According to the Westin’s customer-service policy, sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. “Using our guests’ names is huge,” says the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Sandie Currie. “The initial welcome is really what sets the tone for your visit.” That use of names trickles down through every part of the upscale hotel, even into its chic cocktail lounge, popular with guests and locals alike. “We don’t advertise the bar,” Currie says. “Local clientele find it by coming to events and with everything happening down at the waterfront, it’s only going to get busier.” 1181 Hollis, 424-8935

1st runner-up Lord Nelson Hotel, 1515 South Park, 423-6331

2nd runner-up Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market, 425-1986