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The Hotel Newfoundland was built in 1982 in a starkly modern style, but it boasts a refined sensibility and attention to detail that's reminiscent of a lost era. What I like most about the hotel is how the designers and architects hid their best surprises. The lobby has one of the best views of the Narrows in the city, but you have to wander around to find it. It's a wonderful effect, and one that's used nicely throughout. (This helps compensate for the somewhat generic, conference-hotel feel of much of the decor.) The rooms themselves are standard sized and are nothing remarkable, although all have coffeemakers and bathrobes. About half have harbor views. The hotel's lobby is home to three dining establishments: The rather formal Cabot Club ranks among the best restaurants in the city, and is known for tableside Caesar salads, caribou soup, and entrees like traditional pan-fried cod and halibut with a saffron truffle butter. The colorful Mediterranean-inspired Bonavista Cafe, added in 1999, is lighter on the wallet, with lunch offerings such as burgers, generous sandwiches and dinners like Greek lamb chops, vegetable fettuccine, and poached salmon. The Narrows lounge is the spot for a nightcap.

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