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When visitors think of Boston, 18th century redbrick buildings, war memorials and cobbled streets surrounded by revolutionary era pubs come to mind.

But the growing reputation of one hotel shows the New England city is beginning to follow a trend started by cities including London and New York – that boutique is better.

The Nine Zero Hotel has become a sought after in the area, rising to the top of a number of review sites. 

Panoramic: The Nine Zero Kimpton Hotel in Boston has stunning views of the city across the river, spanning from Fenway Park across to Bunker Hill 

Relaxed: At night guests can enjoy the illuminated downtown skyrises while lounging in quaint rooms 

One of the perfect times to catch the view is at sunset when the Prudential Center glows in the distance

And you could see why.  

It is located in the heart of a city that has just been named as one of the top 50 places in the world to live.

Even though it has been blighted by atrocious winter weather over the past few months, it's architecture, food and nightlife is something that continues to attract thousands every year.

TripAdvisor reviewers rank the Nine Zero as one of the top hotels in New England. It has also won the accolade for the top pet-friendly hotel in Boston.

When my girlfriend and I arrived at the hotel – following a four-hour Amtrak from New York's Penn Station – we were told our room wasn't ready. 

So we headed to the next door Beantown Pub for some Clam Chowder, with locals telling us to prepare for bad weather in the coming days. 

On our return next door, the receptionist noted that we had been given an upgrade to a corner premier room.

Situated on the corner of the building, the room a spectacular view spanning the Charles River and the skyline, which spans from the financial district all the way to Fenway Park - home of the Boston Red Sox. 

When we first entered the room it seemed small with little space between the bed and the surrounding windows.

The bathroom was fitted with a sliding door and only had a shower, despite being one of the more sought-after rooms.  

But in the corner was an armchair looking out at the city. Perfect for sitting down for a drink and watching the sunset, which is what I did before heading out for a meal. It would have been better, however, if there had been two. 

The downsides were that the in-room iPad did not work once it was taken off its dock and the wifi was slow. 

After setting down our bags we went back out, noticing it was starting to rain outside. 

Before heading for the streets of the city, we took a detour to the hotel's Highball Lounge, which offers exquisite cocktails that are all relatively affordable. 

If a look at history is not high on the priority list, then the Beantown Pub serves a host of ales

Across the road is the Granary Burial Ground, Boston's third-oldest cemetery. It is the final resting place for many notable Revolutionary patriots, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence – Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine.

It is evidence that there is so much history and so many things to see that a 48-hour stay is simply not enough.

In Boston you can stroll through the gracious streets of Harvard then, a few hours later, take the Duck Tour – where you climb aboard an amphibious vehicle on the Charles River.

Around a ten minute walk away from the Nine Zero is Quincy Market and Fanueli Hall, which is filled with food stalls and surrounded by restaurants and bars, while another five minutes on is the waterfront.

In between however, seemingly hidden away, is Marshall Street – a small cobbled passageway barely big enough to fit a car.

There lies the historic Green Dragon Tavern. 

The Highball lounge has a wide variety of cocktails for those looking to sample something a bit different to Boston's quintessential beers 

According to legend, the Boston Tea Party was planned there and Paul Revere was sent from there to Lexington in April 1775 on his famous ride through the streets of the city to warn his colonial counterparts that the British were coming.

Then, in January 1788, a meeting of the mechanics and artisans of Boston passed a series of resolutions urging the importance of adopting the Constitution.

At the time it was being considered by a convention of delegates from around Massachusetts.

As well as being teeming with history, the tavern is filled with a range of ales and a delicious selection of food. 

We stayed for a pint of winter ale before heading off to the North End.  

The area is even quieter than the city center and the sound of moving cars is a rarity.

It is filled with boutique shops and a huge number of Italian restaurants. 

We chose to stop at Neptunes Oyster bar for some lobster rolls, a recommendation from the concierge at our hotel.

Every single seat was full so we had around a 30-minute wait. Then we were slightly taken aback when we noticed the rolls were $27(£17.59). 

The sandwiches were huge, crammed full with juicy lobster meat, but it's questionable whether they were worth the money. 

The waiting area of the hotel with the entrance to the neighboring Beantown Pub in the background 

On the way back into the city we passed the Union Oyster House, which was crammed with seafood lovers. A sign outside reveals that President John F. Kennedy was a regular and customers can even book is favorite booth.

However, without a reservation, there was no way you were getting in.  

We decided to shun an upmarket restaurant and headed to a joint known as Dick's Last Resort (a venue with a similar stature to that of Cheers).

The concept is simple. The waiting staff are there to be as rude to you as possible. If they come over and ask if you are ready, the best thing is to say no.

That is when they will serve you. They serve margaritas – very icy ones at that – by the bucket as well as an array of ribs, wings and of course clam chowder.

The next day, when we woke up the room was still in complete darkness because of the tightly-installed curtains around the room. 

We had slept in and (somewhat mistakenly) skipped breakfast, before room service knocked on the door, even though the 'Do Not Disturb' sign had been placed on the handle. 

Leaving the Nine Zero was disappointing because it was comfortable and cosy, even though it is set in a downtown high-rise.

The location is perfect for taking in Boston's nightlife and restaurants  

One disappointment was the in-room iPads. Every time you removed the gadgets from their docking station, the power failed 

Quincy Market and its surrounding quintessential colonial buildings are just a five minute walk from the hotel

The historic Green Dragon Tavern on Marshall Street is steeped in history. According to legend the Boston Tea Party was planned there and Paul Revere was inside when he was sent to Lexington to warn Revolutionary troops that the British were coming