26 Best Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts

The posh yet homey 16-room Inn @ St. Botolph follows an edgy hotel model—no front desk, no restaurant, no keys, and no valet (there is, however, an office on-site that is staffed 24/7). Guests can book and pay online, eliminating the need for agonizingly slow check-ins or long lines. Each room feels like the chicest city apartment you never had, decorated in black, white, and chocolate tones by local design luminaries. The four-poster beds are heavenly. Every room also comes with a full kitchen, Frette robes, and flat-screen TVs. Set on a quiet residential street lined with flowering trees and brownstones, the inn is a short walk from the South End, Copley Square, and Back Bay.

It used to be that The Charles was the place to stay in Cambridge, and while other luxury hotels have since arrived to give it a little healthy competition, this Harvard Square staple is standing strong. Lower floors are replete with Le Corbusier furniture, sketches by JFK himself, bookcases packed with faux hard covers, and local artists' work. Gracious service and top-notch room amenities like waffle robes, shaker detailed furniture, goose-down comforters, and bathrooms with phones, gigantic marble showers, and LCD mirror-TVs keep the hotel in high demand. Relax in the lobby library, chock-full of titles, some autographed by authors who are also frequent guests. Sign up for an art tour of the property or pick up a self-guided map of Cambridge. For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the seventh floor (the corner rooms are best). Check out adjacent Henrietta's Table, a mainstay for local, seasonal food; on-site Bar Enza, home of the 100-layer lasagna; the new One Reason Garden Bar; or the RegattaBar. The on-site 4,000-square-foot Corbu Spa & Salon features French-inspired herbal treatments.  For the best rate, call the hotel directly.

Since 1912, this decadent and iconic hotel has welcomed guests in style, immediately impressing as they enter under the huge black awning, flanked by golden lion statues, into the lobby decked out in Italian marble, stunning coffered ceilings, and gorgeous crystal chandeliers. Rooms are equally elegant, with soothing colors and upscale amenities. The OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is the place to sip an after-work martini or enjoy dinner and great people-watching. Those who really love pampering should book the Fairmont Gold floor, an ultradeluxe club level offering a dedicated staff, free breakfast and tea-time snacks, and a library. A rooftop fitness area spans 3,000 square feet and is open 24/7 and boasts an outdoor deck. Shoppers will be happy with the hotel’s close proximity to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, and Copley Place. If you're missing your dog, the hotel’s Canine Ambassador, Cori Copley, the in-house black Labrador retriever, is available for a walk around the neighborhood.

For leisure and business travelers alike, the Langham is one of the best hotels you can stay at in this city. A recent top-to-bottom renovation honors the building's past as Federal Reserve Bank of Boston with elements of 1920s travel and banking, and each guest room is sophisticated and comfortable. The Langham welcomes children with the Playtime with Paddington package, as well as cribs, on request. Any patron staying in a suite or a club room gets access to The Club at Langham, which offers complimentary drinks, snacks, light meals, and a quiet social space with service all day long. 

Right next to the Charles River, the certified-green Sonesta has one of the best city skylines and sunset views in Boston. Visitors to the in-house hot spot, ArtBar, can sip a glass of prosecco while watching dusk fall on the boats sailing by. Inside, an impressive collection of modern art lines the hotel's hallways, and a friendly, professional staff make this Cambridge riverfront property a bit of a surprise. Monteverdi, a new Italian restaurant at the hotel, affords not only views, but simplistic yet savory food such as pastas, flatbreads, antipasti, and classic entrees. The seasonal sundeck and the indoor atrium-style pool are prime places to view the river. Guest rooms are done in neutral earth tones, with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

One of the growing number of lodgings clustered along Boston's ever-expanding Harborwalk—a pretty pedestrian path that runs from Charlestown to Dorchester—the recently renovated Battery Wharf Hotel looks more like a gated community than a chain hotel. The four guest and residence buildings are accessible by water taxi ($15 from Logan Airport); inside, savvy decorators resisted the obvious nautical theme and went for a "manly modern" look, which translates to tons of polished nickel, maple, and granite, with sparkling contemporary glass sculpture by artist Nikolas Weinstein. Rooms include marble baths, flat-screen TVs, ergonomic chairs, European linens, and high-tech coffeemakers. On-site Battery Wharf Grille features a seasonal menu with views of Boston Harbor on its breezy open-air terrace, and Cafe Amalfi is a sleek grab-and-go patio café. The hotel is also home to Exhale, a 13,000-square-foot upscale spa that includes Zen-inspired rooms for massage, acupuncture, and other energetic therapies, a salon for hair and nail services, New England's only Turkish co-ed hammam, and a temple-like studio for award-winning barre, cardio, yoga (outdoor waterfront practice is also available), and core cycle classes. 

It's busy-busy, with throngs of tourists and business travelers, but you can't beat the location of this 38-story megahotel, which sports three entrances—a street-level door, a glass sky bridge from the Prudential Center, and a walk-in from the Copley mall—ensuring that you rarely have to go outside to shop or eat, which is especially nice in winter. Rooms have the quintessential Marriott flavor with flat-screen TVs; the best ones are high up and overlook Boston Harbor or the Charles River. Experience an expansive 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and a brand new exclusive M Club for Marriott members. The on-site Yard House is great for casual eats and good beer.

Families favor this hotel for its proximity to the New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the North End. In a building that somewhat resembles a docked ship (fitting for its Long Wharf location), guest rooms that open to a five-story atrium have harbor or park views, and the gorgeous enclosed swimming pool overlooks Boston Harbor.

Near historic Faneuil Hall, The Bostonian has guest rooms featuring Frette linens, pillow-top mattresses, and 40-inch TVs—many also have fireplaces and French doors with step-out balconies showcasing city views and the popular North End. Warmed up with red wall coverings, the lobby provides sofas and arm chairs, perfect for relaxing with a book chosen from one of the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The hotel's restaurant, North 26, serves a little bit of everything. There's also a children's program for the tiny tots.

The conveniently located Colonnade Hotel offers clean, modern environs injected with hues of khaki, chocolate, and chrome. Guest-friendly touches include 40-plus-inch flat-panel TVs, alarm clocks, plus extendable reading lights and high-tech coffeemakers. The look is slightly masculine but quite comfy and clean, with pillow-top mattresses, high-thread-count sheets, and round tables perfect for both eating and working. The floor-to-ceiling windows (that, eureka!, actually open) are triple-glazed to keep out the traffic noise of Huntington Avenue. In summer, a coveted spot at the roof-deck pool with a full bar, all-day menus, weekly yoga, and private cabanas available for rent, is the place to be. As an added perk, the hotel lends out its Audi SUV. For your gastronomic needs, Lucie Drink + Dine offers an upscale spot to dine.

Occupying a 1925 building (originally the Elks No. 10 Lodge) right next to the Shubert and Wang theaters, this Marriott property pairs charm with comfort. Catch period-era architecture throughout the building, including preserved chandeliers and original fireplaces. Guest rooms are nice, but won't compete with nearby luxury hotel offerings, and that's okay. Fun "top floor" guest rooms offer expanded space and the best skyline views. 

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. 

With clean but basic guest rooms, this hotel is a convenient stay near Tufts Medical Center. You won't find anything fancy here, and the average room price reflects that. There is a restaurant on the premises and a small fitness center.

This Public Garden--facing spot keeps a surprisingly low profile in Boston—and that's OK by the jeans-clad millionaires and assorted business types who cluster in the glossy lobby or use the courtesy car. Visiting celebs are whisked to the 2,590-square-foot, $13,000-per-night Royal Suites, while mere mortals find sheer happiness in lovely guest rooms boasting black-and-cream toile decor with gold and lemon accents, large bay windows, and oversize work areas. Luxury amenities include twice-daily housekeeping service, in-room massages, large marble bathrooms, complimentary access to more than 3,000 digital newspapers and magazines from 101 countries, and free snacks from the Vault pantry on every floor. If you spring for a basic city-view room, you can still enjoy views of the park from the 8th-floor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and gym. There are hosted receptions every Friday and Saturday nights for guests.  Check the website for promotions that are designed specifically for school vacation weeks.

Quiet rooms, competitive prices, and the only hotel actually connected to the airport make this Hilton a good choice for in-and-out visitors to Boston. Guest rooms feature an air-meets-sea aesthetic, soundproof windows, and desks with ergonomic chairs. Fitness center has free weights, cardio equipment, and 40-foot lap pool. The Hilton operates a complimentary shuttle bus every 15 minutes to all airport terminals, car-rental agencies, the water taxi, and subway.

Step into a true piece of Boston history at the esteemed Park Plaza, one of the city's most identifiable landmarks since 1927, but don't worry—while the hotel is historic, modern updates (and a recent reno and takeover by Hilton) make it an upscale place to stay, and it's an ideal spot for tourists looking for old-world charm and excellent service. The hotel’s guest rooms (even the 150-square-foot Wicked Small Rooms) and suites sport a chic palate of earth tones that complement the stone-topped cabinetry, custom upholstered headboards, and warm-hued carpeting. It's also home to New England's only Leica Store and Gallery, a fully immersive photography experience with rotating exhibits. 

The former headquarters of the Boston Police Department houses Hotel AKA Back Bay (formerly the Lowes Boston), which boasts a cool glass-and-marble lobby, a lounge plus library, state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, and an indoor-outdoor French bistro, all while combining the building's history with 21st-century amenities. Rooms feature a 55-inch LED HD Smart TV, Frete down comforters, and a Nespresso coffee maker.

Situated directly on the Freedom Trail and across from Boston Common, this family-owned hotel is newish to the city and one of only a few select U.S. locations. It caters to guests looking for modern luxury in a historic destination with sophisticated, mid-mod-inspired guest rooms; the more spacious suites have separate sleeping/living and dining areas. Better Sorts Social Club provides breakfast, dinner (gastropub fare), and incredible cocktails to guests and the general public.

Steps from Old South Meeting House and the Old State House, the new Hyatt Centric sits in the heart of Revolutionary-era Boston. The lobby is bright and airy, with wood plank flooring, gray plush seating, and lots of windows. Contrasting plaids, houndstooth, and other patterns offer guest rooms cozy vibes, not to mention comfy beds in a variety of configurations. There's also an on-site lobby bar/restaurant and espresso bar.

Hyatt Regency Boston sits just steps away from Suffolk and Emerson universities, and it is also within walking distance of almost every performing arts center, including the Opera House and Boch Center. After a show, guests can sink into Hyatt's signature Grand Bed with a Keurig coffee in earth-toned guest suites that have lavender and pink flourishes. The place is incredibly pet-friendly.

Half the rooms at this hotel have sweeping views of either the city skyline or the ocean; the other half overlook Logan Airport runways. Soundproof rooms offer guests a modern yet inviting environment. On-site, the hotel operates a bar and a restaurant with a seasonal outdoor patio with gorgeous views of the city. Property also features 24-hour services including: business center, fitness center, and shuttle to all Logan Airport terminals and the airport T stop. The Hyatt is convenient to getting in and out of Boston, but it is not accessible to big downtown attractions by foot.

A good alternative to chain-owned, big-box Back Bay hotels, the boutique family-owned Lenox offers top-notch service, in-room wellness and spa therapies, a fitness center with Peloton bikes, and a business center. A T stop is right across the street, making the hotel a good launching pad for exploring the city sans car. Guests appreciate the Lenox's sweet, small touches, like seasonal treats and bottled water at turndown service, and give kudos to the friendly staff. Standard guest rooms have custom-made furnishings, marble baths, and flat-screen TVs (suites have mirror TVs in their bathrooms). Many of the spacious corner rooms come with working fireplaces, with lighting services available, and the “Lenox Mercantile” gift shop is filled with regionally made goodies.

Standing guard at the corner of fashionable Newbury Street and the Public Garden, the old-school, elegant, former Taj Boston had a top-to-bottom facelift in 2020, with a fresh, contemporary look and amenities that include exclusive Byredo bath products, Frette robes and linens, in-room Nespresso Vertuo espresso maker, and access to the 24/7 fitness center, along with preferred seating at the Street Bar and chic see-and-be-seen rooftop restaurant Contessa.

As America's longest continuously operating hotel, there's more than a century and a half of rich and varied Boston history within the walls of the site where JFK proposed to Jackie and Charles Dickens gave his first reading of A Christmas Carol; for some interesting details, ask at the concierge desk for a packet by the hotel's historian that gives a brief record of the place. 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 still serves its iconic, original Boston cream pie (it was invented in the hotel).

With views overlooking the start of Boston's theater district (or the city's iconic Boston Common park), this luxury hotel that put the name in puttin' on the Ritz continues to offer the height of pampering. Stop by the popular Avery Bar for martinis, or just enjoy an evening in your room—a range of suites and guest rooms accommodates most travelers with comforts like Frette linens, writing desks, and a cool palate tone. Booking a Club Access room includes loads more amenities, including complimentary breakfast, food and drink throughout the day, access to Equinox Sports Club, and more.

The Westin is connected to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and provides comfortable accommodations, if a little dated, and great service. While the property does seem to be dominated by convention goers, it's also a refreshing oasis for leisure travelers and families from the moment they arrive in the sunlight-filled atrium lobby. Most guest rooms have water or skyline views. Two nice restaurants are on-site.