Ok, I may be "way out there" but can someone recommend a boutique hotel or a small inn in the Back Bay area? I have tried to search this forum, but I can't find what I'm looking for. I'd like to check out some lodging alternatives before I give in and bid for a big bland commercial hotel on "Priceline"! Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

I stayed at the Newbury Guest House over Labor Day weekend in 2000. The price was reasonable for Boston, the service very good, and the location right on Newbury Street was excellent. I would definitely stay there again. Their website is:

http://www.hagopianhotels.com/ngh/ngh_home.html

Take a look at the Bertram Inn or the Samuel Sewall Inn, both in Brookline, across the street from one another and owned by the same people. They're just beyond Back Bay and look beautiful (I'm local so I've never stayed, but drive past them almost daily). There's a new boutique hotel on Boylston St. right at Copley Sq. but I can't remember the name of it. Really sorry. I tried to find it for you. If I can find it I'll let you know.

Just found the Boutique hotel on Boylston St. It's the Charlesmark Hotel. Looks really interesting. Good luck.

Alex & Ann, thanks for your recommendations. I plan to spend some time this weekend "investigating" your ideas and maybe I can actually make some decisions!