Travetta

A 15-story glass structure punctuates this luxury hotel, on a point of land separating the inner and outer sections of Boston Harbor. Half of the rooms have sweeping views of either the city skyline or the ocean; the others overlook planes taking off and landing at the airport. The Hyatt operates its own 24-hour shuttle to all Logan Airport terminals and the airport T stop, and you'll get a discount on the water shuttle that runs between the airport and Downtown. Rooms, all decorated in soothing taupes and beiges, are soundproof. Pros: Convenient base for early flights out of Boston; pool area has skyline views; competent, can-do staff. Cons: Overpriced restaurant (skip it), airport shuttle service can be frustratingly slow.

"This striking 14-story waterfront hotel on the edge of the airport offers unobstructed views of the harbor and city skyline. The good-size guest rooms afford dramatic views, especially from the higher floors. Extensively renovated in 2007, they have oversize work desks and a sophisticated no-frills style that contrasts with luxurious touches like pillow-top beds. The hotel is primarily a convention and business destination, with easy access to the airport (a 5-min. shuttle-bus ride away) and to downtown Boston -- water taxis, which serve the adjacent dock, make the trip in 7 minutes. Sightseers on a tight budget for either time (on public transit) or money (for parking, cabs, or water taxis) will be better off closer to downtown. Bonus: The building's tower is a lighthouse -- the airport control tower manages the beacon so it doesn't interfere with runway lights."