Fodor's Expert Review Encore

Innkeepers Reinhold Mahler and David Miller, who are a retired architect and creative set designer, respectively, have pooled their creative energies into this South End lodging gem, proving that they know a thing or two about ambience.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is a two-night minimums on weekends in July and August, and a three-night minimum in September and October. Also, children are discouraged.

Photo: Encore

room

The stylish converted 19th-century town house boasts sun-filled rooms named for famous gay men in the arts (Sondheim, Albee, Bernstein, Robbins) that are spacious and spotless, and bedecked with modern Italian furnishings, brushed-steel and chrome touches, and brick accent walls. The Albee room has a private deck.

There is no elevator, so if you're averse to several sets of stairs, notify the staff ahead of time.

Photo: Encore

bathroom

All rooms have ultramodern baths with glossy tiles and stainless-steel sinks.

lobby

Since it's a small, converted townhouse with only 4 guest rooms, the lobby is not large.

dining

Your nightly rate includes a continental breakfast.