We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Boston as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
“For a posh jailbreak, try the Liberty Hotel; once the Charles Street Jail, the 298-room hotel features five bars and dining spots and a captivating, multitiered lobby.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Boston.
“Right off Boston Common, with views of downtown and the Charles River, is the elegant high-rise boutique Nine Zero Hotel, with 190 rooms.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Boston.
“One of the best hotels in Boston faces the harbor and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, but the fantastic location is just one reason to stay here: Others include the superb service, a great pool and spa, excellent restaurants, and plush, luxurious rooms.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Boston.
“Boston’s most talked-about, trendy accommodations is the Verb Hotel, a renovated Howard Johnson’s in the shadow of Fenway Park, whose rooms and public spaces are decorated with manual typewriters and relics from Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll history. Some rooms have patios overlooking the courtyard pool.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Boston.
“If luxe bed and breakfasts are your thing, the Gryphon House will certainly please. Located in a four-story 19th-century brownstone in the Kenmore Square area, the staff of this value-packed gem is helpful and friendly.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Boston.
“Once the Engine 7 Firehouse, this city landmark is now a cool and classy all-American hotel. The 65 guest rooms exhibit a firefighter riff, alongside the requisite creature comforts.”
“The Charles is among the best hotels in the Boston area, and certainly the best in Cambridge—with rates to match. Unlike a lot of high-end hotels, it’s maintained a consistent guest room style: simple yet luxurious, with custom Shaker-style furnishings and abundant amenities.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Boston.
“HI-Boston sets the standard for urban hostels, with its modern, ecofriendly facility in the historic Dill Building. Purpose-built rooms are comfortable and clean, as are the shared bathrooms.”
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
New York Times, Lonely Planet
Fodors, Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Frommers, Fodors
Lonely Planet
Boston is the capital city and the largest city in Massachusetts that is famous for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and legacy of education, culture, and arts.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Boston are:
Allston and Brighton
Allston and Brighton are two adjacent neighborhoods mentioned as one due to their proximity from each other. In recent times, the two neighborhoods have become more cosmopolitan and is the home to several young professionals. The neighborhoods are also home to ethnic restaurants and multi-cuisine eateries.
Back Bay
Back Bay is a neighborhood full with stylish restaurants, boutiques, shops, and vintage brownstone houses on Commonwealth Avenue. The neighborhood has several shopping complexes in its vicinity Boylston Street, Prudential Center, and Newbury Street.
Charlestown
Charlestown is a neighborhood on the northern part of the city, located on the shores of the Boston Harbor and the Mystic River. The neighborhood is replete with landmarks like the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution.
Fenway-Kenmore
The Fenway-Kenmore is among the liveliest neighborhood in the city with a wide range of restaurants, clubs, and sports bars on or near Landsdowne Street. The neighborhood also extends to the cultural, attractive Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Symphony Hall.
South Boston
South Boston is a rapidly expanding neighborhood in the Fort Port and Seaport areas and it is mainly residential and is popular for its closeness to the downtown area and facilities. The neighborhood has several beaches and has a wide array of restaurants, markets, bars and a robust community.
Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in Boston.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Boston, then try The Verb Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Boston, then you should check out Hostelling International. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Boston, then go for Harbor Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Looking for a cozy place to stay in Boston that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out The Gryphon House B&B. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
Looking to stay close to Fenway Park, home of the famous Boston Red Sox? Try The Verb Hotel or The Gryphon House Bed & Breakfast, both are excellent and affordable options.
If you're looking for a hotel in Boston with great views, then try Harbor Hotel, it offers some fabulous views of the harbor.
If you want to have an excellent breakfast to start your day then try The Kendall Hotel, guests have rated their breakfast as excellent over recent years.
The Harbor Hotel is one of the best options for families looking to stay in Boston.
Boston isn't cheap. A 3-star hotel costs around $220 per night on average, while a 4-star hotel will cost you approximately $330 per night. A luxury 5-star hotel in Boston will cost you around $485 per night.
Whale Watching Cruise from Boston. Join this 3-hour cruise for the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston. See these magnificent creatures close-up from the deck of your ship. Spot Humpback and Finback whales and see White Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters. Price: $58.
Boston Classic: Duck Boat Sightseeing Tour. Hop into a duck boat—renovated World War II amphibious vehicle—for a comprehensive tour of Boston. Pass Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Celtics' home turf at TD Garden. Price: $53.
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 18 Stops. Explore the best that Boston has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. See Boston’s top attractions—like the USS ‘Constitution’ and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, to name a few—on the loop. Price: $47.
More things to do in Boston
Boston is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and also doubles as the most populous municipality in the state. As the anchor of a larger metropolitan known as Greater Boston, Boston is definitely a major city in the United States. The city is one of the oldest cities in the country, and it was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution in the annals of the United States. Major events such as the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party and the Siege of Boston are standout events of the American Revolution contributing to the rich history of the city.
The city is an international center of higher education which includes law, medicine, business, and engineering. With a startup of nearly 2000, the city of Boston is regarded as a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. The city of Boston boats of some of the most remarkable achievements such as being rated as the city with the highest average rate of philanthropy amongst households in the United States.
Dubbed “The Walking City”, Boston hosts more pedestrian commuters than other comparably populated cities.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Boston. It gives you an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area. If you like our list of best hotels in Boston, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in New York or the best hotels in Washington.