Where to Stay in Boston: The Best Places to Stay

Boston is a fascinating city full of rich American history – especially surrounding the American Revolution – far too numerous colleges and universities to count which lends it a very youthful feeling, and an underlying rebelliousness that courses through its entire chronicle. Adding to that some excellent sports culture and cool architecture, and it’s a cool city to visit.

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” In this line, context is provided that accommodation in Boston tends to be costly given the overall high cost of living in the city which places it among the most expensive cities to reside in the United States

It is somewhat more affordable during the shoulder seasons and off-peak season, but if you visit during summer time, it will not be inexpensive.

The second thing to know is that it’s a relatively compact city. Similar to San Francisco, which is where we met and lived for a decade, it’s limited by water on three sides, which means it can only spread so far.

The central area of Boston is highly walkable, and the terrain is nearly perfectly flat. Any lodging located within the primary corridor stretching from the North End to Fenway Park will be conveniently positioned.

In this guide, we will share our perspective on where to stay in Boston based on our personal experience to help you find the perfect lodging for your trip.

For each area, we’ll provide an overview of the neighborhood, then examine the pros and cons of staying there in-depth, highlight a few things we love, and suggest some carefully selected places to stay.

Does this sound good? Let’s examine the best place to stay in Boston based on your individual style and budget.

a man standing on a sidewalk talking on a cell phone

a large building with a clock on the front of it
people standing around a statue of a man on a horse

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Boston: How to Decide on the Best Place to Stay

In this guide, we’re going to cover – in detail – three favored places to lodge in Boston.

For each, we’ll give you our sincere perspective on the pros and cons, give you some neighborhood highlights that we enjoyed, and point you to two to three different hotels to start your search.

We firmly believe the optimal approach starts with selecting a preferred neighborhood, then choosing lodging within that community.

Ride the earliest shuttle from the Apgar Visitor Center up to Logan Pass, which takes approximately one hour.

Before we get into it, you should know that short term individual home rentals in Boston (like those possibly listed on Airbnb) have very strict regulations to protect local housing, which means they may not be the best choice here.

Though we tend to favor apartment rentals when traveling, especially for longer city stays of 3-4 days or more, the accommodation options posed somewhat of an inconvenience in this case.”

Given Boston`s relatively compact layout, not all potential neighborhoods for lodging will be covered in detail here.

Unlike cities like Paris or London, which have nearly unlimited cool neighborhoods offering something a little different, only a few places truly deserve to be on the list in Venice.

We’re strong advocates that the best approach is to first pick the neighborhood you want to stay in, then pick a place within that neighborhood.

Ride the earliest shuttle from the Apgar Visitor Center up to Logan Pass, which takes approximately one hour.

Don’t have time to read the entire guide? Here’s a quick summary.

  • Generally our recommendation would be to stay in Back Bay, which is a fun and hip area located a little farther away from the main tourist sites (still just 10-15 minutes by foot), meaning it`s less crowded. Within walking distance of Copley Square (where you`ll find Trinity Church and the incredible Boston Public Library) and the Public Garden, the location is excellent. Options include staying at the stylish Copley Square Hotel, which offers relatively affordable rates with surprisingly roomy rooms, or the Newbury Guest House for a more intimate experience in a smaller hotel.
  • One of the most convenient locations in Boston is Downtown Boston, and it’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want to be near all the highlights. This area was central to many pivotal events – the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and even more important occurrences during the Revolutionary era. Although it appears to be all modern skyscrapers from the outside, once you’re inside you’ll start to notice historic brick structures like Old State Hall interspersed. Stay at the Godfrey Hotel, which has our favorite cafe in Boston in the lobby and consistently earns outstanding reviews, or the Harborside Inn, which is excellently located merely blocks from the Old State House and the Boston Tea Party Museum.
  • If you have visited Boston in the past and you are seeking something a small amount different, lodge in the Southern Quarter. As soon as you take your leave Back Bay advancing to the south and traverse I-90, the neighborhood alters nearly promptly. It’s all reddish-brown stones and townhouses down here, with some of Boston’s finest victuals and potables and a more residential, neighborhood sense to it. The Revolution Accommodation is, hands down, our beloved choice in the area, and is presumably where we’ll lodge for our next excursion to Boston.
  • If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no single neighborhood that has the cheapest places to stay. There’s the HI Hostel in the Theater District, which has both dorms and private rooms (though the private rooms aren’t really that much more affordable than other budget hotels in Boston). Despite the excellent location, the Harborside Inn is actually one of the more affordable options in Boston. The Boston Park Plaza is also affordable if you catch one of their deals that show up on booking platforms (I pretty much only use Booking.com to book things these days), and it’s just south of Boston Common right in the middle of all the action. 

What about the North End? This guide does not feature options for staying in the North End area of the city being discussed. There are only a few lodging possibilities in the North End, and the ones that do exist are not located in the parts of the North End that give it its defining characteristics.”

We think choosing to spend our afternoons and evenings in the North End instead of staying there is a better option.

What about Fenway? If your goal is visiting Boston to see a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park, staying near Fenway would be an excellent choice. Specifically, at the Verb Hotel.

However, for some individuals, we wouldn’t recommend staying here. It can be rather loud and rowdy, and a bit… frat-like? There’s good nightlife, but generally that implies it may not be the best choice for lodging, at least if valuing a good night’s sleep (as we do).

Additionally, it`s quite far from virtually everything you will want to see in Boston.

Where We Stayed in Boston

a hotel room with a bed and a window

We spent five days exploring Boston, staying at the CitizenM Hotel at North Station, located near the TD Garden sports venue.

We appreciate CitizenM Hotels – they`re contemporary, comfortable, the employees are exceptionally helpful (in this case, assisting with a technology issue), and the rates are reasonably priced. We`d advise visiting the hotel.

a room filled with lots of tables and chairsa patio area with tables, chairs and umbrellas

The location isn’t the worst, but it also isn’t the best. We walked everywhere – the North End is a 5-10 minute stroll, the Old State House is 10 minutes away, and Boston Common is 15-20 minutes (through Beacon Hill).

It is well-connected via the T – which is Boston’s public transportation system – which makes sense when considering Celtics and Bruins games are hosted there.

Back Bay and the South End were a little further away than we’d like, which is why you’ll see us recommending neighborhoods further south below.

The area immediately surrounding the hotel holds little importance worth dedicating time to explore, unless attending an event at the nearby arena. Otherwise, it lacks notable attractions commanding one`s presence.

Below the detailed itinerary, you’ll find some suggestions on what to do with more or less time on your trip to San Francisco, including options for compressing this itinerary into one, two, or three days

Again, respecting the hotel – CitizenM is our most enjoyed hotel chain globally (we’ve lodged at 3+ sites in the previous year or two) and the site isn’t particularly unsatisfactory.

Buuuuut… there are undoubtedly better districts to stay in Boston.

We’d select for downtown (for a central location) or the South End (for a cooler neighborhood) next time.

Downtown Boston: The Best Place to Stay for Short Trips (2 Days or Less)

a city street filled with lots of traffic

Coming from the west coast, where our cities are relatively youthful and, in San Francisco’s case, have been leveled to the ground within living memory, Downtown Boston is an experience.

There are areas of the city that could be nearly any large city’s central business district, with towering skyscrapers and professionals in business attire hurrying about, conversing on their Airpods on their way to their next important meeting.

However, sections of the city`s downtown area contain structures constructed from warm-toned fired clay blocks that date back many centuries.

Or a graveyard containing dates from the 1800s that features notable individuals from the American Revolution like Sam Adams, John Hancock, and others.

a statue of a woman sitting on a bench in a park

Oh, and then there’s Boston’s City Hall, which is a few hundred yards from the Old State House, which is an imposing monstrosity made solely of concrete and 90 degree angles.

The architectural styles varied in an odd mix, leaving us constantly puzzled about how it all came together.

If one aspect defines Downtown Boston, it`s that it`s as central as possible. Unlike some downtowns, Boston`s truly maximizes time for those with just one or two days wanting access everywhere.

You will be able to walk to virtually anywhere (Boston is extremely walkable), and you’ll be within walking distance of most of Boston’s main tourist attractions, like the Old State House, the southern end of the Freedom Trail, and more.

That all being acknowledged, it is worth mentioning that there are parts of it that aren’t super charming, and we think that’s acceptable. The central location is worth the “charm” tradeoff for short trips and first timers.

a man walking down a street next to tall buildings

Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Boston

Pros

  • It’s centrally located.Considering Boston as a fan, downtown basically constitutes the center point. Everything else radiates outward from downtown Boston in all directions. To the north, you’ve got the north end. South is – predictably – the south end. West is Back Bay, and east is Seaport. It’ll all be within walking distance if you stay downtown.
  • It’s well connected to public transportation.The “T” is Boston’s subway system – the oldest in the country – and it’s not surprising that downtown is dotted with metro stops for all of its lines. Basically, wherever needs to be reached, a stop within 5-10 minutes taking one there will be found.

Cons

  • It can feel isolated..One thing that surprises visitors about downtown Boston from a distance is that, from above or outside, it appears to be all modern high rises. However, once inside downtown, especially near the Old State House, there`s more brick architecture and charm than it seems from far away. However, there are definitely parts of Downtown Boston that feel isolated and detached from surrounding areas – especially further south. Not as charming as, say, Back Bay, but that`s not necessarily the purpose of staying in this location I suppose.
  • It’s costlier.The average price of accommodations is already fairly high in Boston, and there aren’t all that many budget options in Downtown Boston. It’s all mid-range hotels and up, many catering to business travelers. If you’re on a budget, we’d probably stay elsewhere (in the South End).

Downtown Boston Highlights

a building with a clock on the front of it

There are many attractive places to explore in Downtown Boston, especially if you enjoy historical sites, but here are some of our favorites.

The Old State House: The old seat of administration back in the 17th Century (prior to it being moved to the “New State House,” an incredibly inventive naming convention), this is one of the oldest structures in Boston, and is an important stop on the Freedom Trail. Just outside, in the center of the busy intersection, is where the Boston Massacre occurred (despite the frightening name, only five people died). Arguably, that sad day set in motion a series of happenings that directly led to the Revolution.

Quincy Market: An internal dining area with various selections, like Pizzeria Regina (which is a North End staple) and many places to get lobster rolls and other seafood. While not the best food hall in Boston (we’d say that’s the Boston Public Market, which is a few blocks away), it’s certainly worth a brief visit.

The Cemetery: There are actually several cemeteries, especially on the northern end of downtown. Why, you might be asking, did they bury their dead inside the city? Well, at the time, the North End was Boston, and Downtown Boston was outside the city limits. Since then, the city has continuously expanded, swallowing up the areas where the cemeteries existed. They’ve been kept intact, though, and the Granary Burying Ground ( here on Google Maps) is housing the remains of numerous notable figures from the American Revolution, including John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.

Boston Common and the Public Garden: This gigantic public green space is right in the heart of the city, an area we enjoy spending time in. It has two sections divided by a roadway – the Boston Common (which was once used as grazing land for cattle in earlier times) and the Boston Public Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the nation. We especially appreciated the Boston Public Garden during our spring visit when everything was just starting to bloom. This is also where you`ll find the small boats that transport people around the lake`s perimeter for a short cruise (pond?), and the sculpture depicting “Make Way for Ducklings” (in the northeast corner of the park).

a tall building with a clock tower next to it

George Howell Coffee: I provide an advance look: I have a massive appreciation for coffee. In your opinion, is this the top coffee in Boston? I believe yes. This specific location is the place to go – they have an outstanding variety of pour over choices that is outstanding, including Cup of Excellence offerings, and their coffee is carefully made, if you’re getting a $10 cup of pour over coffee, or just a regular cappuccino.

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings
a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee on a table

Kane’s Donuts: We have a passion for donuts – they could be considered our preferred food group if obligated to choose. Kane’s Donuts is a renowned establishment in Boston, with one location inside the city limits. They specialize in authentic donuts (deep fried, with a crunchy exterior and soft interior) and offer varieties in numerous forms, sizes, and flavors. Additionally, they carry gluten free selections suitable for celiac disease (prepared separately in a dedicated area and handled distinctly), permitting even Matt to partake!

a person holding a donut in their hand
a person holding a donut in their hand

The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Boston

A few hotels in Downtown Boston that stood out during our search include: places we bookmarked for potential stays or included in putting together this guide.

The Godfrey Hotel

a police car is parked on the side of the street

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” The text notes prior knowledge of a hotel due to the proximity of a highly regarded local coffee retailer that was visited multiple times

It’s a sound mid-range option and while the exact location on Washington Street isn’t the greatest, the location a few blocks from Boston Common is fantastic. If you stay at the Godfrey, you’ll find yourself just a brief walk away from most of central Boston’s main sights.

Accommodations are contemporary and relaxed, particularly regarding the cost. Guests will not receive all the stylish touches that may be experienced at an ultra hip boutique hotel, but one has everything required for an agreeable stay and good night`s rest. Additionally, some rooms offer more area and/or urban perspectives (albeit for a small additional fee).

Secondary note: There is a $30 fee covering amenities like the gym and free Wifi. We DISLIKE these charges, which typically go by terms such as “resort fee.” It is unreasonable that the rate you see on their website/other booking sites isn`t actually the rate paid. Be sure to account for that additional cost in your budgeting.

The Harborside Inn

Positioned on the eastern end of downtown, the Harborside Inn is situated in the prime location of the downtown core where notable attractions like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and the Old State House (among others) can be found.

It`s right on the greenway, meaning you`ll be a simple walk away from the North End and across the water to the Seaport District.

Rooms were nothing particularly distinctive, although I will say that I enjoyed the style of the rooms with exposed brick. The rooms with exterior windows, while a little bit louder because they’re on the street side, looked to be much more welcoming with more natural light.

They also provide rooms on the ground level without windows, which they are promoting as “suitable for light sleepers.” Which elicited our amusement.

The Moxy Downtown Boston

There is an important detail about Moxy Hotels worth noting before booking the Moxy Hotel in Boston, but if you understand what you`ll experience, we like these hotels, which are Marriott’s trendy, boutique hotel brand.

Note that the rooms here won’t be extremely spacious, with lots of room to spread out and lounge on a couch.

However, you are ensured to receive a thoughtfully prepared room including stylish details, a cozy bed, and nice perspectives thanks to sizable windows (if selecting an accommodation with a vista).

If you examine reviews of basically any Moxy Hotel, the main complaint is that the room is a little confined, and it feels more expensive than it should.

The idea possibly works best for shorter trips, where you’ll be spending most of your time outside of the room. Like, say, if you’re spending a weekend in Boston.

The main focus here should be having a good place to rest and refresh. High quality linen and convenient shower facilities help achieve that goal. The remainder of your time could then be spent exploring the surrounding area!

If you do need a space to hang out in the hotel to unwind or get some work done, they have nice common spaces.

If you need some of the more niche amenities that old school hotels have in each room (an ironing board, for example), they have separate public spaces with those amenities for you to use.

Overall, if a somewhat smaller room is suitable, this is a great, youthful feeling home base in Boston. If you desire a bit more space or are staying over 2-3 days, you may want additional room and should likely look elsewhere.

Resort fee: You should know there’s a $25 daily resort charge here, which covers the gym, Wi-fi, and other amenities. It’s mandatory, and we really hope this trend will end and they would just include that in the price.

Back Bay: The Coolest Place to Stay in Boston

a large building with a clock on it

Back Bay is our primary recommendation for accommodations in Boston. Regrettably, we did not lodge there during this trip (instead selecting our favorite hotel chain worldwide, CitizenM), but on our return excursion, this is unquestionably where we will establish our base.

Strolling through Back Bay is delightful. Most buildings are attractively constructed of red brick, a material uncommon on the west coast due to earthquake prevalence, and the architecture consistently impresses. Back Bay consists mostly of brick structures.

As we walked down Newbury Street – the shopping corridor in Back Bay where you’ll find all types of brand name stores, from Indochino to Patagonia – we stopped at the corner of Newbury and Hereford, where an brutalist eyesore breaks through the sea of red brick.

That construction, which is entirely concrete and 90 degree angles, concerns notes* the School of Architecture? It seems highly incongruous, but in some manners, that’s somewhat refreshing (and I’m certain architects value the contrast).

Copley Square in Back Bay also deserves mention, as it is home to a couple of gems.

First is Trinity Church, which is gorgeous inside and outside and was recommended to us by not one but TWO walking tour guides. The audio guide is worth listening to!

The second location, which is completely free, is the Boston Public Library, which is a gorgeous structure located at the western end of the square.

The eastern wing of the library (the McKim Building at the Copley Square entrance) showcases impressive artwork, such as romanesque columns, paintings adorning the grand staircase, and the majestic Bates Hall reading room that is as lavish as the entryway. Entrance is free.

a row of parked cars in front of a brick building

Pros and Cons of Staying in Back Bay

Pros:

  • The location is convenient. Bordered by popular areas like the Public Garden, Downtown, Fenway and the South End, some of Boston`s coolest places are within walking distance. The sole exception is the North End, worth exploring on an evening.
  • It’s pleasantly charming. We appreciate the reddish-brown masonry structures, which are seldom seen in San Francisco due to seismic events (or, individuals avoid them anticipating future shaking). Back Bay contains many bricks! Plus, the tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue passage is an exceedingly agreeable place for walking and observing canines, one of our favorite pastimes).

Cons:

  • It comes with a high price tag.It`s understandable why this area is one of the more exclusive – meaning expensive – neighborhoods in Boston, as you stroll down the tree-lined streets surrounded by red brick buildings. This high cost of living naturally transfers to hotel prices there as well.
  • You likely will be eating and grabbing refreshments elsewhere.While a few gems can be found mixed in, this region houses numerous chains. Establishments like Dunkin, Chipotle, and similar options predominate. You may stumble upon a couple independent spots that appeal to you, but plan on dining in other areas (like the North End or the South End).

Back Bay Highlights

Here are some of our favorite activities, sights, and culinary options to consider in Back Bay.

a large room filled with lots of tables and chairs

The Boston Public Library: This place is highly impressive, and it’s difficult to believe that it’s an establishment available to the general public. The architecture in the older McKim Wing (the entrance on Copley Square) evokes antiquity, with columns and a grand staircase as patrons head up to the cavernous Bates Room, which transports one to a scene resembling Harry Potter. The entire structure greatly reminds us of the Benedictine Monastery in Catania, one of the highlights of our trip to Sicily. The modern eastern wing is less impressive architecturally, but it’s interesting that they do live recordings of Boston Public Radio here, which patrons can see for themselves at the northwestern corner of the complex.

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates: An outstanding chocolatier known for both hot chocolate made in a thick and delicious style as well as handmade chocolates made with care. All of their chocolates are gluten free too. The Earl Grey was our favorite of the few flavors we sampled.

a display case filled with lots of different flavored donuts
a person holding a cup of coffee

A primary shopping street in Boston worth exploring if hoping to benefit from the lack of sales tax on certain clothes and shoes is Newbury Street. Though, it is worth noting you MAY exceed the $175 limit where items exempt from sales tax are no longer if your purchases total over that on this high-end shopping avenue.

The Charles River Esplanade: At the northern end of the neighborhood along the Charles River, there exists a lovely walking trail that connects North Station to Back Bay and the bridge over to MIT. It provides a nice green space, but you must be aware that you can certainly hear the traffic that runs parallel to the greenway, which is somewhat of a downside. We preferred the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

a sailboat in the middle of a large body of water

The Best Places to Stay in Back Bay

Here are a couple lodging options in Back Bay that caught our attention.

The Charlesmark Hotel

The Charlesmark Hotel, which is a half block away from Copley Square, is likely the best benefit in Back Bay. It’s right across from the Boston Public Library, and the rooms are relatively affordable given the area in luxurious Back Bay (remember, NOTHING is inexpensive in Boston).

The Queen rooms provide quite a lot of space at 240+ square feet (they also have standard rooms with full beds and 140 square feet, and even smaller budget rooms…without windows).

Rooms are simple and stylish, with light wood accents and stylish tile in the bathrooms. Nothing extravagant, but they’re well thought out with desks and sitting areas.

There’s a Mediterranean-inspired cafe on the ground floor with a nice outdoor patio, and complimentary continental breakfast – nothing extravagant, just fruit, granola, coffee or tea – if you need a quick on-the-go meal before heading out for the day.

Newbury Guest House

The Newbury Guest House is a relatively straightforward place to lodge on the western end of Back Bay, directly on Newbury Avenue merely a couple blocks to Copley Square. It’s a historic stone edifice that has been reformed into a small guesthouse, with only 35 rooms.

In spite of its modest size, the hotel has two French-inspired on-site eateries – a wine lounge and brasserie – if preferring to dine on the grounds rather than venturing elsewhere.

They have four room types, the largest of which has large bay windows and views of downtown Boston. They also have smaller, more affordable rooms, some with two queen beds.

The beds are comfortable, there’s a refrigerator in every room, and they have fluffy bathrobes waiting for you. Parking, if required, is also available at $30 per night (with in and out privileges), which is nice if you have a vehicle.

The Copley Square Hotel

Despite going by the name “Copley Square Hotel,” this location is really not on Copley Square. However, it is only a block away, so we’ll count it.

This respectable midrange hotel is in the heart of one of the best neighborhoods in the city, but you wouldn’t know it if you’re considering the price (remember, nothing is inexpensive in Boston). It is also the second oldest continuously operating hotel in the city, which is an interesting part of history.

Accommodations will provide basic amenities for a comfortable night`s rest without extra luxuries like plush robes or slippers.

Which are truly nice additions, especially if the room comes at a somewhat more affordable price (are you willing to pay an extra $50 a night for those extra features? We definitely aren’t).

Despite being described as `minimalist`, the room sizes are definitely above average – the smallest `cozy` room is still 175 square feet, and larger spaces reach up to 300 square feet.

They basically offer two room styles, with some configuration options for each. You’ve got standard hotel rooms, available in a compact version lowest cost with little space, and larger queen and twin-bed rooms.

Then they have studio rooms, which have a little more space including dedicated work area in the form of a desk and chair with side table. They also have corner king studios, with views of Boston.

Overall, a suitable temporary home for exploring Boston, although not precisely on Copley Square.

Be aware that as multiple reviews pointed out – there are no refrigerators, microwaves, tea or coffee provided in the rooms, and there is no on-site dining establishment.

The South End: A More Laid Back, Local Alternative (Plus, Budget-Friendly!)

a city street filled with lots of parked cars

The South End, especially the area just south of downtown, is all red brick and charming stoops. At points, it almost feels Victorian, which we’re familiar with having most recently lived in San Francisco.

As we walked south into the core of the South End, we passed a big public park with a canine park and a set of basketball courts where, on a bright spring Saturday morning, it was totally packed with locals conversing as their dogs chased various balls and sticks, and regulars taking advantage of the nice weather to get a few casual games in.

The more we learned about it, the more we realized that this is an underrated home base for exploring Boston.

That neighborhood would not be considered the most central one.

Is it the most charming area in Boston, where locals surround you and a huge variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and more are on your temporary doorstep? Our view is yes.

It is worth acknowledging that this area underwent significant gentrification. In the 1950’s, the city initiated a process called “Urban Renewal,” which fundamentally demolished dense housing blocks (at the time, mainly immigrant and minority families) and redeveloped the locale to attract middle and upper class white families. .

Similar to creative enclaves like the Mission District in San Francisco and Capitol Hill in Seattle, this area initially drew artists looking for affordable living accommodations before eventually developing into one of Boston`s most trendy locales.

A result of that change is poorer, often minority, previous residents being displaced due to steeply increasing costs.

We`re aiming to provide context rather than instruction by sharing our enjoyment of the modern South End. Considering its history can enhance your experience there.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the South End

Pros:

  • Great food and beverages. From small bakeries to cool eateries, you could spend your entire time in Boston exploring the food and drink scene in this neighborhood.
  • Fewer visitors. Most visitors just don’t have the time to make it down this far, so the population here is comprised more of locals than visitors. Which is a vibe we kind of like (in some cases).
  • Cool hotels. There are a couple of hotels here (that also happen to be in a good area as far as being more central). The Revolution Hotel is one of the cooler hotels in Boston as far as we’re concerned, and that’s probably our #1 recommendation in the vicinity.
  • It’s more affordable. Nothing in Boston is actually inexpensive, but in comparison, this is one of the more cost effective places to reside in Boston (which is counterintuitive, because it’s one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the city).

Cons:

  • Less central.If you’ve got a short trip, you’ll probably want to base yourself a little more at the center.
  • Fewer traditional attractions. In a conventional sense, there are no major sights to see in the neighborhood (though eating, drinking, and exploring some cool markets are plentiful).

South End Highlights

Here are some spots in the South End that we enjoyed.

Yellow Door Taqueria: We hail from California. The tacos that we tried in Boston aren’t as delicious as the tacos in California. Fundamentally. But this place is about as close as we got, and they have a wonderful cocktail menu including plenty of tequila and mezcal, too.

a plate of food sitting on top of a table
a plate of food sitting on top of a table

SoWa Open Marketplace: This specific event had not yet begun while we had last visited Boston, though if present from May through September, be sure to stop by on Sundays for a trendy open air crafts bazaar! It encompasses a huge area that is home to numerous Bostonian artists, and the Sunday Market appears amazing – cuisine, artisans selling their handicrafts, and more.

Discover Seattle’s History in an Unconventional Setting: Somewhat eccentric and unusual, similar to Seattle itself, the Underground Tour is worthwhile to take part in while visiting Pioneer Square. The guides are amusing, and you gain knowledge about the history of Seattle from a slightly different angle.

The Best Places to Stay in the South End

There are a couple of nicely appointed hotels in the South End, most concentrated in the area directly adjoining Back Bay, which presents a more convenient location than other places further into the neighborhood.

The Revolution Hotel 

Inspired by the rebellious spirit that, we learned on our trip, is pretty much a constant undercurrent through Boston’s history, this is a charming boutique hotel in the South End.

“. The section details a hotel in Boston that captures the rebel spirit of the city`s past through its intimate design in the southern area

I appreciate their arrangement of rooms to accommodate different budgets. Two hotel-style room types are offered – those including a private bathroom and those sharing a communal bathroom down the hall, priced somewhat lower.

If desiring more living space, they also offer lofts and suites containing kitchenettes and additional room to spread out (with exceptionally comfortable leather couches, which are much appreciated).

Parking is available in their garage for $30 per day, BUT there are no in/out privileges, so if you’re planning on driving around Boston, it may not be the best choice (though, you don’t really need a car in Boston anyway).

Amenities include a fitness room – equipped with Peloton cycles – free use of bicycles for getting around town, and a spacious lobby offering ample room to set up a work station if the desk in the room is insufficient.

Oh, and it’s pet-friendly, though there’s a $25 a night amenity fee, which includes a bed, a bowl, and snacks for the puppy.

The Upton: Nice, Furnished Apartments to Feel Like a (Temporary) South End Local

Firstly, it`s worth noting that these are residences, so if you`re looking for a hotel, this isn`t it.

It’s also valuable to note that, because you’re gaining more living space and amenities in your lodging, it will be more costly than some standard hotel rooms in Boston.

If more living space and kitchen amenities are valuable to you (as they are to us), then the slight price increase likely isn`t a major issue.

When we stay in a city for more than a couple days, we nearly always try to lodge in an apartment mainly so that we have the ability to cook for ourselves (eating out everyday for a week is difficult on our bodies).

We find the Upton suitable, similar to one of the places we stayed in London, as it combines the advantages of both hotels and apartments. Staff are onsite to provide assistance holding bags if checking in early or late checkout, or anything else required, which is definitely a positive aspect linked to hotel accommodations.

However, the apartments provide more room than a hotel and allow cooking, working more comfortably from your room, and other conveniences.

Each apartment has a somewhat different layout – which makes sense because the building is an old South End brownstone – and all have full kitchens such as stoves, dishwashers, and ovens. Plus, washer and dryer in the building, high-speed internet, and contactless check in.

The apartments vary in size – some are studios, some are one bedrooms – and because they’re in a Victorian, they’ve done a nice job of retaining some of that character in the way they’ve furnished the place.

Worth noting:” The maximum number of people accommodated in each apartment is 2-3, so larger groups would need to book separate apartments to have space for more than that number of individuals.

Staypineapple: A Solid Value in Boston

In general, Staypineapple hotels tend to provide good value and location across most major cities in the United States.

The lodging in the Boston neighborhood referenced in the link uses strong emphasizing text to indicate its prime location inside a triangle bordering downtown and Back Bay. It`s a walkable spot.

Comfortable beds, efficient layouts, and affordable prices are the standard here.

Beware: Another fee for accommodations, this one is a little cheaper ($15 a day) but equally irritating. SIMPLY FACTOR IT INTO THE COST OF THE ROOM, OR LET PEOPLE CHOOSE TO OPT IN/OUT OF WHAT THEY DESIRE. But, of course, capitalism always prevails in the end.

Supposedly, the resort charges cover bottled water (please drink from the tap instead), internet access, in-room coffee and tea, and complimentary use of beach cruiser bikes.

So… just the Wifi for most people?

We dislike this trend of resort fees, especially when these amenities should be standard provisions (with the exception of beach cruisers, which I`m deducing few people likely use).

Still, despite that criticism about resort fees, it’s still a decent value, especially considering the astronomical prices of some hotels in Boston. And we like the area, which is why it’s on this list.


Planning a trip to Boston? Be sure to check out our guide to crafting an amazing Boston weekend itinerary.

If you have Celiac Disease, you’ll definitely want to read our guide to the best gluten free restaurants and bakeries around Boston.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

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