Time has stood still at the Charles Street Inn, an 1860 town house nestled amid Beacon Hill's preppy boutiques and dusty antiques shops. Each of the nine rooms feels like a period set, complete with lavish window treatments, canopy beds, and carefully selected antiques—not for the Design Within Reach crowd. Mornings, a choice of yogurts, baked goods, and quiches is served in the guest rooms—which may appeal to those who don't relish talking to strangers before ten A.M. The third- and fourth-floor rooms have extra-high ceilings. Parking—impossible in this area—is available by reservation ($20 a night). Strengths: Close to Newbury Street and the Freedom Trail; in-room breakfast; large DVD collection. Weaknesses: No common areas; the property can feel a bit timeworn. Room to avoid: Ralph Waldo Emerson is a tad close to the parking lot and has pink velour drapes (617-314-8900; charlesstreetinn.com; doubles, $250–$550).

Checking in to the Clarendon Square Inn, a painstakingly restored nineteenth-century brownstone, is like visiting the home of a fabulously hospitable friend who just happens to have seven spotless guest rooms. From the comfortable living room and library to the chic dining room, the place is done in contemporary decor with warm colors and patterns and vibrant artwork. Rooms have huge flat-screen TVs, plush beds, and sleek bathrooms stocked with Aveda products. The rooftop whirlpool offers fine views of Boston. Strengths: Lovely rooms; great location; fantastic host. Weakness: No full-length mirrors in bedrooms. Room to avoid: The first-floor garden suite has its own private patio but is relatively dark (617-536-2229; clarendonsquare.com; doubles, $155–$375).
–Mollie Chen

Dallas
Bailey's Uptown Inn, a contemporary town house in the historic State-Thomas neighborhood, is close to downtown Dallas and within walking distance of galleries, bistros, and pubs. Simple but handsome and cheerful, the inn's six guest rooms with private baths offer equal doses of comfort, quiet, and value. The Blue Room has a whirlpool tub; several others have fireplaces and porches. Strengths: Daily housekeeping; pleasant common areas; full breakfast weekdays. Weakness: Soap is the only bath amenity. Room to avoid: The Floral Room may offend masculine tastes (214-720-2258; baileysuptowninn.com; doubles, $179–$279).

The Hotel St. Germain, a richly renovated manse on a swanky stretch of Uptown, combines old-world gentility and shabby-chic sophistication. Its seven luxurious suites feature fresh flowers, fireplaces, CD/DVD players, Bulgari amenities, and plush robes. Strengths: Walk to museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping; champagne on arrival; 24-hour butler; twice-daily housekeeping; full breakfast on fine china en suite, in dining room, or on terrace; seven-course dinner by reservation ($85). Weakness: Rooms will not accommodate wheelchairs. Room to avoid: None (214-871-2516; hotelstgermain.com; doubles, $290–$650).