Boutique room design has filtered down to value-priced lodging at this completely overhauled (as of 2004) property 2 miles outside Harvard Square on a busy traffic circle. The interior belies its strip setting, with luxurious mattresses, hip but soothing design, snappy contemporary furniture (including ergonomic desk chairs), and free high-speed Internet access (both wired and wireless) throughout. The walk to the Alewife subway stop is short but crosses a busy highway. If the TV show Divine<I/> Design took on a circa-1963 roadside hotel, this might be the result.

Best Western Hotel Tria Amenities:

• 69 rooms, 4 story. Pets accepted; fee. Complimentary continental breakfast. Check-in 3 pm, check-out noon. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Indoor pool, whirlpool.