71 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 Ritz-Carlton, Boston

$$$$ | 10 Avery St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA

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.

Pros

  • Soundproof windows that open
  • Lots of extras for families with children
  • Short walk to Downtown Crossing, the Theater District, and Newbury Street

Cons

  • Fitness center pool is adults only
  • Far from North End and Seaport District
  • Only allows pets up to 60 pounds
10 Avery St., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
617-574–7100
Hotel Details
193 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

The Row Hotel at Assembly Row

$$ | 360 Foley St., Somerville, MA, 02145, USA

Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, The Row's elegant calm pays homage to its past life as a Ford Motor assembly plant. A steampunk wonderland, the lobby's sweeping spiral staircase edged in glass and galvanized metal, antique mirrors, textured tiles that evoke cast iron molds, and whimsical prism sculptures atop reclaimed automotive parts hint at the site’s history. Rooms are neutral and elegant, both providing a sense of peace (pillow top mattresses, Netflix streaming, and comfy bath robes) and purpose (think ergonomic workspaces and Wi-Fi). The locale can't be beat, as you're steps off the Mystic River and Assembly Row's gigantic work-live-play destination.

Pros

  • 15 minutes by T from Boston and right next to Assembly Row
  • A communal pantry with coffee, water, and snacks
  • Wellness center with pool and on-demand fitness

Cons

  • Limited storage in standard rooms
  • Busy scene
  • Rooms can be loud
360 Foley St., Somerville, MA, 02145, USA
617-628–1300
Hotel Details
158 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Seaport Hotel

$$ | 1 Seaport La., Boston, MA, 02210, USA

Near two convention centers, the Seaport Hotel can sometimes be awash with badge-wearing, convention-going suits. Guest rooms (hypoallergenic available) are outfitted in soothing, warm tones, with free Wi-Fi, and bathrooms complete with marble floors and rain showers. The 24-hour fitness center offers strength and cardio equipment.

Pros

  • Beautiful 24-hour gym and fitness center
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Select your own pillows and weighted blanket program

Cons

  • Far from Boston's historic sites
  • Far from the Back Bay and South End
  • Swamped during conventions
1 Seaport La., Boston, MA, 02210, USA
617-385–4000
Hotel Details
428 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Sheraton Commander Hotel

$$ | 16 Garden St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

The stately 1927 Harvard Square landmark overlooking Cambridge Common park features classic furnishings (hello four-poster beds) in handsome, warm tones, but it's the hotel's signature bright-red neon sign towering overhead that really puts it on the map as a Cambridge classic. In the lobby and common spaces, lovely architectural touches include grand arches and a bi-level ballroom with a carved ceiling and gilt mirrors. The on-site Nubar Restaurant & Lounge is the perfect place to escape into a stylish setting with a cocktail.

Pros

  • Central Harvard Square location
  • Pet-friendly
  • 24/7 gym

Cons

  • Small bathrooms
  • Some rooms have views of the parking lot
  • It's an older building
16 Garden St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
617-547–4800
Hotel Details
175 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Sonder 907 Main

$$ | 907 Main St., Cambridge, MA, USA

While the 1867 brownstone exterior is all about history, the sleek, modern decor inside this gorgeously restored hotel breaths the fresh energetic air and excitement that Central Square is known for. Every room has plush Simmons 13-inch pillow tops on the beds, and the decor is clean and minimal. Need to spread out? The Spacious King room boasts a half-circle banquette and table, and the Stellar King has a balcony. If walking around the area doesn't afford enough of a workout, check out the hotel's discounted rates at VIM Fitness, just two blocks away.  The hotel is keyless and most actions can be done using the Sonder app.

Pros

  • Luggage storage in lobby
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Great location and steps from T station

Cons

  • No parking
  • Some rooms only have one small window
  • Very noisy
907 Main St., Cambridge, MA, USA
Hotel Details
67 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Staypineapple

$$ | 26 Chandler St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

This small property, part of a small brand of hotels, has a fresh, contemporary style with lots and lots of yellow accents along with complimentary Wi-Fi, plush pillow-top beds, and marble bathrooms with walk-in glass showers. The on-site gastropub, the Trophy Room, serves dinner daily and brunch on the weekends. In the afternoon, the hotel puts out pineapple-infused water, coffee, and sweet treats. The inn sits on one of the South End's prettiest streets, and is easy walking distance from shops, restaurants, and Back Bay T Station. As far as South End lodging goes, this may be your best hotel bet, despite slightly cramped quarters. Try to snag a sun-lighted corner room with a number ending in 08.

Pros

  • Can't beat the price
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Complimentary bike rental

Cons

  • Area parking is brutally hard or expensive
  • Rooms can be noisy
  • Daily amenity fee
26 Chandler St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
857-444–6111
Hotel Details
56 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

The Verb Hotel

$$ | 1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA, USA

A rock-and-roll reimagining of a classic mid-century hotel, the stylish Verb is filled to the brim with carefully curated music memorabilia. Rooms, which are furnished with mid-century modern decor, have either pool or ballpark views, which will please any Red Sox fan, and there are 10 custom retro-style trailers you can book. James Beard Award–winning chefs Tim and Nancy Cushman's Japanese pub, Hojoko, is a fun food and cocktail scene. Of note: a daily $36 fee will be added to your bill, which includes breakfast and other perks.

Pros

  • Stylish pool scene
  • C. O. Bigelow bath products in the showers
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • No elevator to second floor
  • One-way cooling-heating system
  • Valet-only parking option
1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA, USA
617-566--4500
Hotel Details
103 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

W Boston

$$$ | 100 Stuart St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

You can't miss the neon-lit, metal and glass facade of Boston's edgy and upscale W Hotel, which is situated directly across the street from its Marriott little sister, the Moxy. Each residential-style guest room features either a king or two queen featherbeds beds, a workspace, great skyline views of downtown Boston, and slate bathrooms. There's a 24-hour fitness center on-site, featuring Peloton equipment.

Pros

  • Excellent 24-hour services
  • Signature W feather-top beds
  • Complimentary electric charging stations

Cons

  • Lobby can be loud
  • Late-night street noise
  • Expensive parking
100 Stuart St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-261–8700
Hotel Details
238 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

The Westin Boston Seaport District

$$ | 425 Summer St., Boston, MA, 02210, USA

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. 

Pros

  • Close to a few museums
  • Two casual restaurants on-site
  • 24-hour fitness center with a pool

Cons

  • Slightly dated
  • Not close to Boston's historical sites
  • Not within walking distance of the Back Bay and South End
425 Summer St., Boston, MA, 02210, USA
617-532–4600
Hotel Details
793 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Westin Copley Place Boston

$$ | 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA

If the idea of sleeping in an upscale mall appeals to you, the Westin is a great bet; it boasts its own pod of retail shops and restaurants and is also connected by a covered skywalk to Copley Place (more high-end shopping) and the Hynes Convention Center. The top-floor rooms of this contemporary 36-story hotel have some of the best views in Boston—of the Charles River, Copley Square, Back Bay, the South End, Boston Harbor, and Boston skylines (especially gorgeous when a-twinkle at night). When a run outside isn't in the books, the nicely appointed fitness studio complete with TRX training and Peloton take over. Guest rooms are spacious and feature wildly comfortable beds and plush linens. There's a $30 destination fee, but it gives you access to a ton of fun city experiences including tours, bikes, and View Boston.

Pros

  • Great location close to shopping and tourist spots
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fantastic views of city and river in most rooms

Cons

  • Big and busy feeling
  • No pool
  • Destination fee
10 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-262–9600
Hotel Details
803 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?

Chandler Studios

$ | 54 Berkeley St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
For folks who prefer a home away from home, the Chandler Studios are like your very own luxury apartment in Boston's uberhip South End neighborhood. The comfortable rooms are sleek and modern, and very livable for longer stays, thanks to their fully equipped kitchenettes and small dining tables/work areas. Huge bathrooms with walk-in showers are a major upside. And, of course, daily maid service certainly doesn't hurt.

Pros

  • Prime South End location
  • Huge bathrooms
  • DirectTV in all studios

Cons

  • Check-in is around the corner at Chandler Inn
  • Not for those who want hotel staff at their disposal
  • Area parking is very expensive
54 Berkeley St., Boston, MA, 02116, USA
617-482–3450
Hotel Details
12 studios
No meals

Quick Facts

  • $

Something incorrect in this review?