Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Overlooking Boston

Hyatt Regency Cambridge rises 16 stories from the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A well-loved component of Boston's riverside view since 1976, the pyramid-shaped building claims a strategic location between Kendall Square business and Harvard, MIT, and Boston Universities. Inside, a recent $15 million makeover updated everything from the public spaces and 470 accommodations to the venues for meetings and events.

While three ballrooms entertain up to 1,000 people—or reconfigure into 25 smaller rooms—parties also gather in the Courtyard or Riverside Pavilion, a tent complete with French windows, ceiling fans, and chandeliers. Further incentives: a fitness center with pool, regional cuisine at Zephyr on the Charles, deli fare at Market on the Charles, and instant access to scenic walking, jogging, and biking trails along the river.

• Zephyr on the Charles: The hotel's main restaurant, Zephyr on the Charles, may offer a diverse menu of contemporary American cuisine. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it provides a dining experience overlooking the Charles River.

• Over the Charles Bar: This could be a bar or lounge within the hotel, offering a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy crafted cocktails, wines, and light bites.