Attached to the Hynes Convention Center, this gigantic 1,220-room Sheraton caters to business travelers with the best pool and fitness-center complex in Back Bay, comfortable rooms with panoramic views of Boston, a free business lounge, and an on-site full-service FedEx Office. On-site dining is limited -- just a breakfast restaurant and a lobby bar and grill -- but there's plenty of eating options nearby. There's also a pesky fee for in-room Wi-Fi. It's worth comparing rates at nearby Courtyard by Marriott Boston Copley Square, which has free Wi-Fi throughout.

Situated in an early 20th-century Federal Reserve Bank building, the Langham Hotel Boston is among the city’s most beautiful luxury options. The exterior is an exercise classic Renaissance Revivalism, while interiors include 18th-century English decor and furnishings. The 318 rooms are elegant and have an antique look that won't please everyone, and all include modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks or Bose sound systems. Noteworthy features include an indoor heated pool -- a rarity in downtown Boston -- plus swanky Bond restaurant and a modern, Chinese-inspired spa. The free local cab service is a unique service. Back Bay’s Lenox Hotel offers a similarly priced and appointed alternative that's within walking distance of amazing shopping, but it lacks a pool.

Nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 scenic acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Chatham Bars Inn has been a local staple since 1914. The true Cape-Cod style architecture is complemented by lovely interiors to match -- upholstered wingback chairs, antique-style turned-leg furnishings, and seafaring decor. But don't let the term "inn" fool you, this property is big and amenities-packed, with a beautiful spa, modern fitness center, scenic beach, fine dining, private chartered boats, elegant meeting rooms, and classic clay tennis courts. Thanks to the large pools (including a kiddy pool) and an extensive kids' club, the Inn is a popular choice for families -- but guests looking for relaxation away from the bustling kid-friendly areas can book a room in the adult-only Spa Suites.

Royalton Blue Waters is a four-pearl family-friendly all-inclusive resort that's a 10-minute drive from Falmouth. The resort’s 228 suites have modern interiors with whirlpool tubs, huge flat-screen TVs, and private ocean-view balconies. Blue Waters shares amenities with Royalton White Sands Resort next door, including a small water park. Its own dedicated amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous beach, a lazy river pool, and free non-motorized water sports. Restaurants get positive reviews and include a buffet, steak house, Mediterranean, and gourmet Chef's Table. Other amenities include multiple bars, a full-service spa, and a kids' club that's open late. Note that lots of kids mean that it's a boisterous place. For a quieter, family-friendly resort with a gorgeous beach and delicious restaurants, it’s worth pricing out Melia Braco Village.

This 32-room boutique hotel is actually three converted attached brownstones on trendy Newbury Street in the upscale Back Bay district of Boston. It is reasonably priced for the area and includes free breakfast; it is home to the popular French restaurant La Voile in the basement. The hotel is within walking distance to some great shopping and restaurants as well as many of Boston's attractions. The views from the rooms facing Newbury Street are wonderful, and their bay windows make it even more appealing. The location is great for tourists and business people alike, but the spotty Wi-Fi may make working there a little difficult, and there are few on-site amenities.

Tucked away in its own private corner of paradise, the Excellence Oyster Bay is one of northern Jamaica's nicest all-inclusive resorts. This luxury adults-only property, which occupies its own peninsula about 40 minutes west of Montego Bay, has an exclusive, but light-hearted vibe. From the gorgeous pool to the pristine beach and numerous dining options, the vibe is elegantly casual. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, and feature spacious terraces, plus private jetted tubs, plunge pools, or beach views in most. There's also a full gym with cutting-edge equipment, plus a beautiful spa featuring a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit. A stay here isn't cheap, but its easily one of the poshest spots in Trelawny Parish or Montego Bay. The only real competitor around is the Royalton Blue Waters, though it lacks the same secluded atmosphere.

A 63-room upscale hotel with exquisite service and sleek decor in the residential Beacon Hill, Fifteen Beacon (or XV Beacon) offers a luxury boutique experience. The building, built in 1903, blends historic New England elegance with modern, minimalist design and high-tech amenities. Rooms are spacious, with stylishly masculine decor, and include gas fireplaces. Expert concierges, free chauffeur services in a Lexus, and the location at the top of Boston Common make this hotel a great fit for discerning business or leisure travelers.

Guests come to Natucket to get away from it all -- and with a remote location away from downtown, The Wauwinet is about as away from it as you can get. The charming New England property is surrounded by both the bay and the ocean, and some (bayside) guest rooms offer amazing sunsets. One of the island's most loved restaurants is here, which is just another reason the rates are so high -- especially during the peak summer months.

Palatial, contemporary, and elegant, the InterContinental offers huge, immaculate rooms and an array of decadent amenities (massage, pool, sushi, cocktails) in a scenic harborside location, but the service doesn't quite compare to that at Boston's best luxury hotels. They have a cle d'Or concierge team and a 24-hour fitness center. In the summer, they offer outside dining on the Miel Brasserie Terrace as well as the casual outside 510 on the Waterfront Bar. Summer Activations include art nights and complimentary fitness classes on the back lawn.

This mid-range resort is well-suited for families and groups on summer vacation, with cottages and large suites in addition to standard rooms. Even the standard rooms are spacious, but they vary from recently refurbished to decidedly dated, and the rates reflect the property's oceanfront location. The resort features a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and seasonal activities for kids. Guests also have access to amenities at the property's four sister resorts nearby. There is a definite focus on families here, especially during July and August, so couples looking for a romantic getaway may want to skip this resort.