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 Rather than tearing down the outdated structure, the developers chose to embrace its quirky, mid-century footprint.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.
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
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 June 2026
Perfect
It was perfect
4 June 2026
Can’t wait for our next trip
The aesthetic for me, the record player for my husband, and the view of Fenway Park from our room for our kiddo!
3 June 2026
Exceptional
Everything
Nothing I didn't like
3 June 2026
Very good
A fun vibe with a copious breakfast! We loved playing in the heated pool and listening to the records that wee could bring to our room.
2 June 2026
Exceptional
Great location, a sense of authentic admiration for rock and roll music. Attention to details and fun. Great bedding and pillows.
The shower floor was very slippery and no hand rails. Be careful. The breakfast was a bit meh
1 June 2026
We loved the hotel and the area and will certainly stay again when in Boston
Property was great, any music lover should go here. It was within walking distance to so much and a great area!
Loved everything!
31 May 2026
Definitely coming back here for future stays
I liked my view of Fenway! Everyone was really nice there too
Nothing, everything was great
31 May 2026
Overall a great hotel would definitely recommend and will stay again.
Room location was great and room very comfortable. Housekeeping was very accommodating. Overall hotel was clean. Front desk staff very nice and helpful. Loved being next to the baseball stadium.
Breakfast could have been better not enough options. Price was a little high.
30 May 2026
Exceptional
Breakfast is a great added bonus for this area! The location couldn't be better when you're visiting Fenway.
Nothing
28 May 2026
Fun times!
The location is fantastic for a Red Sox game. The staff is great. Awesome breakfast. The valet staff are always so personable and terrific.
28 May 2026
We were the rockstars of the day! They made it so special for me and my bf for his birthday!
Clean! Very very clean! And for the area it was in, it was beautiful on the outside
26 May 2026
I love this hotel. Location look and feel . Comfort . Staff is great room nice .
Everything
All good
25 May 2026
Exceptional
Had a Fenway view which was cool. Breakfast options were great. Pool in Boston is a great bonus.
25 May 2026
Exceptional
Great spot
Location and the whole place
25 May 2026
Would absolutely stay here again
Perfect weekend. Cool unique hotel, awesome staff, clean comfortable rooms, perfect location.
Everything was satisfactory
23 May 2026
Exceptional
Everything it was amazing
21 May 2026
Fabulous
Great location right next to Fenway Stadium.
20 May 2026
Very good
Breakfast quite limited.
20 May 2026
Fantastic!!
Very clean.. service was excellent. The heated pool was a delight.
Everything I needed was available. Love the location love the hotel good energy very clean overall a great stay.
20 May 2026
Exceptional
The pool closed to early
18 May 2026
Great location, cool themed-hotel. Would stay here again.
Room was clean and pleasant. Loved the retro decor; very fun to pick out records. Kids LOVED the pool and I appreciate the towels near it. Location was AMAZING! Staff was friendly. And I appreciated free breakfast - simple but worked great. Prices were high due to Boston Marathon so can't really assess value.
No elevator - fine for us, but could be an issue for others. Also, bathroom needs more hooks/towel bars - nowhere to hang things in the room, particularly for a family of four.
18 May 2026
Fantastic hotel that was a truly unique experience we will definitely stay here again when visiting Boston.
The hotel is so unique- we loved the records and having a record player in our room. Beds were comfortable, plenty of coffee to make in the room. Breakfasts were including and were an added bonus with plenty of options and excellent staff running it. The restaurant in the hotel was also amazing! Also, the heated year-round pool was the cherry on top.
Rooms were on the small side. We had adjoining rooms but were not able to use them this way due to furniture sitting in front of the door.
18 May 2026
Perfect!
The vibe of the verb was awesome. Funky, comfortable and the absolute perfect spot to stay if you’re going to Fenway Park
That we had to leave
16 May 2026
We chose this place for its location, but we got ao much more than just a convenient place to stay!
The staff, the theming, the location
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!
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

5 June 2026
Exceptional