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ome of the oldest hotels in the United States are found in Boston, where a hotel is more likely to be Revolutionary than revolutionary. The Godfrey Hotel isn’t quite that old, but it pays its dues to Boston’s — and America’s — past: the 242-room hotel occupies two buildings dating from the early 1900s, and the decor is largely mid-century–inspired (think neutrals and orange accents). The hospitality, too, is of the old-school variety — that is to say, they take your comfort seriously here at the Godfrey.

But from the moment you check in, you’ll notice that this is a thoroughly modern establishment and even a high-tech spot. You can enter your guestroom with your smartphone as a key. Once inside, you’ll have access to hotel services from your phone, as well as the ability to stream music, TV, and movies onto your high-definition TV from your phone or Hotelist.

The neighborhood is increasingly trendy, too: Although Benjamin Franklin used to live here and previous generations knew it as a major shopping district, the Downtown Crossing neighborhood was in need of revitalization. Today, it’s the next big thing. Take it all in from the oversize windows in your room, of which there are more than 50 iterations. What they all have in common is a calming aesthetic: Frette linens, plaid upholstered headboards, pleasingly modern neutrals.

The restaurant Ruka serves both Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei and Chinese-Peruvian Chifa dishes, but — as with everything at the Godfrey — there’s a local culinary spin, including some of the city’s best seafood.