Hipsters and romantics who'd rather spend their cash on a great meal than a hotel bill have put this skinny little boutique hotel on the map. You can typically grab a room for around $139 ($119 in winter), an amazing value considering the Copley Square location: the shops and restaurants of Boylston and Newbury streets are at the doorstep. An outdoor patio is a great place to watch the passing parade (or the Boston Marathon—this hotel is right on the finish line). Smallish guest rooms have contemporary custom-made oak furnishings (yachtlike, with lots of nooks and crannies to stash belongings) plus surround-sound stereo and wireless throughout. Free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi are examples of how the hotel provides cost-saving incidentals. You can order Thai food in the cocktail lounge, but if that doesn't suit you, walk to one of 40-some restaurants in the 'hood. The Charlesmark doubles as a gallery, with the work of local artists lining the winding brick corridors. Pros: great price point for what you get; great location near T, shopping, and dining; free Wi-Fi and water bottles. Cons: hot-air heating system is noisy, not much storage space, rooms at the front of the house can be noisy due to lounge and traffic.
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