Best of Boston

Set inside an old whaler’s mansion, this classic inn gets high points for service and design. Owners Ken and Deborah Withrow boast boutique-hotel and retail backgrounds (they’ve worked with Ian Schrager and Henri Bendel, respectively), meaning they know how to give guests their full attention and, more important, relaxation when they need it. The rooms, bathed in gingham and toile, radiate island charm and comfort, too.