LOCATION:  The XV Beacon Hotel sits on top of Beacon Hill and is amazingly central. Only a 10 minute drive from Boston’s Logan International Airport, it is right in the centre of historic Boston within walking distance of the harbour and important monuments.  

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Distressed art, cowhide rugs, silver accessories and funky lamps greet guests on entering the lobby of the XV Beacon.  The dark wood and cool décor of the entrance and seating area is contrasted by the warmth of the receptionist and concierge who welcome me like a long lost relative.  Throughout the 63 room XV Beacon Hotel everything is sleek and modern which, remarkably, suits this historic building very well.  

A GOOD BASE FOR: Nestled in the middle of Boston’s Freedom Trail, the hotel surrounded by historic neighbourhoods, which still boast original brick sidewalks and even gas lamps.  A few metres walk away is the Massachusetts State Building. This elegant brick structure, built in the mid-18th century and with a distinctive golden dome, faces the Boston Common. Founded in 1634 it is the oldest city park in the U.S.A.  Check out the visitor’s centre for the excellent Freedom Tours that start here.  In the opposite direction, you can amble down the hill toward the harbour and soon be in the historic Faneuil Market Hall, famous for its grasshopper weather vane.  It is equally well known for its adjoining shopping precinct.  Nearby is the Omnia Parker Hotel Restaurant, where the Boston cream pie was invented. An opulent establishment, this is also where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline.

THE FACTS: The XV Beacon is a truly one of a kind boutique hotel housed in a 1903 Beaux Arts building.  It has been sumptuously refurbished to appeal to a high end client while maintaining original features like the glass door elevators encased in dark wrought iron decoration.   There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and in-town Lexus courtesy car service as well as gratis iPad rentals.  For business guests the 24-hour valet laundry, complimentary overnight shoe shine and complimentary newspaper delivery is particularly useful. There is 24-hour room service (including the complete menu from the hotel’s Mooo Steakhouse) and 24-hour concierge/bell service.  If you bring the family pet; dog sitting and walking can be arranged through the concierge.  There is a gym on the top floor and decking on the roof with two separate seating areas. All guest rooms have earth-toned colours and are very comfortable.  Each room has a 42-inch flat screen TV, Italian marble bathroom with personalised toiletries as well as a bath with rain shower. There is a walk-in closet which has a small safe, ample seating and a Queen sized bed with very soft 400 thread Frette linen sheets.

WOW:Our Beacon Hill Studio was palatial in size and I loved the instant fire (obviously in the fire place) at the press of a button.  The enormous desk tucked under the vast windows was a pleasure to work at. The mini-bar was stocked with premium spirits and (half-bottle) wines, including Ketel One and Bombay Sapphire gin. You can even get a Nespresso machine on request!

HOW MUCH: From $375 per night.

xvbeacon.com