I had forgotten how easy it is to get in and out of Boston. That alone gives it a leg up on New York Philadelphia and Washington in the competition for “best waterfront destination” on the Northeast Corridor But there’s no contest now that the city fathers have transformed South Boston from a decaying mélange of factories and rundown houses into a vital community of artists and antique shops in the shadows of world-class business and tourism facilities.

In fact the only surprise is that their new state-of the art public transportation route through South Boston is called the Silver Line rather than the Gold Line, because that’s exactly what the area is going to do for city coffers! The flagships of the new South Boston are clearly the World Trade Center and the Westin Boston Waterfront adjacent to one of the largest and most impressive new exhibition centers in North America.

Boston already had one of the richest historical environments as well as some of America’s best arts institutions. Now it has an impressive new hospitality complex to drive tourism through the roof.

Everything about the Westin Boston Waterfront is impeccable The service is first class, the rooms all have a gorgeous view of Boston Harbor and the open air bars and restaurants in the giant lobby (complete with real trees and gardens) whisper relaxation to tourists and business travelers alike. And unlike New York, where I recently paid $60 a night for parking, self-parking is just $32 a night at the Westin – not at some rundown lot 5 blocks away, but right in the hotel!

Of course the redevelopment of the extensive South Boston area is still a work in progress, so there aren’t as many restaurants, bars and shops as there are in downtown Beantown. But the commuter bus system that operates on its own private, underground highway can whisk you into the Back Bay in less that 20 minutes, where some of the best restaurants and shops in the country are located.

Fortunately for me I found one of the very best in Abe & Louie’s Steakhouse on Boylston Avenue. I simply can’t say enough good things about Abe & Louie’s. It was my first time there so I had the combo dinner with shrimp and filet mignon. Believe it or not, it was the best fillet I have ever been served and one of the top 3 or 4 shrimp entrees as well.

Be sure to ask for Ryan as your waiter. He is a great host and happy to share his menu secrets with you. Eat inside or on the patio where you can people watch for hours. Not surprisingly, Abe & Louie’s has received numerous awards and accolades including “Best Steakhouse,” by Boston Magazine in 2004 & 2005, “Best Wine List,” by Boston Magazine in 2005 and numerous awards by Wine Spectator including the “Grand Award” in 2005. And I can certainly see why!

If you have cigar smokers in the crowd, top off a great dinner with another great experience at Cigar Masters just a few doors down Boylston Stree. The emporium is actually three lounges in one – a small seating area as you enter, a bar area across from a walk-in humidor, and a large lounge with over-stuffed chairs and sofas in the rear. But be prepared, thanks to yet another set of antiquated and ridiculous ordinances Cigar Masters in Boston can only serve beer and wine – not hard (I think of it more as smooooth) liquor.

The harbor itself stretches all the way from the cruise terminals near the Westin Boston Waterfront, north past the historic wharf in North Boston. There’s almost nothing you can’t find from basic water taxies and ferries to whale watch excursions and huge powerboat rides. And if you have time, be sure to visit the internationally acclaimed New England Aquarium.

Of course Boston is full of world class attractions beyond the waterfront - Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church, Quincy Market, the Boston Team Party Ship and Museum, Paul Revere’s House and Boston Commons just to mention a few. And they’re easy to get to using the Old Town Trolley Tour system.

Staying at the Westin Boston Waterfront must be a lot like having “an out of body experience.” On one hand you’re right in the middle of a great American City, yet you still have the luxury of gawking at the stunning skyline of a world class waterfront destination! But don’t take my word for it, make your reservations today. And be sure to tell them the Waterfront Destinations Examiner sent you.

FOR THE RECORD: Westin Boston Waterfront provided the author with two complimentary nights to research and secure photographs for this article. However, the author received no financial remuneration from the Westin Boston Waterfront or any of its partners or clients in payment for the article. And no one associated with the Westin Boston Waterfront or any other company was given the opportunity to review or comment on the text or photographs prior to publication.