There are plenty of romantic hotel choices in Boston whether you pick a small boutique hotel in Beacon Hill or a top class five star establishment in Back Bay, and most of the sights are accessible on foot from all hotel locations.

Boutique Hotels in Boston

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in the popular Beacon Hill district of Boston the XV Beacon could well tick all the boxes. The Beaux Arts building stands at the top of Beacon Hill and its earth toned interior exudes luxury. Take advantage of the complimentary in-town Lexus service, Nespresso machines, in-room massage, beautiful roof terrace, and customized bath products.

The Clarendon Square Inn, located in the stylish South End of Boston is a luxurious historic townhouse which has been beautifully renovated with designer fabric sand limestone and marble bathrooms. Relax in the garden or rooftop terrace, which is complete with a Jacuzzi hot tub.

For a long established boutique hotel in Back Bay, close to Newbury Street, the Lenox Hotel offers everything you need for a romantic stay. The very fact that it was used in the filming of the 1970's 'Love Story' says it all; the hotel is an integral part of Boston history. Book a room that offers a working fireplace and a view of the Charles River.

Luxury Hotels in Boston

The Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is the perfect choice if you want to add a touch of luxury to your proposal vacation, and the striking arched building has become a Boston landmark. As well as the hotels own boutiques you can enjoy skyline or harbor views, and various award winning restaurants.

For somewhere special to stay in Back Bay, the Hotel Commonwealth is a fantastic choice for personal service and attention to detail as well as old world charm. Located on Kenmore Square, the hotel features striking interior design, spacious rooms and suites, imported Italian linens, luxury bath products, boutique shopping, and in-room spa services.

Like any large city the usual five star hotel chains have a presence. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is located on Boylston Street in Back Bay and features art deco inspired interiors as well as a luxurious spa. Also located in Back Bay, overlooking Boston’s Public Gardens, the Four Seasons Hotel is designed to incorporate iconic Boston Hill influences and modern New England design in a neutral palette, and offers a superb eighth floor swimming pool with spectacular views.

New England cuisine traditionally relies heavily on seafood and dairy products, and each area has its own specialties with Boston being well known for clams and haddock as well as baked beans and various pastries. However, strong European influences have also shaped Boston cuisine, and in today’s multicultural city you can find fantastic food from across the globe. Here are some restaurants you might like to try by area:

Restaurants in Back Bay

The Bristol Lounge is located at the Four Seasons Hotel and in its wooden paneled interior you can indulge in American favorites such as juicy burgers, hand rolled pastas, and mouth watering Boston cream pie. Check out Brasserie Jo, a French brasserie and bar at the Colonnade Hotel, for classic patés, shellfish, and Alsatian specialties. Finally, if you’d like to splash out on hearty Northern Italian cuisine, Davio’s Steakhouse on Stuart Street offers traditional pastas, lobster risotto, homemade sausage, and of course superb steak.

Restaurants in the North End

Few visitors that venture into the North End of Boston to eat are looking for anything other than superb Italian food, so here are a couple of the best choices in the area. Mamma Maria’s is consistently reported to be the best Italian Restaurant in the North End and specialties include Nantucket Bay scallops, Ipswich clams, and risotto with crab meat as well as their famous osso buco. Other excellent restaurants in the area include Taranta Cucina Meridionale located on Hanover Street, which combines Peruvian and Italian influences, and Giacomo’s Ristorante off Fleet Street which is always busy but worth the wait.

Restaurants in the South End

The fashionable South End of Boston has an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from. For African cuisine check out Teranga, a Senegalese restaurant with French and Vietnamese influences located on Washington Street. For Latin American flavors Orinoco is located on Shawmut Avenue as well as other locations around Boston, and serves specialties such as black beans and rice. For a well established bistro in the area, check out Hammersley’s Bistro on Tremont Street which offers innovative French American cuisine.

Restaurants in Cambridge

Across the river in Cambridge, home of Harvard University, the best restaurants are equally diverse. On First Street you’ll find the Helmand Restaurant, an atmospheric Afghani restaurant with a traditional wood-fired brick oven. On Washington Street the Spanish restaurant Dali is a favorite for authentic tapas which is ideal for sharing. Finally, if you’re looking for fantastic seafood, the East Coast Grill and Raw Bar on Inman Square offers excellent seasonal specialties such as steamed east coast snow crab legs or spicy treme style bbq shrimp.

Once that sparkling diamond is firmly in place you’ll want a few additional activities up your sleeve to make your vacation one to remember. Here are some fun and romantic activities around Boston.

• Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and enjoy the beautiful courtyard
• Ride the ferry from Charlestown Naval Yard to Long Wharf and cuddle up for warmth
• Take the North End Market Tour and sample delicious Italian food and wine
• Check out some street theater at the Faneuil Hall open marketplace
• Relax in a hot tub or enjoy a massage at the Inman Oasis on Inman Square
• Enroll in a couples cooking class at the Cambridge School of Culinary arts
• Follow the footsteps of the world’s great musicians to Scullers Jazz Club
• Stroll around the New England Aquarium on Central Wharf and watch the penguins play
• Splash in the fountains at the Christian Science Center Plaza and enjoy the reflecting pool
• Enjoy eight blocks of salons and boutiques around Newbury Street