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Downtown Boston Cityscape

The 12 Best Hotels In Boston

Boston, Massachusetts, USA downtown cityscape. getty

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Todd Plummer, Contributor

Forbes Vetted


The best hotels in Boston celebrate the city’s past and present while offering convenience to must-see sites. While America’s history is one of booms and busts, and cities that come and go, Boston has never wavered. Today, people pass through the nearly 400-year-old city for all sorts of reasons—to see sights like the freedom trail and Fenway Park, for biotech and healthcare business and to visit students going to college.

But while Boston is fiercely proud of its history, it isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a vibrant destination where religions, cultures and diverse communities coexist; where glass skyscrapers go up seemingly overnight, and where the food and drink scene continues to raise the bar. If you’re looking for an authentic Boston experience, selecting the right hotel as your launching off point can make all the difference. Below, the best hotels in Boston for 2024.


Best High-End Hotel In Boston: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

Who Will Love It: Big spenders who want to be in the mix
All-Star Amenities: 24-hour room service; a stunning indoor pool; house car to shuttle you around town
What Not To Miss: Dinner at the hotel’s scene-y Zuma restaurant; a treatment on the wellness floor
Location: Fenway Neighborhood

High design and luxury amenities are the specialty at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton, the triangle-shaped skyscraper at the intersection of Boston’s Back Bay, South End and Fenway neighborhoods. (Baseball fans should note, it’s just a few blocks from Fenway Park.) The rooms here are swoon worthy with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, marble bathrooms with oversize showers and clever design touches like bedside tablets for ordering room service. The service, too, offers everything a luxury seeker would need, including 24-hour in-room dining, premium Wi-Fi, a 24-hour concierge, and, of course, overnight shoeshine service. The hotel’s spa, salon, fitness center and curved indoor pool can be found on the seventh-level Wellness Floor.


Best Hotel Near Boston’s Waterfront: Boston Harbor Hotel

Boston Harbor Hotel

Who Will Love It: Parents, business travelers, and boat lovers
All-Star Amenities: Fitness center complete with 60-foot lap pool; twice-daily housekeeping; Diptyque bath products
What Not To Miss: Outdoor live music series; movie nights during the warmer months
Location: Waterfront

Boston Harbor Hotel leaves a big impression with its soaring 60-foot arch framing Rowe’s Wharf over the gentle waves of Boston Harbor. The hotel fully embraces the waterfront location—many of the spacious, well-appointed rooms overlook the harbor, and scheduled and charter excursions to the Boston Harbor Islands depart from the dock behind the hotel. The hotel is close to land-based attractions, too, such as the Boston Children’s Museum, Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House. The hotel hosts the Boston Wine and Food Festival, the longest running wine festival in the country, which attracts some of the world’s top vintners and chefs for three months each year.


Best Hotel In Boston Near Shopping: The Newbury Boston

The Newbury Boston

Who Will Love It: Fashion and design lovers who want to be within easy reach of the city’s best boutiques
All-Star Amenities: Wood-burning fireplaces; exclusive library for guests; large residence-like guest rooms and suites
What Not To Miss: Dinner at Ken Fulk-designed Contessa; after-dinner drinks at the Street Bar
Location: Beacon Hill

Boston’s most iconic shopping district, Newbury Street, is right outside your front door when you stay at the Newbury Boston. Some of the world’s best names in style are found within a stone’s throw of the property, including Chanel, Valentino and even a Tiffany and Co. on the ground floor of the hotel. Inside, acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud (whose work includes properties like Troutbeck in Hudson Valley and Raffles Singapore) outfitted the rooms in serene grays and whites, original works from illustrator Veronica Lawlor are found in every room and full-size customs Byredo amenities outfit the bathrooms.


Best Hotel In Boston For Service: The Whitney Hotel Boston

The Whitney Hotel Boston

Who Will Love It: Design lovers who want a neighborhood-y vibe
All-Star Amenities: House bicycles; fitness studio with Hydrow rowing machines; complimentary snacks in the common areas
What Not To Miss: “Neighborhood Passkey,” discounts and perks at a number of nearby shops and restaurants
Location: Beacon Hill

The Whitney, a tiny Beacon Hill boutique hotel, prides itself on perfecting the art of hospitality. Complimentary newspapers and shoeshines are de rigeur. There are house bikes, complimentary mini fridges and top notch concierge services that can point you in the right direction when it comes to things to do, such as exploring the Charles River Esplanade nearby. The Whitney also puts furry friends front and center. Call ahead and your room will be outfitted with a plush Lion + Wolf dog bed, a swanky drip module pet feeder by EJ Tanu, as well as complimentary treats from premium pet food brand My Zone Blue. With just 65-rooms, It’s one of the most comfortable and cozy stays in town.


Best Hotel For Boston’s “It Scene”: The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Who Will Love It: Those who love a bumping hotel lobby bar
All-Star Amenities: Running concierge; energy efficient guest rooms; fitness center
What Not To Miss: Dinner at Scampo; drinks in a converted jail cell at Clink
Location: Beacon Hill

In a city where most buildings have rich history, The Liberty still stands out: It served as the infamous Charles Street Jail from 1851 until 1990, before undergoing extensive refurbishment and opening as a luxury hotel in 2007. Today, the rooms are much more comfortable with cheeky touches like a safe that doubles as a nightstand, a do-not-disturb sign that says “Solitary,” and throw pillows printed with tally marks. The main attraction is the hotel’s soaring lobby—a 90-foot central atrium with glass roof and 30-foot glass windows (it’s a sight to behold when decorated for the holidays). It’s no wonder that stylish Bostonians can always be found having an evening drink at the Liberty.


Best Traditional Hotel In Boston: The Eliot Hotel

The Eliot Hotel

Who Will Love It: The nostalgic traveler
All-Star Amenities: Overnight shoeshine; suites with sleeper sofas; award-winning restaurant
What Not To Miss: A morning stroll on Commonwealth Avenue outside your front door
Location: Back Bay

There’s something so quintessentially Boston about stepping off of brick apartment-lined Commonwealth Avenue and into the marble-clad lobby at the family-owned Eliot Hotel. The service is personally tailored and the spacious rooms, including suites with sleeper sofas, are ideal for families. In a Neo-Classical Georgian landmark dripping with wisteria, the Eliot has the old world feel many travelers are looking for when they come to Boston (guest rooms have Italian marble bathrooms and ikat fabrics). The hotel appeals to more modern, sustainably-minded travelers as well with sustainable touches like ultra-low flow toilets, and a robust recycling program and the James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Uni.


Best Romantic Hotel In Boston: XV Beacon

XV Beacon

Who Will Love It: Discreet travelers looking for privacy
All-Star Amenities: Cashmere throws; pillow-top mattresses; Frette linens; complimentary transfers to and from the airport
What Not To Miss: A peek inside the wine cellar at the restaurant, Mooo
Location: Beacon Hill

With a plum location near bars, restaurants and shops on Beacon Hill, XV Beacon makes it a cinch to experience the best of Boston, but the hotel has a way of beckoning guests to stay in. Guest rooms have working fireplaces, flat-mount televisions with surround sound stereo systems, rainforest showers and soaking tubs. The cashmere throws and pillow-top mattresses will help you have one of the best nights of sleep of your life. Check in with your significant other, or yourself, order room service and remember why we love hotels in the first place.


Best Hotel In Cambridge: The Charles

The Charles

Who Will Love It: Culture lovers and intelligentsia
All-Star Amenities: Gorgeous Shaker furniture; wingback leather chairs; C.O. Bigelow bath products
What Not To Miss: Rubbing shoulders with the academic elite at Henrietta’s Table
Location: Cambridge

Across the river from Boston lies Cambridge, the city’s intellectual, off-beat, eclectic counterpart where neighborhood after neighborhood brims with exciting restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Due to its proximity to both Harvard University and M.I.T.—and its reputation for comfort and privacy—visiting academics, politicians and titans in their fields choose to rest their heads at the Charles. The rooms have an updated take on Americana, with handsome plaid carpeting, timeless Shaker furniture and comfy leather wingback chairs. The hotel’s restaurant, Henrietta’s Table, is where Cambridge intellectuals come to discuss deep topics and dine on organic, locally-sourced farm-to-table fare.


Best Hotel Near Boston’s Seaport: The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection

Who Will Love It: Those who prefer a more contemporary take on Boston
All-Star Amenities: The wellness concierge
What Not To Miss: Latin-inspired cuisine at Para Maria
Location: Seaport District

It’s not often that a historic city like Boston simply gets a new neighborhood, but that’s what has happened across the canal from downtown. What was once an industrial wasteland is now a sleek, sexy area known as the Seaport District, which is filled with glass skyscrapers, hot restaurants, workout studios and great shopping. The contemporary Envoy Hotel is the beating heart of the neighborhood. The refreshing design is Mid-Century modern meets New England. Make sure to stop by Lookout Rooftop, which in the summer months has a fun after-work scene and in the winter offers heated igloos so you can dine, drink and take in those Seaport views all year round.


Best Hotel In Boston For Business Travelers: Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Who Will Love It: Business travelers and wellness seekers
All-Star Amenities: Forbes Five-Star spa; Michelin-starred restaurant; personal training; pilates and yoga classes
What Not To Miss: The resident robot concierge Mobi, who provides a contactless check-in experience
Location: Back Bay

Boston’s Mandarin Oriental completed a substantial renovation of all its rooms in 2020 and designers worked to create spaces that feel less corporate and institutional and more cozy and personal. The guest rooms feel more like luxurious residences with kitchenettes and seating areas. Signature Mandarin Oriental touches are still in place such as enormous marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and the serene spa with a candle-lit relaxation area where treatments include a Himalayan salt stone massage and oxygen facials.


Best Hotel In Boston For Families: Boston Marriott Copley Place

Boston Marriott Copley Place

Who Will Love It: Parents and travelers who prioritize convenience
All-Star Amenities: Direct (indoor) access to Copley Place, The Prudential Center and the Hynes Convention Center
What Not To Miss: A dip in the indoor pool; a taste-testing stroll around Eataly (in the Prudential Center)
Location: Copley Center

The Boston Marriott Copley Place is ideal for families because it’s unfussy and incredibly convenient.

Located right in Copley Place, you can shop throughout Copley Place and the Prudential Center (connected via a skywalk) without stepping foot outside, eliminating the need for constant transportation arrangements—an especially huge plus for parents toting baby seats and strollers. You can also grab food court grub or dine at a handful of casual restaurants including Legal Seafoods, The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen—and yes, Starbucks is just steps away from the main lobby. Not to be missed is Eataly, an Italian marketplace in the Pru, where you can grab a cappuccino while the kiddos nibble on trattoria-style pizza slices and scoops of gelato. Upstairs, there’s also the full-service restaurant, Terra.

Despite these indoor accommodations, the Boston Marriott Copley Place is centrally located if you want a change of scenery. You can walk to the Boston Public Library, Copley Square and the shops and restaurants of Newbury and Boylston streets. Of course, you’ll also find its proximity easy for meeting an Uber or taking the MBTA (pick it up at the nearby Copley or Prudential stops) to venture to Fenway Park, the Boston Science Museum, Faneuil Hall or anywhere else in the city.


Best Hotel In Downtown Boston: Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station

Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station

Who Will Love It: History buffs, fans of Italian cuisine and culture
All-Star Amenities: Flat screen TV with streaming services (including Netflix); dry cleaning service; on-site convenience store
What Not To Miss: A visit to the Paul Revere house; a treat from Mike’s Pastry
Location: Downtown near the North End

For a taste of Italy without going to Italy, Boston’s North End captures the culture brought over by immigrants in the late 1800s. From this Courtyard location, you can meander through the boutiques, restaurants and bakeries, including the famous Mike’s Pastry, which is a short 8-minute stroll away. Depending on the time of year, you might also find festivals inspired by the European heritage.

This side of the city also has its own special place in American history, as you’ll find landmarks like the Old North Church and the Paul Revere house, as well as part of the Freedom Trail, in this quaint neighborhood. From this side of the city, you’re also near TD Garden, Faneuil Hall, Boston Aquarium and Boston Common, all of which you can walk to if you’re up for a bit of a trek.


Where Should You Stay When You Visit Boston?

There are many areas tourists love to stay in Boston, but one of the most popular areas to stay is downtown Boston, due to its proximity to the Boston Harbor. Other popular areas to stay include Back Bay and Beacon Hill, which are home to many local boutiques and restaurants. The Seaport District is an up and coming lively area with many new hotels and dining options. There are several areas in Boston that are extremely walkable, allowing easy access to other parts of the city on foot. The most popular area to stay in if you plan to walk everywhere is the downtown area near Copley Center, which offers easy access to many of the popular spots in Boston including Beacon Hill, Back Bay and the Boston Harbor.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Boston?

The temperate spring weather and vibrant fall foliage make the months of April and May or September and October ideal for a stay in this walkable city. You’ll see a rush of vacationers come summer as well, but it’s also a great time to enjoy lunch at a sidewalk cafe or cocktail on a rooftop bar. Around Christmastime, you can get into the holiday spirit with snowy scenery and decorated city streets, and in the following off-season months (January and February) you may be able to take advantage of lower pricing on plane tickets and hotel stays. That said, if you book your vacation during the snowy season, you run the risk of travel plans getting delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.

What Are The Best Luxury Hotels in Boston?

There are an abundance of luxury hotels in Boston, many of which are steeped in rich history and offer a combination of glitz and glamour. The most luxurious hotels in Boston include The Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, The Langham Boston, The Whitney Hotel Boston, and The Mandarin Oriental, Boston, a great option for business travelers.


About Todd Plummer, Your Boston Guide

I have written about gorillas in Rwanda and heli-skiing in British Columbia, but I am continually surprised and impressed by my native Boston. Since before the Revolutionary War, it has been a cosmopolitan, world-class city that continues to reinvent itself. Boston has noticeably upped the luxury hotel bar, with properties ranging from independently owned boutique hotels to international luxury brands; the food scene is as diverse and exciting as you’ll find anywhere. I have personally visited every hotel on this list—as well as some of the best hotels around the world. I can say there’s a lot to love about Boston.