8 Best Hotels in Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the West End, Boston

Few places in town can rival the Liberty Hotel's soaring lobby, ringed by several layers of revamped metal catwalks and populated by couches, tables, and armchairs where you can sit with a cocktail or a coffee and commiserate. This luxury hotel is literally the former Charles Street Jail, and the decor, amenities, and restaurants play up this historic past (there may even be a ghost or two). Rooms, either in the original granite building or an adjacent 16-story modern tower, feature comfortable beds, deep brown leather lounge chairs, and incredible views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. Two on-site restaurants, Scampo and Clink, as well as three bars, Alibi, the Liberty Bar, and the Catwalk, mean lots of imbibing options. 

Situated near the State House, the 1903 Beaux-Arts design of this luxury boutique hotel is a study in sophistication, a mood that carries over to the lobby and each guest room. Mahogany and metal flourishes, neutral tones, commissioned art, and the occasional captain's chair keeps guests grounded and comfortable. Rooms are spacious, and each has a gas fireplace and Frette linens on the bed—IYKYK. The 24-hour fitness center features state-of-the-art cardio machines. Property concierges have won prestigious Clefs d'Or honors. If your stay coincides with Boston's July 4 celebration, make your way to the hotel's roof deck (open from May through October) for unparalleled fireworks viewing.

Befitting its Beacon Hill location, this luxury boutique hotel welcomes guests with plush couches, unique portraiture, views of Charles and Cambridge streets, and a friendly face at the front desk. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and filled with lots of light. Complimentary amenities range from shoe shine to bicycles, and include a top-of-the-line fitness center. Lobby restaurant and bar Peregrine serves up excellent food and drink, but not many seats, so make a reservation if you can.

This is the neighborhood's closest hotel to both the Boston Common and the Public Garden, and it's also the smallest, with just 14 rooms housed in a historic 19th-century brick building. Newly renovated guest rooms feature quirky colors and bohemian spirit without forgoing the luxury that's anticipated in Beacon Hill. Enjoy Frette robes, Grown Alchemist bath products, high-speed wireless, and a European-style breakfast of fruit and croissants included with your stay.

This lovely boutique hotel in one of Boston's only flatiron buildings features a contemporary, industrial-chic look. As is typical for historic accommodations, rooms are small, but guests who score a junior suite get perks like extra space and really cool city views—these suites sit on the curve of the building. Cramped or not, the Boxer is a welcome oasis away from the cacophony of concert- and sporting-event crowds at nearby TD Garden, and it's an easy walk to Government Center, Faneuil Hall, and the North End.

Boston's citizenM keeps the jet-setting budget-minded traveler in mind. The hotel's vibe is bold, contemporary, and colorful, and the rooms are small, but well designed to maximize space and accommodate the comfy, extra-king-sized bed. Life, work, and play mixes in communal spaces—including an outdoor terrace with stunning views—where one can surf news stories or take a meeting. A shared kitchen, bar and snack outpost is open all day, every day.

Located directly across the street from the TD Garden, this hotel is convenient for anyone attending an event or sports game, if you don't mind it being a bit loud. Guest rooms are clean and comfortable, and the views are pretty good, too, from 14 stories up. A small restaurant on-site offers breakfast and dinner. 

Hotel Indigo takes up a small plot in the West End and honors the neighborhood's working-class residential history with exposed brick inside (like the brick tenement housing that's been turned into bars and shops) as well as antique industrial furniture and manufacturing illustrations on the walls. Guest rooms include mini-refrigerators, desks, and free Internet service. There's also a business center and 24-hour fitness center.