Harbor View Hotel
Couples will truly feel like Cinderella and Prince Charming when they’re transported to their Harbor View Hotel reception in a horse-drawn carriage. The other perks that come with hosting your wedding here are numerous, but the majestic Vineyard location overlooking Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse Beach takes the (wedding) cake. In addition to its luxurious ballroom, smaller spaces in the well appointed hotel accommodate more intimate affairs. The most iconic and memorable celebrations, however, take place under a tent on the Great Lawn amid English gardens. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, harborviewhotel.com.
Boston Harbor Hotel
If you’re the type who doesn’t think it’s a getaway unless you’re gazing at the water, book a room at this luxe Rowes Wharf hotel. When you’re not soaking up the glorious harbor views from your room or suite, you can head down to the newly reimagined health club, scheduled to open mid-summer. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston
Many a bride has descended from this icon’s dramatic staircase for first-look photos; now, with a recent reimagining of the ground floor public spaces by designer Ken Fulk, you can also strike a pose in a chic lounge offering rich velvet seating accented in silk fringe. Upstairs, the former restaurant Aujourd’hui has reopened as a delightful event space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that capture leafy views. And if you prefer to take the party outside, the Sanctuary, the hotel’s new brick-clad terrace, is positively dreamy, too. 200 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, fourseasons.com.
The Nantucket Hotel + Resort
The Nantucket Hotel is no stranger to compliments, having scooped up multiple awards from this magazine and other outlets, but we’re dishing them out again for the hotel’s awesome extras (see: shuttle service to the beach and all around town, s’mores for littles around the porch fire pits, and handwritten notes from the GM upon arrival). That said, the newly redecorated lobby, full spa, two heated pools, family-friendly rooms, and lively restaurant are certainly worth the praise, too. 77 Easton St., Nantucket, MA 02554, thenantuckethotel.com.
The Liberty Hotel
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Situated at the base of Beacon Hill, the Liberty Hotel is a former jail — but don’t let its criminal past scare you off. Romance is perennially in the air in the Yard, an inviting outdoor ceremony spot featuring alluring lights, plenty of greenery, and intimate vibes. The Liberty Bar in the hotel’s rotunda serves as a stylish spot for cocktail hour, while Lydia Shire’s on-site restaurant, Scampo, offers a 50-seat private dining room for foodie couples. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, libertyhotel.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
Given the expansive gaming area, you’re not likely to see tons of kids at the Encore. But the resort offers pleasures well beyond slots and blackjack, from chef-driven restaurants to clubby lounges to couples’ massages at the spa. To really wow your SO, request the harbor-view suite — and be sure to add on the “bed and breakfast for two” package. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
Sunshine. Surf. Subtly nautical décor. An adults-only rooftop pool. You can find it all during a stay at the Beauport. Enjoy expansive waterfront views of Pavilion Beach from your suite, oysters and refreshing cocktails on the patio, and downtown just a short walk away. Oh, and did we mention the free shuttles to nearby Good Harbor? 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930, beauporthotel.com.
Raffles Boston
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Did the Back Bay really need another luxury hotel? After catching a glimpse of this brand-new stunner’s three-story lobby with spiral staircase, 17th-floor bar and terrace with skyline views, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, we’d say the answer is a resounding yes. 40 Trinity Place, Boston, MA 02116, raffles.com.
Contessa
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Seventeen stories up, diners are wowed by the city skyline all around and the Public Garden and the Common below at this Italian destination crowning the Newbury Boston hotel in the Back Bay, where reservations haven’t gotten any easier to come by since its 2021 debut. Inside is equally breathtaking: Patrons dress to impress — or to pose for the ’gram — amid Contessa’s elegant décor, from colorful tiles to velvety seating. Add a plate of spicy capellini with lobster or a hefty Florentine-style steak for two — magnifico! 3 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, contessaristorante.com.
Coquette
Boston hotel restaurants are usually staid affairs, but the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport broke the mold with its opulent stunner Coquette, particularly after a 2023 culinary revamp from coastal French to broader Mediterranean. The gorgeous room echoes the hip, nightclubby vibe of other spots from COJE Management Group, including Yvonne’s and Mariel. And with superb cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, highly shareable menu, it’s little wonder that Coquette has emerged as an “it” place for girls’ nights out, dress-to-impress dates, and extravagant business entertaining. 450 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210, coquetteboston.com.
Seamark Seafood & Cocktails
Michael Schlow’s burger at the now-closed Radius showed Boston what’s possible between buns — and now it’s back again at his new Encore Boston Harbor endeavor. The juicy patty is a well-built reminder of the pinnacle of the craft, topped with sharp cheddar, crispy onion strings, and zingy horseradish sauce. 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, seamarkencore.com.
The Newbury Boston
What’s even better than a stroll through the Public Garden on a breezy summer day? Having a room overlooking it at the Newbury. The hotel features an exclusive lounge for overnight guests, a contemporary art collection in the lobby, and, of course, one of the city’s toughest-to-get reservations, Contessa — which also overlooks the park. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Sometimes, you need to check in to check out. And that’s just what the Mandarin’s three- and five-day wellness retreats offer. The lineup of classes and spa treatments promises to nourish your mind and body, while the included plant-based meals mean you’ll never have to leave the hotel. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
You just finished up a morning at the aquarium down the street. One kid has to pee. The other needs a bottle. Everyone is exhausted. Where do you go? This sprawling hotel on the waterfront, where the lobby bathrooms are sparkling clean, and there are plenty of comfy chairs for chilling out between activities. 296 State St., Boston, MA 02109, marriott.com.
Faraway
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The main guest house at this chic boutique hotel may date to 1742, but the interior design is firmly planted in the 21st century. Spread out between six buildings, the property features a central swimming pool and perfectly manicured grounds, with sleek common areas that hint at stylish rooms decorated in warm, neutral tones and appointed with five-star amenities. 23 Kelly St., Edgartown, MA 02539, farawaymarthasvineyard.com.