What to expect: Steeped in history and meticulously maintained--it is a National Trust Historic Hotel of America--the Concord's Colonial Inn and Suites exudes the warmth of a gracious New England home. The sitting room’s antique furnishings, patterned wallpaper, and decorative fireplace are accented by engravings depicting Revolutionary War scenes. A guestbook on display shows Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signature among notable visitors. Today, business travelers and leisure guests are commonplace.

Amenity highlights: This historic inn overlooking Concord’s Monument Square is uniquely situated among numerous Revolutionary War–era and literary landmarks. Within a mile are the former residences of literary luminaries including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott, as well as the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where they were buried. Also less than a mile away is the Old North Bridge, where the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired.

Insider tip: Room 24 has a decorative fireplace, four-poster king bed, Monument Square view—and ghostly reputation. Witnesses over the years claim to have seen apparitions, and speculation abounds on likely candidates. A favored suspect is a Revolutionary War physician who tended to wounded soldiers at the Inn around 1775.

What to expect: A comfortable hotel in the heart of historic Concord, Lexington and Boston are just seven and 25 miles away, respectively.

Pets are welcome at this hotel, with $10 per pet as the daily fee.

Amenity highlights: A complimentary Continental breakfast is served daily in the breakfast room. Wireless Internet access is complimentary throughout the hotel.

A brand-new fitness center is on site, as is a seasonal outdoor pool.