Hubby and I are planning our first getaway without the baby and are thinking of a trip to Boston. Last time there, we stayed at big hotel downtown (not Copley Plaza) but really want something on a smaller scale this time, but still in a good walking/restaurant neighborhood. Any recommendations? Something in the Newbury, Boston Common (so we can walk to Biba's)or ..(Ican't remember names today!) that "hill" area where a lot of ethnic bars and restaurants are, or any great neighborhoods that we haven't been to that you could suggest. Thanks in advance.

I've never stayed there, but I've heard very good things about the Eliot hotel in the Back Bay. Its on Newbury St, so its a nice neighborhood. And Boston Magazine named it the most romantic hotel in Boston. The hotel's restaurant, Clio, is also very well reviewed.

The Lenox is also quite nice; working fireplaces, huge marble bathrooms, great location. It's on the corner of Exeter and Boylston, near Lord & Taylor.

My husband did a romantic getaway staying at the Bostonian right in Faneuil Hall. We loved it. Take in the comedy connection too! We think it's a great place to stay and enjoy all the flavors and shops at F.H.

Agree with Beth; my wife and I always stay at the Eliot when in Boston. The hotel is around the corner from Newbury Street.

Anyone got a phone/fax/e-mail for the Eliot Hotel, it sounds just what I am looking for.

From the Hotel Index, right here on Fodors.com ...

Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617/267-1607 or 800/443-5468
Fax: 617/536-9114

Adrienne, the Eliot Hotel has a website at www.bostonbest.com/eliot which also gives you the 800 phone number. It's 1-800-44Eliot. Looks like a wonderfull place to stay. It's the far end of the Back Bay, just one block in from Mass Ave. (that would be about seven blocks from the Boston Garden). Have a great visit.

Adrienne: You might consider the Newbury Street Guest House, a B&B on Newbury in Back Bay; great location too. It's two townhouses put together; breakfast is included; it's small, nice staff, neat as a pin.

(I think Ann, above, meant to say that the Boston Public Garden, home of the Swanboats, is 7 blocks from the Eliot. Boston Garden, to us old folks, is where the Celtics and Bruins play, now called the Fleet Center.)

Opps! Paul, you're absolutely correct. I did mean the Public Garden. That's what happens when you get distracted by work in the middle of a Fodors message!

Hello, it is Beth again who started this mess. Thanks for all the suggestions, I am checking them all out. Ann, I tried the website for the Eliot but couldn't find it. BostonBest website didn't seem to have it listed. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I know what you mean,Ann. It drives me crazy when my boss calls right in the middle of reading the Fodor's Forums or playing online Jeopardy. The nerve.

The Eliot is very good, you might also look at XV Beacon on Beacon Hill. More hip than the Eliot and probably also more expensive.

XV on Beacon Hill is EXTREMELY expensive...has anyone stayed there yet?

I recommend the John Jeffries House, which is at the end of Charles St., overlooking the Chalres River. It's in the antiquing district. It's close to everything.