Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is etched into Boston history, having welcomed everyone from Babe Ruth to Judy Garland as a guest. Open since 1912, guests enter the gilded hotel under the trademark red awning, flanked by golden lion statues. And while it's historic in nature, the Fairmont underwent a $20 million renovation in 2012, so rooms have been updated. Shopping fanatics adore the close proximity to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, and Copley Place.

If you're a Massachusetts resident, be sure to show your license at check-in for extra bonuses, like a one-level room upgrade and 15% discount off the best available rate of the day.

Photo: Deluxe Double

room

Done in a blend of blue and plum hues, the rooms have luxury linens, pillowtop mattresses, 46" LCD flat-screen TV's, If you really want to be pampered, get a room on the Fairmont Gold floor, which provides extra concierge services, private check-in/check-out, and access to the luxe Fairmont Lounge.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Due to the historic nature of the hotel, the room sizes vary greatly. Also, interior rooms tend to have less than stellar views.

Photo: Deluxe Double

bathroom

Due to the historic nature of the hotel, bathrooms can be quite small and chilly.

lobby

Decadent and romantic, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is overflowing with articular design and art. Designed with Italian marble, exquisite coffered ceilings, and twinkling crystal chandeliers, you may notice pieces of art by Miro and Chagall hanging on the lobby walls, as well as photos from the hotel's vast history. But our favorite part may be Carly Copley, the hotel's canine ambassador, who is usually lounging on her bed in the center of the lobby.

Be sure to sneak a glance of the hotel's grand ballroom, filled with balconies, mirrors, and 30-foot ceilings.

spa

There is no formal spa, but through a partnership with Zeel, guests can have a massage right in their room.

gym

The 3,000-square-foot rooftop fitness center has an amazing view of Back Bay, the sight of which is well worth breaking a sweat. The center has plenty of cardio machines, free weights, and other workout machines, as well as room to stretch out. Don't miss the beautiful outdoor deck.

Want to find your zen? Take the hotel's complimentary Saturday morning yoga class.

Photo: Fairmont Gold Lounge

dining

The OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is an absolutely beautiful revamping of the hotel's historic Oak Room, which was once famous for its merry-go-round bar. Serving American brasserie-style food, the restaurant is pricey, but worth the experience.

Photo: Fairmont Gold Lounge

drinking

The OAK Long Bar is extremely popular with the well-heeled types who flock to the copper-top bar for cocktails. The Red Room Lounge, which is off the hotel side-entrance, is a comfortable room with a glass-walled wine vault and fireplace.