43 Best Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts

Background Illustration for Hotels

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.

The Inn @ St. Botolph

$$ | 99 St. Botolph St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA Fodor's Choice
InnSt. Botolph, Back Bay
Michael J Lee Photography LLC

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.

Pros

  • Short walk from the South End, Copley Square, and the Back Bay
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Self-service laundry on-site

Cons

  • Limited DIY parking nearby
  • No traditional front desk check-in services
  • May be too "off the beaten path" for some
99 St. Botolph St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-236–8099
Hotel Details
16 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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The Charles Hotel

$$ | 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Two blocks from the T Red Line to Boston
  • Several on-site dining options
  • On-site 4,000-square-foot Corbu Spa & Salon

Cons

  • Rooms can be noisy
  • Crowded self-park
  • Large hotel is a bit of a maze
1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
617-864–1200
Hotel Details
303 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Eliot Hotel

$$ | 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA Fodor's Choice

One of the city's best small hotels, located on posh Commonwealth Avenue, expertly merges the old blue-blood Boston aesthetic with modern flair (like contemporary rugs mingling with crystal chandeliers); everyone from well-heeled Sox fans to traveling CEOs to college parents have noticed. The smallish rooms are smart, not stuffy, and feel a bit French country and a bit Soho chic. The majority of rooms are one-bedroom suites; all have marble-topped bar areas and flat-panel TVs. In most rooms, there are Italian marble walk-in showers. Rooms ending in 02 have views of Commonwealth Avenue; those ending in 04 and 08 are larger corner rooms. Downstairs, chef Ken Oringer's Uni is a spacious, lively izakaya, garnering rave reviews for its contemporary Asian cuisine.

Pros

  • Top-notch restaurant
  • Beautiful rooms
  • Great location near Fenway and Newbury Street

Cons

  • Can be pricey
  • Some complain of elevator noise
  • Parking is expensive and not in-and-out
370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
617-267–1607
Hotel Details
95 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Recommended Fodor's Video

The Royal Sonesta Boston

$$ | 40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA Fodor's Choice

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.

Pros

  • Walk to the Museum of Science and the T to Downtown Boston
  • Pet-friendly
  • Nice pool and fitness center with Peloton

Cons

  • Pay parking
  • River-view guest rooms have much better view than Cambridge-view rooms
  • No air-conditioning in rooms
40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
617-806–4200
Hotel Details
400 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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AC Hotel Boston Downtown by Marriott

$$ | 225 Albany St., Boston, MA, USA

This 102,000-square-foot, five-story boutique hotel is part of Ink Block in Boston’s South End. The relatively new hotel contains AC-branded spaces, such as the AC Kitchen with its elevated European-inspired breakfast, the AC Lounge offering cocktails and distinctive small plates, a dining area, meeting rooms, and fitness center.

Pros

  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Rotating local artist gallery
  • Tapas-inspired bites at on-site AC Lounge

Cons

  • Location near highway
  • Very pricey parking
  • Cramped rooms
225 Albany St., Boston, MA, USA
617-848--9063
Hotel Details
205 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Battery Wharf Hotel

$$ | 3 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA, 02109, USA

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. 

Pros

  • On-site Exhale Spa has discounted spa services and fitness classes for hotel guests
  • Pet-friendly
  • Water taxi stand on-site

Cons

  • Far from Newbury Street and South End shopping
  • 15- to 20-minute walk to nearest T stations
  • Hotel is in two separate buildings
3 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA, 02109, USA
617-994--9083
Hotel Details
150 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Boston Marriott Cambridge

$$ | 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA

Traveling businesspeople and families like the modern look and efficiency of this 26-story high-rise hotel in Kendall Square, mere steps from the subway and MIT. The guest rooms and suites are decorated in soothing neutrals with pops of color, and the Revive beds feature crisp white duvets and fluffier pillows. Book a room on one of the two concierge floors and score entrance into the exclusive M Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, and a full bar.

Pros

  • Top-floor rooms have stunning views
  • On-site Starbucks
  • 24-hour fitness center

Cons

  • Has the "chain hotel" feel
  • No dining options
  • Lots of business travelers and people with children
50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
617-494–6600
Hotel Details
444 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Boston Marriott Copley Place

$$ | 110 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

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.

Pros

  • Good service
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Prime Copley Square location

Cons

  • Chaotic lobby
  • Not for those who want an intimate, boutique experience
  • Massive in size
110 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-236–5800
Hotel Details
1,147 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Bostonian

$$ | 26 North St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA

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.

Pros

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Great location for sightseeing
  • On-site restaurant North 26

Cons

  • Some rooms get street noise
  • Faneuil Hall can get clogged
  • Self-parking is expensive
26 North St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA
617-523–3600
Hotel Details
204 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Boxer Boston

$$ | 107 Merrimac St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA

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.

Pros

  • Bicycles available for use
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Pet-friendly with special amenities

Cons

  • Small rooms
  • Far from Back Bay shopping
  • Area can be rowdy at night by the TD Garden
107 Merrimac St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA
617-624–0202
Hotel Details
80 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Cambria Hotel

$$ | 6 W. Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127, USA

One of very few lodgings in South Boston outside of the Seaport District, this hotel attracts a younger, trendy traveler with simple but well-appointed guest rooms, contemporary art, and snazzy dining and drinking options on-site, including a seasonal rooftop lounge. Rooms feature neutral tones and quotation wall art (from New England literature, of course) and complimentary Wi-Fi. Don't be fooled by the hotel's location "way out" in Southie; it's actually a 10-minute walk across the Fort Point Channel to the South End, and another 10 minutes beyond to Back Bay shopping and sights.

Pros

  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Seasonal rooftop bar with spectacular views
  • Easy walk to the South End, Back Bay, and Seaport District

Cons

  • No pets
  • No cribs, no extra beds available
  • Far from most of Boston's universities
6 W. Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
617-463–9147
Hotel Details
159 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Charlesmark Hotel

$$ | 655 Boylston St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

Hipsters and romantics who'd rather spend their cash on a great meal than a hotel bill have put this late-19th-century former residential row house in the heart of the Back Bay on the map. Guests can relax on the outdoor patio and check out passersby—or the Boston Marathon (the hotel sits on the finish line). Smallish guest rooms have contemporary custom-made oak furnishings, plus surround-sound stereos, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Café Landwer on the ground floor has outstanding food; show your room key for a 20 percent discount.

Pros

  • Discount at ground floor restaurant
  • Location right on Boylston St.
  • Complimentary use of the Tennis and Racquet Club

Cons

  • Some might feel crowded by compact rooms and hallways
  • No valet
  • No turndown service
655 Boylston St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-247–1212
Hotel Details
40 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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citizenM Boston North Station

$$ | 70 Causeway St., Boston, MA, USA

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.

Pros

  • Bold, contemporary, and colorful aesthetic
  • Attached to North Station
  • Open kitchen filled with snacks and drinks, 24/7

Cons

  • Small rooms
  • Strictly no more than two people per room
  • No pets
70 Causeway St., Boston, MA, USA
617-861–4360
Hotel Details
272 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Colonnade Hotel

$$ | 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

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.

Pros

  • Roof-deck pool
  • Across from Prudential Center shopping
  • Close to Hynes Convention Center

Cons

  • Huntington Avenue gets clogged with rush-hour traffic
  • On summer days the pool is packed by 11 am
  • Parking is expensive
120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-424–7000
Hotel Details
285 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Copley Square Hotel

$$ | 47 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

The chic, newly renovated Copley Square Hotel offers cushy mattresses, mini-refrigerators, high-speed Wi-Fi, and eco-friendly toiletries—not too shabby for a place that opened in 1891 and has provided respite to a century of celebrities like Babe Ruth, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. The mod rooms are so clean and streamlined that you just might overlook the fact that many are teeny. Nevertheless, the old-meets-new vibe is fun, and the neighborhood couldn't be livelier. To maximize your Zs, get a room in the back of the hotel, preferably high up, where traffic noise—and the rowdy partying—isn't so audible.

Pros

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Epic celebrity history
  • Cool scene

Cons

  • No food or beverage service
  • Rooms facing Huntington Avenue can be noisy
  • Rooms are very cramped
47 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-536–9000
Hotel Details
143 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Courtyard Boston Downtown

$$ | 275 Tremont St., Boston, MA, USA

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. 

Pros

  • Allergy-friendly accommodations available
  • No in-room refrigerators
  • 1920s-era cocktails at the bar

Cons

  • No pets
  • Far from North End
  • Far from Freedom Trail sites
275 Tremont St., Boston, MA, USA
617-426–1400
Hotel Details
315 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station

$$ | 107 Beverly St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

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. 

Pros

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Close to popular tourist destinations
  • Checkout time at noon

Cons

  • Check-in time is on the later side
  • Far from Newbury Street shopping and universities
  • No pets allowed
107 Beverly St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
617-725–0003
Hotel Details
220 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Dagny

$$ | 89 Broad St., Boston, MA, 02110, USA

Fresh off a renovation in 2023, The Dagny caters to all types of travelers who will feel right at home grabbing a coffee to-go at Tradesman (the on-site cafe), working from the library, or de-stressing in the excellent, expansive fitness center on Technogym and Peloton machines. Guest rooms are immaculate and modern in calming gray and blue tones, featuring one or two beds, leather couches, and windows that actually open. Although this independent hotel brand is new to the Boston market, its location in the historic 1928 Batterymarch Building sure isn't; once the city's first skyscraper, the 14-story building no longer holds that title.

Pros

  • Concierges offer curated itineraries
  • Convenient location to the Waterfront, Financial District, and historic downtown
  • 2,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center

Cons

  • No pool or spa
  • Very little public space for sitting or socializing
  • No on-site parking
89 Broad St., Boston, MA, 02110, USA
877-686--5313
Hotel Details
403 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Downtown

$$ | 821 Washington St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA

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.

Pros

  • Signature cookies at check in
  • Connecting rooms make it great for families
  • EV charging on-site

Cons

  • No pets
  • No frills
  • Far from Fenway Park and Cambridge
821 Washington St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
617-956–7900
Hotel Details
267 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Godfrey Hotel

$$ | 505 Washington St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA

In the heart of Downtown, this boutique hotel is popular with business folk, who appreciate the ease of walking to the nearby Financial District. Expect frills but not things frilly in the modern guest rooms, which give off slightly masculine vibes and come equipped with fast Wi-Fi, smart streaming, and Frette bed linens. Need a kick in the morning or an afternoon boost? The Godfrey is flanked by George Howell Coffee, which we highly recommend.

Pros

  • Valet laundry and dry-cleaning service
  • Complimentary bicycles based on availability
  • Pet-friendly with no added fee

Cons

  • No pool or spa
  • Mini-refrigerators based on availability
  • No on-site parking
505 Washington St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
617-804–2000
Hotel Details
242 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Harborside Inn

$$ | 185 State St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA

A modern maritime theme is featured throughout this Waterfront property including a generous use of teak and classic maps of the Boston harbor. Many of the rooms have windows overlooking an interior atrium, which extends eight stories up to the roof. Amenities are at a minimum, but include flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Pros

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Close to key tourist sites
  • Good value

Cons

  • Two people per room maximum for rooms with one bed
  • No pets
  • No valet, fitness center, room service, or spa
185 State St., Boston, MA, 02109, USA
617-723–7500
Hotel Details
200 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Harvard Square Hotel

$$ | 110 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

Check in to Harvard Square Hotel for a modern aesthetic within a sophisticated Harvard University–owned space, just steps from the Square's plethora of shops, eateries, and bars. Rooms are simple but colorful and clean, having been recently renovated with contemporary decor and top-notch features including mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, Internet access, sleek bathrooms, and pillow-top beds.

Pros

  • Awesome location
  • Front-view rooms overlook Harvard Square
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, and coffee in the lobby café

Cons

  • Parking costs extra
  • No gym
  • No restaurant
110 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
617-864–5200
Hotel Details
73 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hilton Boston Back Bay

$$ | 40 Dalton St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA

Rooms at the Back Bay Hilton are relatively spacious, with elegant marble baths, plush "Serenity" bedding, Suite Dreams mattresses, and cozy, down-filled comforters. All of that sounds even better if you snagged one of the frequent online deals. The 26-story hotel sits in a pocket between the Prudential Center and the neighboring South End neighborhood. Rooms above the 14th floor have great views of Back Bay, Fenway Park, and Boston's famous Citgo sign. Their PURE Wellness rooms have undergone a patented seven-step purification process so allergy sufferers can literally breathe easier.

Pros

  • Oversized showers
  • Good seventh-floor fitness center
  • Special rooms for allergy sufferers

Cons

  • Room service is not 24/7
  • Not pet-friendly
  • Parking is expensive
40 Dalton St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
617-236–1100
Hotel Details
395 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hilton Boston Park Plaza

$$ | 50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, 02116, USA

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. 

Pros

  • Access to the Lynx 20,000-square-foot health club
  • TopGolf swing suite in gym
  • Tons of historic value

Cons

  • Bathrooms are small
  • Guest rooms vary in size
  • Daily destination fee per room, per night
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-426–2000
Hotel Details
1,060 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hotel Indigo Boston Garden

$$ | 280 Friend St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

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.

Pros

  • Proximity to TD Garden and popular tourist attractions like Faneuil Hall
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Complimentary vintage-postcard program

Cons

  • Far from Seaport District
  • Area can be loud
  • Small fitness center
280 Friend St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
617-720–5544
Hotel Details
88 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hyatt Regency Boston

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

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.

Pros

  • Follows eco-friendly practices
  • Walking distance to Boston's performing arts venues
  • 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Location is slightly off the beaten path
  • No pool or spa
  • Some rooms don't have great views
1 Ave. de Lafayette, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
617-912–1234
Hotel Details
502 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor

$$ | 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA, 02128, USA

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.

Pros

  • Blackout curtains and soundproof windows keep plane noise to a minimum
  • 24-hour free airport shuttle
  • Restaurant and bar on-site

Cons

  • Late standard check-in, at 4 pm
  • It's an effort to get to downtown sights
101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA, 02128, USA
617-568–1234
Hotel Details
270 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Kendall Hotel

$$ | 350 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA

You might think a place in such a high-tech neighborhood would be all stainless steel and chrome; think again: the Queen Anne–style Kendall Hotel is homey and ultrafriendly, bright-hued and lively—and it's convenient, with a T stop just one block away. Based in the former Engine 7 fire house, it is stuffed with related memorabilia. An antique Chinese checkerboard, a ceramic Dalmatian, and a whimsical grandfather clock contribute to the mishmash decor. Rooms are done up in historic hues, and a seven-story addition includes an enclosed rooftop lounge, eight deluxe rooms, and four suites with kitchens perfect for families and visiting professors from neighboring MIT. Most evenings the hotel hosts a wine hour at the lobby, or dine any night of the week at the on-site Black Sheep restaurant.

Pros

  • Quiet rooms thanks to soundproof windows
  • Free Wi-Fi, hot Fireman's Gourmet buffet breakfast, and passes to local gym
  • Welcome snacks and nightly reception

Cons

  • Crowded with tchotchkes
  • No swimming pool
  • Can feel cramped
350 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
617-577–1300
Hotel Details
77 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

$$ | 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA

As you enter the private courtyard set back from bustling Kendall Square, say "hello" to Celeste, a 25-foot-tall armillary sculpture that serves as a centerpiece surrounded by plush couches that fill up in the evenings for live music and cocktails. The hotel's extensive redesign (from lobby to guest rooms) was recently completed, taking inspiration from the academic and literary history of the neighborhood. The relaxing, paired down room decor directs more attention to staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows for vast views of the Boston skyline, the courtyard, or the Charles River. Get out into city with the use of the hotel's bikes and kid-sized Micro Kickboard scooters (along with Nutcase helmets), or grab a workout in the 24/7 fitness center. The amenity fee also allows fun add-ons, such as GoPros and Polaroids, movies in the courtyard, summertime kayaks, wintertime snowshoes, and more. And don't forget to stop by the nightly wine reception and morning coffee held in the lobby, a trademark for a Kimpton hotel. Of note: you can borrow fashion accessories from the Anthropologie collection and even have live plants brought into your room for your stay.

Pros

  • Family- and pet-friendly
  • Wine tastings
  • Music in the courtyard

Cons

  • Must request items like in-room Keurigs
  • Amenity fee
  • Short walk required to get to nearby nonchain restaurants
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
617-868–8000
Hotel Details
237 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Le Méridien Cambridge

$$ | 20 Sidney St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

When the Marriott chain took over the geek-chic Le Méridien Cambridge-MIT, with its tech-savvy rooms and surroundings, some fans worried the Cambridge spot would lose its charm; but the new owners only amped up the offerings—and added some luxe touches—by displaying cool interactive lobby art from MIT and refurbishing the guest rooms with platform beds, Euro top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and ergonomically designed furniture. Not surprisingly, the hotel is a hub for techie business travelers, but it can also be a bargain for weekend vacationers—there are great off-season rates. The Amuse restaurant does just that—it amuses with chic decor and classic French fare, but is only open for breakfast and dinner.

Pros

  • Pet-friendly up to two dogs per room
  • Close to the T (Red Line Central) and restaurants
  • 24-hour fitness center

Cons

  • Pricey high-season rates
  • Tons of tech people
  • Not really walkable to Boston sights
20 Sidney St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
617-577–0200
Hotel Details
210 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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