The Best Hotels in Boston

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Boston Hotels – My Recommendations

The Best Hotels in Boston

1. Boston Harbor Hotel – Waterfront

a hotel room with a bed and a chair This luxury hotel situated on the waterfront in Boston remains my preferred accommodation when visiting. It offers panoramic views of Massachusetts Bay and spacious, well-appointed rooms alongside exemplary service. In close proximity to top attractions like the New England Aquarium, it makes for a romantic getaway near most major sights.

2. Four Seasons – Back Bay

Located in Boston`s Beacon Hill neighborhood, this elegant hotel`s sunny rooms incorporate classic New England stylings while providing panoramas of the Public Garden and surrounding area. Ideal for families, amenities include an indoor pool alongside cookie-making classes, scavenger hunts, and kid-friendly extras in select rooms. Merely a short stroll away lies the Charles River Esplanade, top boutiques along Newbury Street, and starting points for the historic Freedom Trail.

3. Eliot Hotel – Back Bay

A family-operated boutique hotel for over three-quarters of a century, The Eliot exemplifies refined service in an atmosphere of elegance. Crystal fixtures, Italian marble and physical keys rather than cards uphold the establishment`s distinguished character, supervised daily by on-site owners ensuring optimum functionality. Situated amid Boston`s fashionable Back Bay yet impervious to external sounds through triple-paned windows, the renowned on-premises restaurant Uni offers exquisite Asian cuisine daily, renowned especially for weekend late-night ramen. Fine dining and high-end shopping are proximal, as are renowned area attractions reachable on foot.

4. Mandarin Oriental – Back Bay

a dinning room filled with tables and chairsHotel phone: 617.535.8888
A high-end hotel located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston offers a luxury experience infused with elements of feng shui and classical Chinese philosophy. Recognized as hosting the sole five-star spa in Massachusetts, spanning over 16,000 square feet, the facility provides an expansive collection of hydrotherapy amenities including a crystal steam room, ice fountains, and personalized relaxation spaces. An on-site French bistro called Bar Boulud incorporates an artistic design meant to evoke the interior of a wine barrel. The hotel`s central location places guests in close proximity to some of the city`s finest shopping and culinary destinations.

5. Omni Parker House – Downtown

a neatly made bed in a hotel roomHotel phone: 617.227.8600
One of Boston`s most historically significant hotels, established decades ago and still welcoming visitors today. Every United States president since Ulysses S. Grant has lodged here; John F. Kennedy reportedly proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis within the walls of the property (inquire about dining at table 40 in their on-site restaurant, the precise place of the proposal). Renowned literary masters such as Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne have also spent nights during their travels; and prior employees include such notable figures as Malcolm X, Ho Chi Minh, and Emeril Lagasse. Moreover, their restaurant played a seminal role in developing the Boston cream pie dessert. Couples seeking romance will find the atmosphere quite cozy, and families appreciate special suites furnished with bunk beds alongside a backpack brimming with toys handed out upon check-in. Situated near Boston Common and stops along the Freedom Trail, exploring the area on foot proves convenient.

6. Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel – Back Bay

a building with a flag on the front of itHotel phone: 617.267.5300
Constructed in the early 20th century and meticulously restored over time, this grand hotel epitomizes opulence with its towering arched entrances, mosaic tile flooring, marble columns, and ornamented high ceilings. Their signature restaurant offers outstanding farm-fresh American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, plus an exclusive supper club requiring advance permission to attend (request inclusion ahead of time; access necessitates supplying a password). Educational and recreational activities are provided for children, like pizza-making lessons and canine ambassadors available for walks. Advantageously located in the Back Bay area, close to high-end shopping, distinguished dining, the Boston Public Library, and Trinity Church.

7. The Envoy – Seaport District

a train crossing a bridge over a river Constructed in the up-and-coming Boston neighborhood of Seaport District in 2015, this contemporary lodging was envisioned around the theme of fluidity. Unique art interpretations and treasures sourced from the sea adorn each floor of the non-traditional property. Amenities include adaptable multi-use communal areas along with gaming stations in the rooms and an interactive pool table located in the lobby. Situated near the Institute of Contemporary Art, Harpoon Brewery, and Boston Tea Party Museum, the hotel boasts a prime location within a flourishing community.

8. The Langham – Downtown

a man standing at a table in a restaurantHotel phone: 617.451.1900
Spectacular hotel housed in a landmark 1922 Renaissance Revival-style building that formerly served as the original location of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The hotel demonstrates contemporary refinement in its public spaces, areas that pay tribute to the site`s banking history. Dining options receive outstanding reviews across the board, though the Saturday Chocolate Bar, Sunday brunch program, and afternoon tea service are especially renowned for their extravagance. An on-site spa provides treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine`s five elemental phases. Centrally situated in Downtown, the Langham is near many premier attractions achievable by foot, including Little Italy, elite Back Bay boutiques, and Faneuil Hall.

9. Lenox Hotel – Back Bay

a living room filled with furniture and a fire placeHotel phone: 617.536.5300
A luxurious boutique hotel possessing rich heritage, having been designed in 1900 by the same architects as the original prestigious Waldorf Astoria in New York. Nearly half of its sumptuously appointed rooms include working fireplaces, while the entire eleventh floor prioritizes allergen-free comfort. All three of its on-site restaurants emphasizing local sourcing, even cultivating honey from their own beehives. Ideal central location in the culturally vibrant Back Bay, only a block from the European-style cafes, boutiques and art galleries along Newbury Street.

10. The Liberty – Beacon Hill

a living room filled with furniture and a windowHotel phone: 617.224.4000
A newly established lodging facility in the revitalized Charles Street Jail building retains historical remnants like the original cell bars visible from the refurbished lobby area. The jail-themed design is effectively counterbalanced with opulent guest rooms and a collection of modern artistic works. On-site eateries number six, one located in the past drunk tank, all offering premium cuisine, craft libations, and energized ambiences. Conveniently placed in the historic Beacon Hill locale, guests can easily access the Charles River Esplanade, Boston Common, the Black Heritage Trail, and the renowned Freedom Trail.

11. Hotel Commonwealth – Kenmore Square

a hotel room with two beds and two lampsHotel phone: 617.933.5000
Located across from historic Fenway Park stadium, this unique boutique hotel offers vibrantly decorated rooms alongside top-notch culinary experiences. From mismatched patterns to themed suites, the hotel`s eclectic aesthetic gives it a lively atmosphere. Their on-site dining, notably Eastern Standard brasserie, is among some of Boston`s finest, renowned for brunch, late-night options, and craft cocktails. As a pet-friendly property, they also offer personalized wellness treatments for canine guests. Situated steps from treasures like the Boston Symphony Hall, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Museum of Fine Arts, the unmatched location is superbly walkable.

12. AKA Back Bay – Back Bay

a living room filled with furniture and a large windowHotel phone: 617.266.7200
Luxury hotel located in a historic Art Deco building. This hotel was formerly used as the headquarters for the Boston Police, and they have an intriguing display of Boston police history here. Home to the superb Precinct Kitchen and Bar, serving excellent American-style steaks and seafood made from ingredients prepared on site. Also making their own various preserved foods. This hotel is conveniently situated near Back Bay cafes and boutiques, near the theater district, Copley Square, and Boston Public Garden. The AKA Boston Common in downtown is also superb).

13. Royal Sonesta – Cambridge

a man standing in a living room next to a couchHotel phone: 617.806.4200
Elegantly designed luxury hotel situated on the northern shore of the renowned Charles River. Accommodations offer panoramic perspectives of the scenic river and the skylines of historic Boston and Cambridge. This establishment boasts an extraordinary art collection featuring works from emerging and established artists including an original piece from Andy Warhol. Their outdoor saline swimming pool has a retractable roof allowing year-round use. Families will appreciate movie nights held by the pool and discovery activities arranged within the hotel. Conveniently located in Cambridge within walking distance of the esteemed Museum of Science and the famed USS Constitution with easy access to the vibrant communities of Harvard Square and downtown Boston.

14. Boston Marriott Long Wharf – Waterfront

a living room filled with lots of chairs and tablesHotel phone: 617.227.0800
Spectacular luxury accommodations situated along the scenic Boston Harbor boast an indoor saline water feature and whirlpool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows affording stunning waterfront and cityscape views. Conveniently near the informative New England Aquarium as well as landmarks like the celebrated Freedom Trail, bustling Faneuil Hall marketplace, and historic Blackstone Street.

15. The Godfrey Hotel – Downtown

people standing around a counter in a roomHotel phone: 617.804.2000
A newly established independent hotel is housed in a refurbished historical building known for its Gothic Revival architecture. The interior craftsmanship of marble and plasterwork from the original structure have been seamlessly integrated with modern design elements. Their signature restaurant serves innovative Peruvian cuisine with influences from Japanese and Chinese cultures. Situated in the revitalized Downtown Crossing area near theaters, parks, and historical walking trails, the hotel provides easy access to various attractions.

16. InterContinental Boston – Waterfront

a living room filled with furniture and a large windowHotel phone: 617.747.1000
Contemporary hotel showcasing magnificent panoramic perspectives of Boston Harbor from specially appointed guest rooms. State-of-the-art amenities and living quarters of generous proportions characterize its interior design. A refined yet casual French eatery constitutes the primary restaurant choice, while three exceptional bars each focus offerings around a different spirit type: vodka, tequila, rum. The hotel takes family pleasure seriously with an impressive swimming area where activities like ice cream socials and Disney movie screenings enrich youth. Adults find recreation through on-premise fishing seminars and running partners. Excellent geographic placement in proximity to premier attractions adds to its appeal, including the New England Aquarium, Boston Tea Party Museum, and Children`s Museum.

17. Kimpton Marlowe – Cambridge

an aerial view of a boat in front of a tall buildingHotel phone: 617.868.8000
This charming Cambridge hotel situated near the Museum of Science creatively centers its theme around exploration, featuring astronomical elements such as a celestial sculpture and select rooms furnished with telescopes. Guests may enjoy complimentary opportunities to kayak and cycle along the nearby Charles River as well as nightly wine tastings. Conveniently positioned adjacent to historic sites like USS Constitution, the property provides easy access to both Harvard Square and downtown Boston.

18. The Bostonian – Downtown

a hotel room with two beds and two lampsHotel phone: 617.523.3600
Classified amongst Boston`s premier lodgings, this twin-tower hotel artfully blends heritage and modern comforts. A warm reception sets the tone for well-appointed accommodations, roughly half showcasing Juliet balconies overlooking the landmark route of Paul Revere`s midnight ride. In-house dining prioritizes locally sourced fare in a casual settingenhanced by an extensive wine menu. Moreover, their youth program cultivates young travelers through creative activities and breakfast, helping form treasured memories for families. Ideal for exploring historic Blackstone Street or reaching nearby points of interest within walking distance, the location also provides ease of access.

19. The Colonnade – Back Bay

a living room with a couch and a coffee tableHotel phone: 617.424.7000
This contemporary boutique hotel provides a classic luxurious ambiance. Their rooftop swimming pool, one of only two in the city, incorporates a lounge, sunbathing deck, and shaded cabanas. An on-site French brasserie offers craft beers and wines in a casual yet refined setting. Ideal for upscale shopping and cuisine in the Back Bay neighborhood, the location also provides easy walking access to Copley Square and the panoramic views from the Prudential Center`s observation deck.

20. Westin Boston – Seaport District

a restaurant with lots of tables and chairsHotel phone: 617.532.4600
A luminous urban oasis nestled near the Boston convention center features expansive window views, a sky-lit indoor arboretum, and a lobby eatery featuring plants growing amidst the decor. Guests can further enjoy an on-site comedy club or indoor pool. The hotel`s central location affords easy access to the flourishing waterfront district with its growing culinary and nightlife options, as well as cultural attractions like a contemporary art institute and local brewery.

21. Aloft Boston Seaport – Seaport District

a toy train sitting on top of a conveyor beltHotel phone: 617.530.1600
This technology-integrated hotel aims its offerings at younger patrons, with certain lodging choices permitting voice-controlled lighting and indoor climate settings as well as keyless access to rooms utilizing portable smartphones. Guests may also interact with a robotic attendant named Botlr through digital messages, such as an emoji of an alcoholic beverage to receive the referenced item delivered to their quarters. Additional comforts are provided like an outdoor pool and weekly live performances. The property is located in the Seaport commercial district near an outdoor event area called The Lawn on D and a brewery called Harpoon.

22. Copley Square Hotel – Back Bay

a hotel room with a bed and two nightstandsHotel phone: 617.536.9000
An independently owned lodging with a wealth of historic Boston charm situated in a structure from 1891. Count on stylish rooms, complimentary wine each evening, and top-notch service provided by their Intuition Specialists. Imbibe and dance at Storyville, their nightclub that was once a covert watering hole during Prohibition. Fantastic central locale directly opposite the Boston Public Library and just two blocks from the boutiques on Newbury Street.

Staying in the Back Bay

an outdoor cafe with tables, chairs and umbrellas For first-time visitors to the city, this area serves as an excellent home base. Back Bay is quintessentially Boston, with rows of Victorian brick houses, architectural landmarks, upscale boutiques, name brands, and trendy eateries. Located on the south side of the Charles River, the region was formerly an actual bay. However, in the mid-1800s after a failed attempt to construct a milldam, the space was filled in to create more usable land for the growing city. The area is now the most stylish part of the city, known as “The Rodeo Drive of the East.”

Back Bay is home to some of the finest architecture in the city. Within Copley Square alone, you will find the breathtaking Boston Public Library, a historic Renaissance-style building decorated with hand painted murals by John Singer Sargent; Trinity Church, the original Richardsonian Romanesque structure; as well as the modern John Hancock Tower (officially known as 200 Clarendon), the tallest building in New England. You will find the best shopping in the city on Newbury and Boylston Streets located here, lined with hundreds of retailers; larger shopping centers like the Prudential Center are also nearby. Trendsetting restaurants, sunny sidewalk cafes, and upbeat bars round out the experience.

One helpful hint for navigating is that all roads going north-south here are named alphabetically, starting with “A” for Arlington at the eastern border next to the Boston Public Garden, followed by “B” for Berkeley the next block west. This progression continues all the way to the westernmost edge of Back Bay, at Hereford Street.

Best Hotels in the Back Bay

Best Restaurants in Back Bay

Staying on the Waterfront/North End

a harbor filled with lots of boats and buildings

The North End is the earliest neighborhood in Boston, settled in the 1600s, and is home to some of the city’s most important sights, such as the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, and Copp’s Hill Burying Grounds, all located along the middle portion of the Freedom Trail, which begins in Downtown and continues on to Bunker Hill. Much of the North End is home to Little Italy, brimming with outstanding restaurants and a romantic atmosphere. East of Little Italy, the Waterfront spans a strip of the city roughly from Battery Wharf at the northernmost point and Fort Point Channel at the southern end. It was originally the site of the Port of Boston, which has since moved further out of the city. This neighborhood boasts gorgeous views of Massachusetts Bay (an incredible backdrop for weddings and proposals) and is home to most of the North End’s top hotels, historic sites, and family attractions.

Stretching along the full length of the Waterfront, the Boston HarborWalk provides a scenic path with piers and beaches that is integral to exploring the area. The Waterfront serves as an excellent hub for family enjoyment. It is home to attractions like the New England Aquarium, the Greenway Carousel, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Best Hotels in the Waterfront

Best Restaurants in the Waterfront/North End

  • il Molo – $$$ – Upscale yet casual New England-Italian seafood establishment.

    • L’Hotel • Hotel contact number: +33 1 44 41 99 00

  • Mamma Mia – $$$ – Offers elegant Italian cuisine made with local ingredients.
  • Galleria Umberto • $ • Sicilian-style pizza by the slice. Cash only. Lunch only.

Staying in Beacon Hill

a street sign on a pole in front of a building

Mainly a residential area, Beacon Hill is a great place for travelers who prefer to live like a local resident. This was historically the home to over half of Boston’s African American population and the hub of the nation’s abolitionist movement. Currently, this is one of the most expensive places to live in Boston, just behind Back Bay. You’ll find here iconic gas lamps lit over brick sidewalks, row homes built in the Federal Style, antique shops, boutique stores, and trendy little eateries. This neighborhood is within walking distance to nearly all of Boston’s attractions.

The Beacon Hill neighborhood has only a small number of hotels and fewer attractions aimed at visitors than most other areas downtown. The primary draw here is its picturesque architecture and historical importance. There are some must-see sights in this locality, mostly connected through the Black Heritage Trail, like the Abiel Smith School (the initial public school for free black Americans), the African Meeting House (first black church in America; central gathering place for the abolitionist movement), and the Lewis and Harriett Hayden House (a stop on the Underground Railroad). The gold-domed Massachusetts State House is here as well, while Boston Common forms Beacon Hill’s southern boundary.

Best Hotels in Beacon Hill

Best Restaurants in Beacon Hill

  • Grotto – $$$ – Partially located underground, this is an intimate setting for innovative Italian cuisine.
  • Ma Maison • $$ • Stylish French cuisine with excellent craft cocktails. Reservations recommended.
  • Ostra • luxury • specialty in seafood cuisine.
  • Mooo…. • High-end steakhouse provides lavish cuisine and an extensive wine assortment.
  • 75 Chestnut – $$ – Traditional American meals done correctly.
  • Beacon Hill Pub – $ – The final dive bar still operating in town. Cash only.

Staying in Downtown Boston

a tall building with a neon sign on it

The historical, political, and commercial heart of Boston. This is the center for many of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the iconic Boston Common, the famous Faneuil Hall, and the Old South Meeting House. The historic Blackstone Block located here is home to the city’s oldest eateries and bars, while the Downtown Crossing area houses large department stores and the city’s most thrilling new dining establishments. Boston overall is very walkable, and Downtown is no different in that way. But for travelers wishing to explore outside the city, taking a day or two to check out Salem or Cambridge, Downtown is usually the best place to stay. All key transportation lines intersect here, and getting anywhere from this location is quite easy.

There are numerous recreational activities and attractions located downtown, it can be difficult to determine where to start. Luckily, many of the most renowned sites are all stops along the Freedom Trail, which begins at Boston Common and concludes at Bunker Hill on the north shore of the Charles River, winding through downtown along the route past the Granary Burying Ground, Faneuil Hall, and more. This is a superb option to do initially in Boston, as ambling along the trail will provide you the basic layout of the land. Be certain to take time to explore the Boston Public Garden,Haymarket on the weekend, and take a selfie with the Edgar Allan Poe statue.

Best Hotels in Downtown Boston

  • Mandarin Oriental – Telefono dell`hotel: 617.535.8888
  • Hotel information for The Langham is available, with their telephone listed as Hotel phone: 617.451.1900
  • The Godfrey – Hotel contact number: 617.804.2000

    • Madama Hostel • Lodging phone: +39 02 3672 7370

Best Restaurants in Downtown Boston

  • Yvonne’s – $$$ – Exciting food and drinks in historic setting. Good for special events. Reservations advised.
  • Jade Garden • $$ • Basic but well-prepared Chinese menu in a casual setting. Open until 2 a.m.
  • RUKA – $$$ – Features bold flavors with a focus on nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) cuisines. Reservations are recommended.

Staying in the Seaport District

a large body of water with a bridge over it

Boston’s rising developing region is additionally developing quickest in the country. This region, the harborfront part of South Boston, has seen enormous changes throughout the past couple of years, with inns, office towers, eateries, and bars developing in a region that utilized to be only parking garages.

The Boston HarborWalk that passes through the Waterfront continues south through the Seaport District, passing by the Boston Children’s Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and Harpoon Brewery, following gorgeous bay views along its entirety. During summer months, swing by the Lawn on D, a family-friendly park for outdoor games, concerts, and events.

Best Hotels in the Seaport District

Best Restaurants in the Seaport District

Staying in Cambridge

people walking down a street with umbrellas

South from Piazza Gae Aulenti, the pedestrianized Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi roads are lined with excellent dining establishments (such as Eataly Milano Smeraldo, an enormous emporium focused on Italian cuisine). Just west lies Milan`s Chinatown along Via Paolo Scarpi, the longest pedestrianized street in the city; it transforms into an immense street market on weekends but restaurants operate year-round. Nearby attractions include the Fabbrica del Vapore arts center, the ADI Design Museum, and the Cimitero Monumentale, the grand final resting place of numerous local luminaries like Arturo Toscanini and Alessandro Manzoni.

Cambridge is expansive, and it takes a time to investigate, so intend on taking a day or two here. Spend the morning strolling or kayaking the Charles River, before heading out to hit a gallery or three. Peruse the vintage shops, and spend the end of the night in Central Square, drinking craft mixed drinks made with Fernet.

Best Hotels in Cambridge

Best Restaurants in Cambridge

  • Giulia – $$$ – Delightful Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta.
  • Oleana Restaurant – High-end Eastern Mediterranean cuisine priced from moderate to expensive.
  • The Giant Shoe Museum is moderately priced and entertaining in an unconventional manner.
  • Tasting Counter • $$$$ • Special food experience. Tickets are obtained beforehand and cover food, drink, taxes, service. All counter seats face the open kitchen, rather than tables.
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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.

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