Boston Park Plaza

When the Park Plaza, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2007, was first built it doubtless looked out over the lovely Public Gardens, but development put it in the shadows. A recent cosmetic overhaul has brought it somewhat up-to-date, upgrading the rooms with flatscreen TVs and high-thread-count bedlinen. But the Park Plaza was built in gentler times and its cramped standard rooms, which are average at best, have no sound insulation; you can hear every clatter from your neighbors. The opulently decorated, chandeliered lobby houses the main restaurant, Swan's Café. Apart from Todd English's Bonfire Steakhouse (owned by the hotel, not local superstar chef English), the street-level restaurants and bars are independently operated.