Hotel at a Glance: Studio Allston Hotel

Studio Allston Hotel is an artistic hub. This art-themed hotel along the Charles River is full of creative vibes, such as vibrant art pieces bedecking the walls along with colorful wall art above the headboards.

• Casual common areas including an outdoor patio where you can treat yourself to a meal
• Nearby shopping: Get a breath of fresh air at Chestnut Hill Square, an open-air shopping center.
• Nearby restaurants: Choose between a Burmese-fare joint, a Japanese sushi restaurant, a stylish two-floor European lounge, and more.
• Things to do nearby: Historic, artistic, and scientific museums as well as numerous music halls, including The Hooley House and Brighton Music Hall, are all within the city's limits.

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.