3 Best Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts

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At one time, great lodging was scarce in Boston. If you were a persnickety blue blood in town to visit relatives, you checked into the Charles or the old Ritz on Newbury. If you were a parent in town to see your kid graduate from one of the city’s many universities, you suffered through a stay at a run-down chain. And if you were a young couple in town for a little romance, well, you could just forget it. A dearth of suitable rooms practically defined Boston. Oh, how things have changed.

In the early 2000s, Boston finally got wise to modernization, and a rush of new construction took the local hotel scene by storm. Sleek, boutique accommodations began inviting guests to Cambridge and Downtown, areas once relegated to the alumni and business traveler sets. New, megaluxury lodgings like the Mandarin Oriental and the Taj (the latter in that old Ritz spot) infiltrated posh Back Bay, while high-end, hipster-friendly spots like the W Boston and Ames are drawing visitors to up-and-coming areas in Downtown. Even mostly residential areas like the South End now draw discerning boarders, thanks to the revamped Chandler and the nearby Inn@St. Botolph.

Speaking of revamped, it seems that nearly every hotel in town just got a face-lift. From spruced-up decor (good-bye, grandma’s bedspread; hello, puffy white duvets) to hopping restaurant-bars to new spas and fitness centers, Boston’s lodgings are feeling the competitive heat and acting accordingly. You don’t just get a room anymore—you get an experience.

Many properties have stellar weekend deals, so you may be able to try an upscale Fodor’s Choice even if you thought it was out of your budget.

Hotel AKA Boston Common

$$$ | 90 Tremont St., Boston, MA, 02108, USA Fodor's Choice

Formerly the Kimpton Nine Zero, this boutique hotel is sleek, sleek, sleek—all smooth lines, neutral tones, wood, and leather, and then bam! sudden bursts of vibrant color and pop art. It's great for families and those looking for a romantic getaway in the city. Travelers with pets: no problem, there's tons of amenities. But, if it's all about location for you, this spot offers easy walking access to Beacon Hill, Downtown, Boston Common, and Government Center.  The hotel also focuses on fitness, with yoga mats in every room, complimentary bikes for you and scooters for kids, and 24-hour fitness center. Request corner rooms (ending in 05) or Skyline View Rooms for the best city and river views.

Pros

  • In-room spa therapy available
  • Late-afternoon hosted lobby wine reception (daily, 5–6 pm)
  • Complimentary bikes and kid's scooters

Cons

  • Smallish rooms
  • Daily $25 amenities fee
  • No airport shuttle
90 Tremont St., Boston, MA, 02108, USA
617-772–5800
hotel Details
190 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Hyatt Regency Boston

$$$$ | 1 Ave. de Lafayette, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
Hyatt Regency Boston

Hyatt Regency Boston sits amid the colorful Downtown Crossing neighborhood right on the edge of the Theater District and just steps away from world-renowned cultural attractions, businesses, and universities like Suffolk and Emerson. Understated, earth-toned guest suites are equipped with Hyatt's signature Grand Bed, Keurig coffee machines, and windows that open. For guests who want to keep up with their fitness regimen, the hotel features free access to a 24-hour StayFit gym and a 52-foot indoor lap pool. The Hyatt is also pet-friendly. Bonus: the hotel is fairly green—among other things, it composts leftover food and uses energy-efficient lighting, including motion-detector light switches.

Pros

  • Steps from Financial District and historic Downtown
  • 52-foot heated, indoor saline swimming pool
  • Good for business travelers, with a 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Views of office buildings from guest rooms
  • Thin walls
  • $30 daily destination fee
1 Ave. de Lafayette, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
617-912–1234
hotel Details
502 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Omni Parker House

$$$ | 60 School St., Boston, MA, 02108, USA
Exterior

There's more than a century and a half of rich and varied history within these walls, where JFK proposed to Jackie and Charles Dickens gave his first reading of A Christmas Carol. It's America's longest, continuously operating hotel, so you can steep yourself in Boston history while enjoying today’s modern conveniences. As with many historic city lodgings, guest rooms are a tad small, but they're nicely turned out with cherrywood furniture, red-and-gold Roman shades, ivory wall coverings, and cushy mattress covers. It's also rumored that the hotel's former owner haunts the place—you be the judge. The Parker House’s iconic, original Boston cream pie (it was invented in the hotel) is available 24 hours a day.

Pros

  • Overflowing with history
  • Great location on the Freedom Trail
  • In-room fitness kits

Cons

  • Small rooms, some of which are a bit dark
  • Thin-walled rooms can be noisy
  • Area parking is very expensive
60 School St., Boston, MA, 02108, USA
617-227–8600
hotel Details
551 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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