Hotel at a Glance: Residence Inn Boston Franklin by Marriott

Located between Boston and Providence, this renovated hotel can be ideal for business trips and leisure travel alike.

• Amenities: All rooms include a kitchen, and are equipped in a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi
• Buffet: Enjoy hot breakfast buffet in the mornings
• Sports facilities: Sports court, indoor pool, and exercise room are available for guests
• Lobby bar: Have a drink and unwind after a long day

Downtown Boston: Revolution-Era Landmarks and Modern Skyscrapers

Downtown Boston is home to one of the country’s wackiest city layouts. Its colonial-village lanes converge, split, and take hairpin turns, creating a maze of cobblestone that, though frustrating for drivers, makes for a fun walking experience. If you’re visiting for the first time, the best way to navigate the area is to follow the 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail, which takes you past 16 historical landmarks, including Paul Revere's home, Old North Church (of “One if by land, two if by sea” fame), and Faneuil Hall. You can use Boston public transportation to explore the city if you tire of walking. Since the area is also the city’s financial district, centuries-old fixtures share sidewalk space with modern 40-story office towers. You’ll find suit-clad professionals grabbing lunch on Washington Street, which is lined with street vendors and flower shops. Downtown is also where you’ll find several of the city’s quirkier neighborhoods, such as the Leather District. With its rustic warehouses, the neighborhood is the closest example of what the business center looked like in the 1800s.