Enjoy dinner by Boston's harbor at the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille and its excellent seafood

The restaurant boasts stunning views of Boston Harbor and the pier where ships come and go. It's a lovely spot to spend a summer afternoon, and in the colder months, its enormous windows offer a similar view while maintaining a warm atmosphere.

For a hotel restaurant, the food is surprisingly good, especially the seafood, which is always fresh and high quality. It fills up quickly during holidays, when they offer a lavish buffet.

The whipped Spanish feta ($16) comes with a generous portion of warm baguette for dipping, all dressed with harissa in oil. The Caesar salad ($18), with romaine lettuce and hearts of palm, is topped with a crispy Parmesan fricco and doesn't contain anchovies.

The Maine crab cocktail ($25) is taken from the shell and served tableside with cocktail sauce and hot sauce, just as it should be. Every hotel restaurant should have a good burger, and this one delivers: it features Vermont brie, bacon, and a house-made sauce, for $33.

Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with a nautical theme. In summer, the party moves outdoors, and on warmer days it's the best option.