Expert reviews
“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.
“The Verb Hotel took a down-and-out HoJo property and turned it into Boston’s most radical, retro, rock-and-roll hotel. The style is mid-Century Modern; the theme is music.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Boutique style
- Great breakfast
- Boutique style
- Excellent Wifi
All you need to know
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 Rather than tearing down the outdated structure, the developers chose to embrace its quirky, mid-century footprint.
The redesign was spearheaded by Elkus Manfredi Architects, who brilliantly connected the building’s mid-century motor inn roots with Boston’s rich rock ‘n’ roll history. The exterior features striking, Mondrian-esque color-blocked windows that flood the rooms with vibrant light. Right outside the front entrance, guests can explore a fully refurbished, retro 1947 Flxible Clipper Motor Coach tour bus complete with an interior lounge.
Inside, the hotel operates as a living museum of music history. In partnership with the archives of the late alternative newspaper, The Boston Phoenix, the lobby is packed with authentic concert posters, ticket stubs, and rare music memorabilia curated by archivist David Bieber.
The musical immersion continues straight into the guest rooms. Every room is outfitted with its own turntable, a curated collection of vinyl records to spin, and even a vintage typewriter to capture any late-night creative inspiration.
Location
Recent guest reviews
13 May 2026
IT WAS AMAZING, CLEAN, UNIQUE,FUN, AND YUMMY FOOD, NICEE POOL TOO
The location was perfect, it’s was a clean property, it was a unique set up, and the heated pool was top tier for colder weather, but I would definitely love to visit again when it’s warm out and the heated pool is turned off!
I LIKED IT ALL
13 May 2026
Simple and excellent! FUN VIBE
Beds were divine! FUN vibe, easy access to Fenway area, quiet and convenient! Perfect for my family of 8!
Worked for our event just perfectly!
13 May 2026
Fabulous
Great location, clean, comfortable and overall pleasurable
Everything was well done. The only suggestion I have is to perhaps provide a little more protein options with the breakfast.
13 May 2026
What a pleasant stay. Everything from the nitro bru to the morning breakfast
Everything!
10 May 2026
Great hotel!
The hotel was awesome! I loved the record players in the room.
The price for valet parking was expensive for 1 night.
10 May 2026
Exceptional
Location and staff are both amazing!
N/A
10 May 2026
Always memorable
Always like staying at the Verb ! Super funky and fun!
Location! Super close to everything
8 May 2026
Exceptional
Everything was great. Staff was nice & helpful with recommendations. Wonderful walkable location to Fenway, bars & restaurants! Comfy, clean room.
No elevator but it was only issue twice with luggage.
8 May 2026
Just what we needed wrapped in a cute, hip vibe
Very close to Fenway. Walkable to many areas
8 May 2026
Unique experience right by Fenway
The staff was so helpful in every way
It would have been nice to have an American restaurant on site
5 May 2026
Consistency wonderful stay - comfortable and cool every time
Love the heated pool, fan in the room, cold brew on tab, big comfortable bed, record player in the room, location, open air valet parking, great restaurant next door, the friendly staff, housekeeping seems happy, and its just a cool place!
4 May 2026
Exceptional
Location, location, location Great vibe!
Price!
4 May 2026
Stay at The Verb! You won’t regret it.
The breakfast wonderful. A continental breakfast, only better. Someone was there to make your waffles, and hand you other pastry items. The waffles… there was a choice, regular or banana bread… my kids like the banana bread. Choices of croissants, plain, chocolate or almond. Many juice choices… I could go on. The room was very comfortable. The rock-n-roll theme is thruout the entire hotel. My kids used the pool after the game and thoroughly enjoyed that. The restaurant hostess was wonderful and was quickly able to prepare a table in the front atrium. She immediately pickup up on our need for a quiet space without me having to say anything. Then our waitress was equally amazing. The front desk staff were fantastic. Our overall experience… 11 out of 10
An elevator would have been nice.
4 May 2026
Coolest little hotel in Boston. Play vinyl, swim in the pool, drink Japanese beer.
Coolest little hotel in Boston. Big, rooms with hot showers and comfortable beds. Music themed with record player in every room and hundreds of vinyl LPs to choose from. Year round heated outdoor pool. Fab Japanese bar & restaurant. Right next to Fenway Park and a stroll across Fenway to MFA and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (don’t miss!)
Can get pricey when demand is high so book early
3 May 2026
Outstanding unique and cool place to stay in the heart of Boston by Fenway Park
The service and hospitality were outstanding. We had a large party including elderly guests for a graduation celebration and the staff went above and beyond to accomodate all of our needs. From the front desk to the parking valets - shout out and special thanks to Keya for helping with our vehicle management- to the restaurant/breakfast staff to housekeeping (who assisted our elderly parents in their room) - everyone helped make our event special and smooth. THe location is excellent. The breakfast was great. The musical theme with turntables in every room with vinyl albums to select from the lobby along with guitars lying around was unique and enhanced the stay that much more. There is also a heated pool which we did not use. Late night bar was also a bonus.
There is no elevator in the facility so if you have mobility issues you need to request the first floor rooms which have accomodations for special needs.
2 May 2026
The Verb was clean, comfortable and great value. I will definitely be back.
The staff was super friendly. Room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast included was terrific. I wish I had a chance to use the heated pool but will the next time I stay. I will definitely be back.
Nothing.
2 May 2026
Great place, love the vibe, we will be back!
The staff is helpful and pleasant. Very clean, great breakfast, wonderful valet service, fabulous location.
No elevator can be difficult when moving onto the second floor.
2 May 2026
Lovely hotel right near Fenway Would stay again at normal room rates
Unique
Cost during Boston Marsthon
2 May 2026
Best stay in Boston.
This is my favorite hotel and try to stay here whenever we are in Boston. The ambiance, staff, breakfast are great and if you are inclined there is a heated outdoor pool.
It is perfect!
30 April 2026
Fabulous
Location and Vibe are Awesome! The bed as well!! The outdoor hot pool should be open later for guests to enjoy! Would be so nice after a concert to enjoy, especially at high price point.
Price of stay, parking situation horrible
30 April 2026
Great location , friendly staff, comfortable beds , clean
Staff was very helpful and friendly
Fun music vibe
28 April 2026
Cool place to stay!
Loved the music-theme (by chance, one of the vinyl records in my room was The Velvet Rope - one of my all-time favorite albums), big comfy bed, and the heated outdoor pool.
Was not a fan of the breakfast selection. Would prefer healthier choices / a more redefined selection.
28 April 2026
Very good
Location
It was very loud short ceilings, dark rooms, not enough sunlight. The breakfast was just OK. No elevator long hallways loud guests.
28 April 2026
Great week at Boston marathon would stay at verb again
Quirky but friendly atmosphere - music memorabilia everywhere. Good location and breakfast for marathon runners, easily walk to expo and finish line from hotel, thought it was further out so pleasantly surprised
Quite expensive
27 April 2026
Fun and unique
It had a very unique decor with the oldies. That being old rock n roll memorabilia. Very cool to look it!
25 April 2026
Fabulous
The valet (Cisco) that we experienced there was more like a concierge than a valet. Very knowledgeable about the area. Had great recommendations on restaurants and other things to do locally. We parked our car once and walked and did everything without moving the car again. Until we checked out. We were there for a Red Sox game and it's literally 500 ft from gate t which is where our seats were closest to. The hotel itself is very cool rock and roll probably from the '60s, '70s and '80s. We very much enjoyed our stay and the staff overall was phenomenal.
The Continental breakfast of the morning was fairly weak. Didn't have really a lot of options. Felt they could have done better. The natural at it. She has also found that as excellent as everything was location valet service staff, cleanliness, a hotel, etc. The price still was a little bit High.
25 April 2026
Exceptional
Great location for the Red Sox games. Friendly staff. Very helpful!
Nothing
24 April 2026
Great stay, perfect location, top crew
Great vibe in the hotel, excellent location (next to Fenway Park), delightful crew members who were vert helpful when assistance was required.
Nothing
23 April 2026
Perfect. Easy
Staff was incredible - so nice. Rooms were impeccable. Super fun vibe with record players in rooms. Great location for Fenway event. Great perks - free water bottles, breakfast.. Highly recommend
23 April 2026
Would recommend
A unique experience at a great location. Hotel and staff were excellent
Leaf Blowers cleaning Fenway at nights on game days
22 April 2026
It was a different vibe than my normal choices, but close to Fenway Park. The staff were amazing.
The Verb is a retro inspired motel next to Fenway Park. The check in desk and staff where fantastic, super friendly and helpful. The rooms are basic with quirky art and vintage record players. Without the extra stuff the room would be kinda sad. The bathrooms were updated and new looking which was very nice. The beds and linens expectable. Breakfast was buffet style next door, very basic, but again helpful staff. I will stay again if doing something at Fenway, a very mixed crowd, including lots of kids, so its a bit more high energy. Normally a stay at more high end places, but this was a fun change.
I think for the type of Hotel/motel retro inspired they do a good job. For me it was a bit noisy, with a lot of kids, i think the breakfasts could be improved, some kind of cooked egg option would be good.
22 April 2026
Fun place to stay - great location
fun place to stay
no onsite gym
21 April 2026
Fabulous
Great location! Clean nice rooms. Records were fun! Pool was heated and great for kids. Liked breakfast on site - it was simple but met our needs.
Bathroom needs more places to hang things!
19 April 2026
Dreamy musical room, great location, super comfortable, nitro cold brew fueled comfort, stress-free
This hotel is so fun! I loved being able to take records back to the room to enjoy, the complimentary nitro cold brew on tap was the coolest and we had a great experience parking valet with my 7' truck. We enjoyed all the rock and roll memorabilia, the clean & comfortable room & bed, the cool on site restaurant. The location was unreal, perfect spot to attend a show at the House of Blues (or a game at Fenway!) And hello there is an outdoor heated pool open 8am-10pm. We were able to take a swim before check out even though it was 50 degrees outside in April! So cool. Thank you!
The record player in the room was a bit finicky, but that's kinda understandable when the public gets to play with these nice things. Still worked, though! Also the blackout curtains were good, however the light coming in around the edges was still pretty bright at night.
17 April 2026
Good value for the price
The hotel was very clean, and I really liked the breakfast. I’m quite particular about bathroom cleanliness, and it met my expectations. I found it interesting that housekeeping tips were handled via a QR code, but I prefer the traditional way, so I left cash in the room.
The hotel was clean, but I could hear noise from other rooms and the hallway quite clearly.
15 April 2026
Great location and great vibe.
Location was perfect as could walk to everything.
Room was hot due to warm day and ac not working and pillows uncomfortable.
13 April 2026
Overall it was a great stay and I would definitely stay there again
Loved the vibe, location and amenities
Not the most updated building
13 April 2026
Perfect location with the funkiest vibe!
We loved the hotel vibe and the location to Fenway park!
The pool being closed was a big bummer for us, but we made the best of it.
13 April 2026
It was great for a short weekend trip!!
Loved the location!!
Our AC wasn’t working properly
13 April 2026
Very comfortable and very enjoyable stay.
I love the vibe of the place. Very enjoyable for me and my family.
Having to pay for parking. I believe where ever you stay should include parking.
12 April 2026
Music vibe with comfort and great location
Loved the location, laid back and fun atmosphere and comfort. Beds were fantastic.
12 April 2026
Exceptional
Location vibe breakfast
12 April 2026
The staff was very professional and nice. We had a great time
So close to Fenway Park. That after the game on our first day. We walked over and went on a tour our second day
Parking is expensive even if you’re staying at the hotel
12 April 2026
Would definitely book again. Was very original without being overdone and convenient.
The hotel was well designed with thoughtful details. Like the hole in the glass to turn on the shower without getting wet. The coffee on tap and free waters were great as was the breakfast. The rooms were nice, amenities like robes, Malin and Goetz products quality furniture, and well designed.
The sheets were very bleached and smelled like and felt like bleach. A little too irritating for skin and for breathing
11 April 2026
Fantastic Stay!
Each room has a record player!! They have a bunch of record albums you can borrow and play in your room! I stayed as part of my 50th birthday, and the hotel left some extra snacks and goodies for us for my birthday! Went to the Red Sox game that night... SO close and convenient walk to the ballpark... I got a room with a Fenway Park view.... It was comfy and just a great room! Staff couldn't have been nicer... From their valet parking attendants to housekeepers... Everyone offered a smile and a hello! Will absolutely stay here again!
10 April 2026
Stay at the Verb if you like music, memorabilia and an excellent clean place
The hotel is unique and fun. The staff are excellent and I have stayed there several times. This is not a cookie cutter hotel!
9 April 2026
Exceptional
Great friendly staff! Great experience and a really cool vibe!
8 April 2026
Couldn't recommend more!
Staff was fantastic! Room was clean. Proximity to Fenway can't be beat, and the theme was so much fun! Some amenities were a very exciting surprise! Already planning our next trip!
Loved everything!
6 April 2026
Excellent
Location
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Business facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Activities
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Live music/performance
Miscellaneous
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

16 May 2026
We chose this place for its location, but we got ao much more than just a convenient place to stay!