, although a little on the dark side thanks to its caramel tiled floor and brown wooden features.

THE ROOM: My 450 sq-ft Junior Suite was chic and stylish, with two queen beds, a 55-inch TV, couch, Bluetooth stereo system, a crystal chandelier and lamps and an ironcaste lobby with a working fireplace (the staff will light it for you). The large marble bathroom had ecofriendly Beekman amenities.

RESTAURANTS/BARS: City Table is a popular spot for breakfast and dinner; a lively pub, Solas, serves beers, spirits and pub grub for pre-game baseball crowds heading to nearby Fenway Park; and the upmarket City Bar has a table menu and a list of classic cocktails. 61 Exeter Street at Boylston, Boston, MA.

 lenoxhotel.com;  1 617 536 53 00