Known for its blend of historic charm, world-class universities, vibrant neighborhoods, and waterfront scenery, Boston offers a unique mix of culture, innovation, and New England character. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Boston based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Boston: Holiday Inn Express Boston South
Best boutique hotel in Boston: The Whitney Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Boston: Harbor Hotel
Best hostel in Boston: HI Boston
Best eco-friendly hotel in Boston: Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
Imagine waking up on a warm morning and stepping out onto your private balcony, just in time to catch the sailboats bobbing gently in Boston Harbor. That’s life at the Yacht Haven Inn, a tiny 10-room boutique spot right on Commercial Wharf with a super chill, nautical vibe. Inside, the rooms are cozy yet classy: think exposed beam ceilings, luxe linens, and little touches like Keurig coffee makers, Bluetooth clocks, and even heated bathroom floors in some suites.
New York Times“Yacht Haven Inn & Marina, on Commercial Wharf in the historic North End, has an unrivaled harborside location. The boutique hotel has 10 spacious rooms, some with private decks overlooking the water; you can also rent a slip to berth your boat.”
If you are looking for a unique place to stay near Boston, The Kendall Hotel in neighboring Cambridge offers an incredible window into the past. Originally built in 1894, this Victorian Queen Anne-style building served as the Engine 7 Firehouse for nearly a century. It holds a distinct spot in local history as one of the area’s very first single-purpose firehouses built specifically to protect the rapidly growing industrial district.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“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.”
Originally opening in 1959 as the Fenway Motor Hotel, this low-rise gem was designed by modernist architects Irving Salsberg and Ralph Leblanc. Over the decades, it evolved into a standard Howard Johnson's motel before undergoing a massive, multi-million dollar reimagining in 2014. Rather than tearing down the outdated structure, the developers chose to embrace its quirky, mid-century footprint.
New York Times + 1 more“The Verb Hotel, next door to Fenway Park, has won a faithful following for its funky take on hospitality, with turntables in every room and a lending library of 1,700 records in the lobby. Breakfast (included) is way above average, with live music and fruit smoothies made to order; the former Howard Johnson’s even has a heated outdoor pool.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Boston.
If you are looking for an affordable spot to crash in the heart of the Theater District, Hostelling International Boston is a fantastic choice. Located right on Stuart Street, this modern hub places you steps away from Chinatown, Boston Common, and the historic Freedom Trail. It strikes a great balance between a social, budget-friendly atmosphere and urban convenience.
Lonely Planet“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.”
Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is a stunning choice. Completed in 1987, this five-star grand dame anchors the neighborhood with an eye-catching postmodern design. Its most famous feature is a dramatic, 60-foot-tall multi-story archway that serves as a grand gateway, beautifully framing the transition between downtown Boston and the harbor.
Frommers + 3 more“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.
CitizenM Boston North Station is a super cool spot right above North Station in Boston’s West End. It's tailor-made for anyone who wants to be close to TD Garden, historic neighborhoods, and the downtown buzz. The hotel’s designer living room is perfect for chilling with a skyline-view cocktail, and if you need a late-night bite (or an early-morning coffee), canteenM is open 24/7.
Fodors + 2 more“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.”
Stepping into The Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill feels like walking through a piece of living history. Originally completed in 1851 as the infamous Charles Street Jail, this grand building once housed high-profile inmates like Malcolm X and former Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. In 1973, a prisoner revolt over poor conditions led to it being declared unfit, paving the way for its eventual transformation.
New York Times + 4 more“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.
The Langham, Boston, offers opulence along with comfort. Featured in a recently renovated historic site, this hotel offers its guests an over-the-top staying and chic dining experience. It’s where the majority of the business persons and established families, couples, and creatives hop on when in Boston.
CN Traveler + 1 more“For truly opulent yet thoughtful digs in a just-renovated historic site that offers as much style as it does comfort; think local art in all 312 rooms, not-so-mini bars stocked with Massachusetts-sourced goodies, 17 suites with heated bathroom floors, and chic dining (and imbibing) options that have long attracted locals.”
Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hotlist.
If you're heading to Cambridge, you've got to check out The Charles Hotel. Tucked right into the middle of Harvard Square, it has been the neighborhood’s ultimate gathering spot since 1985. It’s got this cool, relaxed prep energy that fits the Ivy League surroundings perfectly, drawing in a mix of students, visiting professors, and travelers.
Frommers + 1 more“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.
Perched at 90 Tremont Street where Beacon Hill meets the Financial District, Hotel AKA Boston Common sits directly on the legendary Freedom Trail. It opened in 2023 inside an 19-story sleek nickel-chrome and brick tower that previously housed the hip Kimpton Nine Zero. Overlooking America’s oldest public park, the hotel lets guests peek out at centuries of history, including the final resting places of American patriots at the adjacent Granary Burying Ground.
CN Traveler“Modern Scandi sensibilities meet one of America’s most historic cities at this newly revamped hotel. New York–based architect Rafael de Cárdenas and Studio NA.GI stood at the helm of the AKA redesign, providing the space with sleek connection points, such as the lobby’s terrazzo flooring and white stone tiling. And effortlessly cool places to rendezvous only start there.”
The charm of The Newbury Boston lies in its vivid boutique-style rooms overlooking the Back Bay’s brownstones and Boston Public Garden. These scenic vistas will surely leave you stunned for a while. Other attractions of this hotel include the two fascinating dining options locals literally drool over.
CN Traveler + 1 more“Stylish art types flock to this property for long-weekend stays at a newly restored historic property with a high-end, lived-in feel; think curated walls of art featuring works and homages to some of America’s most iconic creators, from a portrait of Ernest Hemingway beside the lobby bar to Elise Ansel paintings throughout the property.”
Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hotlist.
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
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 Holiday Inn Express Boston South. 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. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Boston.
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. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Boston.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Boston, you should check out The Whitney Hotel. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Boston, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
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. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Boston, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
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
As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston serves as a living theater of the nation’s birth. Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers on the Shawmut Peninsula, the city earned its reputation as the cradle of American liberty through explosive acts of defiance like the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre. These historical chapters cemented its identity as a fiercely independent community, a trait that still echoes through the winding, cobblestone corridors of the North End and along the bricks of the Freedom Trail.
Today, Boston stands as a global powerhouse of intellect, innovation, and progressive thought. Famously dubbed the “Hub of the Universe,” the city anchors an elite academic ecosystem driven by institutions like Harvard and MIT just across the Charles River. This concentration of brilliant minds has transformed the metropolitan area into a leading center for biotechnology, venture capital, and groundbreaking medical research. Modern Boston seamlessly balances this hyper-futuristic innovation with deep-rooted traditions, visible in its fanatical sports culture and its commitment to preserving accessible green spaces like the Emerald Necklace park system.
Beyond the famous battlefields and prestigious universities lie the quirky, lesser-known narratives that shape Boston’s character. For instance, the city was the site of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, a bizarre tragedy where a bursting storage tank sent a deadly, twenty-five-foot wave of sweet syrup rushing through the streets at thirty-five miles per hour. Boston also claims a surprising number of architectural and civil milestones, including the construction of America’s very first subway system in 1897 and the establishment of the nation’s oldest public park, the Boston Common. Even the local geography is a marvel of human engineering, as the trendy Back Bay neighborhood sits entirely on artificial land reclaimed from a marshy tidal flat during the nineteenth century.
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Boston, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Boston, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in New York or the best hotels in Washington.