Originally Posted by nick_a

We've stayed at just about every luxury hotel in Boston, and IMO, there are two real choices: Raffles and the Newbury. The Newbury for its location and bar (as someone else said, you can't beat the park views); the Raffles for pretty much everything else. The new Italian restaurant on the ground floor of the Raffles is lively and delicious (can't speak to the Portuguese restaurant, we haven't tried it); the "speakeasy" Blind Duck has great drinks (though kind of a weird vibe, I can't explain it - feels a little commercial maybe?); and if you go when it's warm enough, the Terrace Bar is lovely. Also - the guest experience manager, Anya, is an absolute delight and we always enjoy getting the chance to chat with her.

I know not everyone loves the rooms at the Newbury (they are a bit plain), but if you get a suite with a fireplace, they can be quite cozy, and the HP itself is high quality. Contessa on the top floor is a very fun vibe (as others have said, the food isn't always stellar, but it's buzzy and the drinks are good, and we enjoy that).