XV Beacon & Mooo.... (Boston)

If you're seeking an upscale boutique hotel in Boston, look no further than XV Beacon. It's always a toss up for me whether to stay at XV Beacon or the Boston Harbor Hotel. Though the latter overlooks the harbor and is within walking distance to the famed North End restaurants, XV Beacon is a short walk through the park for shopping on Newbury - and of utmost importance on our most recent trip - a two minute walk to No. 9 Park.

Both the Boston Harbor and XV Beacon feature complimentary car service. The Boston Harbor has superior workout facilities, including a pool, and a full service spa. XV Beacon has a masculine feel; the lobby and guest rooms are dark and sleek, featuring stainless steel fireplace surrounds, televisions in the bathroom and gas fireplaces that turn on from a button located next to the bed. Ideally situated for business travelers, XV Beacon is close to the financial district, and next door to the State House.

The service at XV Beacon is eerily intuitive. They carefully watch the comings and goings of their guests, slipping into your room when you are out to freshen it up or drop off complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries if you are celebrating a special occasion. The capable concierge will arrange an in-room massage, dinner reservations, or at one guest's overheard request, a "dessert tasting."

XV Beacon features a superior restaurant to the Boston Harbor, at least when it comes to breakfast. Formerly the Federalist, it has been transformed into Mooo... (a steakhouse if you're wondering why the odd name). While the Federalist was dark and sophisticated, Mooo is whitewashed, bright, and features techno pop music in the background. I understand the attempt to attract a younger, more hip audience than XV Beacon likely draws, though I suspect The Federalist decor appealed more to visitors of the hotel. It will be interesting to see if the Mooo concept sticks. Regardless, the breakfast is the same - as excellent now as it was when served under the former restaurant name.

I enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, a thick English muffin topped with crab, smoked salmon, poached eggs and dill hollandaise sauce. The accompanying homefries were served in a Staub cast iron baker, a nice touch and ideal way to keep them warm throughout the meal. The potatoes themselves were crisp on the outside, well seasoned, and sauteed with onions and diced red peppers.

My husband was also in the mood for Eggs Benedict, but ordered his with sauteed mushrooms, instead of the traditional ham. The mushroom medley they had on hand was impressive: button, shitake and oyster, sauteed with garlic and a splash of sherry. As much as I enjoyed my version of the Benedict, his was better.

The cappuccino I ordered tasted as though it came from an automated machine; the bagels appear to be frozen and re-heated. Come here instead for the Benedicts, the fresh squeezed orange juice, and the convenience if you are staying at XV Beacon.

XV Beacon is in the process of updating its rooms, starting from the top floors and working their way down. Updates include the installation of plasma televisions, carpet replacement, and new bed frames. The updates are expected to be completed in the spring, so if you plan to stay there anytime soon, request a room on one of the upper floors.

You can't go wrong at either the Boston Harbor Hotel or XV Beacon. Be sure to check their websites when booking, though, as their specials are typically priced well below the "rack rate".