Best Hotels To Stay In Downtown Boston

Dont Visit Boston Without Travel Insurance

48 Hours in Boston – Discover the Best Hotels and Things to do in Boston

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If your wallet is stolen at a bar, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.

If you slip and break your ankle or get appendicitis while in Boston, travel insurance will cover your medical costs, which could run into the tens of thousands. This is especially vital for people visiting Boston from outside the United States.

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These are unpleasant things to think about, but its so important to be prepared for the worst.

I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance. Theyre a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure theyre right for you.

Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall

68 Devonshire Street, Boston’s Downtown Financial District

Hyatt Centric Faneuil Market offers a fantastic downtown Boston location in the Financial District. You’re just a 5-minute walk from Faneuil Marketplace, the Boston Harbor Waterfront, and the historic Freedom Trail, and the Waterfront – an ideal location for business travelers as well as tourists. You’re also about 8-10 minutes on foot from TD Garden where you can catch a Bruins or Celtics game and star-studded concerts.

The 163 guestrooms and suites offer free wifi, smart TVs, bluetooth speakers, robes and slippers, and all the other amenities you’d expect in a high-end hotel. The hotel’s onsite Bar Mercato gets high marks for its small plates and relaxed ambiance.

Jamaica Plain Where To Stay In Boston With Family

Sarah Nichols

For families with children, theres no better neighborhood than Jamaica Plain. A quiet and residential district south of the city centre, Jamaica Plain has charming restaurants, cute cafes, and a great selection of green spaces. The area provides a quiet base thats still full of things to see and do.

Jamaica Plains most famous attraction is the expansive and incredible Arnold Arboretum. Covering more than 280 acres of land, this gorgeous urban forest is an oasis for families looking for a breath of fresh air. If you want to explore the city, just jump on the train to North Station.

When youre ready for a bite to eat, head to Centre or South Street where you can choose from a great selection of eco-friendly and delicious local restaurants. If youre on the lookout for some cheap hotels in Boston that are still really high quality, this is a good area to look.

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Best Hotels In Boston

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Whether its for business travelers, college visitors, foodies, or history lovers, millions of people travel to Boston every year. And much like many other aspects of the city, its best hotels are a delightful, ever-evolving mix of old meets new. From exclusive Back Bay addresses, to converted prisons , to charming Cambridge boutique hotels, there are so many options to explore. And because the city has a cozy feeling of a metropolis much smaller than its 700,000 residents, it will never seem like you’re very far from whatever you’ve come here to see. Here are our picks for the best hotels in Boston.

Read our completeBoston travel guide here.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Boston

Boston is a city with so much to offer travelers. From the Freedom Trail where you can visit the citys most iconic sights to high-end boutiques and innovative restaurants, theres something for everyone on every budget in Boston.

If youre still unsure where to stay in Boston, we recommend Downtown. Its budget-friendly while offering up loads of the citys coolest attractions. Its also home to our favorite hostel, the HI Boston, which is centrally located and well-equipped.

Our pick for the best hotel is the Hyatt Regency Boston. Modern and luxurious, this Chinatown hotel is well-situated and is within walking distance of bars, clubs, and Bostons top landmarks.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Godfrey Hotel Boston

With a Gothic Revival facade, the boutique Godfrey Hotel is inside a circa 1908 building and has a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance about it. In the mostly pedestrian Downtown Crossing district in Boston’s heart, it is a great choice if you are looking to do some serious shopping.

The rooms come in a variety of sizes, but all are well-appointed and comfortable. Decor is contemporary, with mostly neutral colors, but pops of brightness appear in chairs and artwork. For fantastic panoramic views book the corner king lofts that are surrounded by windows.

Rooms also feature BOSE Bluetooth speakers, smartphone-to-TV streaming capabilities, and Heely of London bath products. If you are on a health-focused vacay, the Stay Well rooms have lots of extra wellness features.

Amenities here include a restaurant serving Peruvian-Japanese fare, as well as a coffee shop. There is also a fitness center, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk.

Address: 505 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Accommodation: The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Hotels Near Downtown Boston

Its possible to stay just outside of Boston and get free parking. The Commuter Rail station of Chelsea makes that possible. Only one stop from North station both the nearby Wyndham and Residence Inn offer free parking, or alternatively a free shuttle from the airport. The area is an older industrial / urban neighborhood. The Commuter Rail station is 2.5 blocks, walkable, but it would be better to walk with someone else, and not walk alone at night. The Residence stands out because it offers guests a lift to the station and the airport. However, rates at Residence Inn are often more expensive. On weekdays or weekends expect to pay near $240 for the Residence Inn. Wyndham rates are usually between $135 and $165. Either hotel provides free wifi, breakfast is offered at either hotel, but the Residence Inn provides this with any booking.

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The Colonnade Hotel In Back Bay

Where to stay in Boston: Best Areas to Stay in Boston, Massachusetts

The Colonnade Hotel is located in Back Bay, and offers a pool with a view as well as the option of a room versus a suite or suite-versus-room depending on what you and the family are after.

All rooms include basic amenities like wi-fi access, a television per unit and a small-ish kitchen for a great breakfast before you and the family set out to explore.

Things To See And Do In Jamaica Plain

Pack a picnic and enjoy a restful day at Arnold Arboretum, a 281 acres urban green space.
Go for a walk around the water or rent rowboats at Jamaica Pond.
See gorillas, zebras, giraffes, tigers and more at Franklin Park Zoo.
Dine on Irish-American fare at Doyles Café.
Tease your taste buds at Chilacates a colourful and fun taqueria
Enjoy good food and a warm welcome at The Haven.
Try incredibly delicious food and seafood at J.P. Seafood Café.
Browse the shops, cafes, and restaurant on Washington, Centre and South Streets.
Shop for new-to-you fashions at 40 South Street.
Grab a cone of amazing ice cream at J.P. Licks.

Where Not To Stay In Boston

Boston is a very safe city for the most part, but like any other city, there are some neighborhoods worth avoiding. I recommend new visitors to Boston avoid Mattapan, Roxbury, Hyde Park, and some parts of Dorchester like Savin Hill as well as most of East Somerville and the northwest part of Charlestown.

West Roxbury, Roslindale and Milton are nice neighborhoods, but the T doesnt run there, making transit a bit tougher.

Some places require a bit of extra caution at night. Downtown Crossing and the Financial District tend to be deserted at night, so be extra aware of your surroundings at that time. The Back Bay Fens, a big park, is beautiful during the day but turns into a cruising and drug dealing spot after sunset.

Theres no need to stay near the airport. Logan Airport is located in East Boston, but theres a blue line subway stop at the airport and its easy and fast to get there via public transportation or a cab. The neighborhood doesnt have much to offer tourists .

Youll probably want to avoid hotels in the suburbs surrounding Boston. Theyre more built to people who want to drive into Boston each day or take the commuter rail, which doesnt run very often. Some of these suburbs include Woburn, Chelsea, Winthrop, Waltham, and Salem. Some hotels in Newton, Malden, and Revere are close to the T but most of them are not you should double-check on a map.

The 10 Best Hotels In Downtown Boston

Boston’s downtown is the beating heart of this city. Home to the Financial District, the City Hall, and the Freedom Trail sites like the Old State House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It is also packed full of restaurants, bars, shops and nightclubs while the Theatre District is just a stroll away. With so much to do, it makes sense to book a hotel right in the heart of the action. Our Hotel Gurus have scanned the area and compiled a concise collection of the best hotels in downtown Boston ranging from grand five-stars to chic boutiques. Picked for their design, service, facilities, and location – why not browse through our collection to start planning your next trip?

Best Restaurants In Back Bay

Precinct Kitchen + Bar $$ Lively, American-style spot with excellent seafood, charcuterie, and cocktails.
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar $$ Fun Mexican-inspired joint. Meals start with a grapefruit granita over dry ice topped with a tequila shot and end with complimentary green apple cotton candy with pop rocks.
Ostra $$$$ Mediterranean fine dining specializing in seafood.
Deuxave $$$ Smart casual French cuisine with American ingredients and flare.
Santouka Back Bay $$ Japanese ramen chain tasty, cheap, and filling.

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Best South End Apartments

Historic South End 1 Bedroom Condo Quintessential South End life on Mass. Ave., in a beautifully decorated apartment with lots of brick walls. Big kitchen and good for self-caterers.

Charming Studio in Boston Brownstone A simple but comfortable South End condo right on Columbus Ave., easy access to transit and the best dining in the neighborhood.

Where To Stay For History: North End

The North End neighborhood is Bostons oldest and is commonly referred to as Little Italy, since its where all the Italian immigrants in the 19th century settled . This waterfront community has cobblestone streets and plenty of good reasons to visit, including the Paul Revere House and Christ Church .

Best Places to Stay in the North End

MID-RANGE: Battery Wharf Hotel This place isnt exactly budget, but the North End doesnt really do budget. The rooms come with large TVs, free Wi-Fi, and impressively comfortable beds. The Aragosta Bar and Bistro serves a fantastic Italian breakfast, and the lobby lounge does cocktails and candy . Even better: the spa is top-notch.
LUXURY: Boston Yacht Haven If you want a room with a view, this is it. The Boston Yacht Haven is right on the water, and it even has its own marina . The rooms are crazy posh, and if you can, request one with a harbor view and balcony. Theres free breakfast other perks include free Wi-Fi, board games, and an in-room microwave and fridge.

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Best Boutique Hotel In Boston: The Liberty Hotel

Without a doubt the most interesting hotel in Boston is The Liberty Hotel. Why? Its the former Charles Street Jail and theyll never let you forget it! Everything here has a jail theme, from the hotel rooms that were once cells to the open lobby that was once the jails gymnasium. The rugs are covered with patterns of skeleton keys and pocket watches. And the bars and restaurants have witty names CLINK serves up delicious American fare while Alibi serves up cocktails and is covered with giant framed celebrity mug shots.

The Liberty is always buzzing few hotels in Boston are able to match the scene on a Friday night. Come here and youll meet interesting people. If you like having a hotel close to the nightlife, you cant get much closer than this. And hotel guests get extra privileges like getting to have food and drinks from Catwalk, the jails original catwalk, which now overlooks the lobby scene.

The Liberty is technically located in Bostons blink-and-youll-miss-it West End neighborhood, right by the Charles MGH red line stop. Walk across the street to enjoy the small-town feel of Beacon Hill, one of the citys most charming neighborhoods, and enjoy the stroll down Charles Street to the Public Garden. You can also hit up the nearby bars like Harvard Gardens, where youre guaranteed to hobnob with doctors and surgeons who work at nearby MassGeneral. Read more and book here.

Three more excellent Boston boutique hotels:

Our Recommended Hotels Near The Subway In Boston

Best Boston Hotels – Travel Channel

Address: 161 Devonshire Street, Downtown BostonNear Subway Station: State Street on T Blue and T Orange LineAmenities: Air Conditioning, Restaurant, Bar, Free Wired Internet in the business centre, Paid WiFi in rooms, Cable TV, Fitness Centre, Room Service, 24 Hour Reception, Concierge, Self LaundryMini Review: And one more 4-Star Hotel in the City Centre for you. The Hilton Downtown also boasts a great Downtown location, this one a little closer to the harbour and in the Financial District. It is within easy walking distance of the New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall and a brief walk from State Street Station on both the Blue and Orange Line. This hotel is normally pricey, but also has good deals available when its not so busy. Since they cater to business travellers, the best deals are usually on the weekends. If youre searching for a reasonable rate for a 4-Star Hotel in downtown Boston, be sure to check it out. Dont forget the cost of parking if you are driving your vehicle or a rented car. Its over $50 USD per day. This may or may not be a factor for you, but we want to point out that this hotel does charge for WiFi access.

Where To Stay In Boston For Luxury

Although Bostonians are known for their lack of ostentation and show, the city certainly doesnât lack fine luxury hotels, whether you prefer classic continental grandeur or chic contemporary style.

The undisputed grande dame of Boston luxury hotels is the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston, a landmark of elegance since it opened in 1912. Its location doesnât get much better, overlooking beautiful Copley Square, with the stately Boston Public Library and Trinity Church as its neighbors. The interior is nothing short of sumptuous, and the service matches.

Just around the corner and with quite a different style but equally luxurious is the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. The art collection displayed in its spacious lobby, restaurant, and public rooms is spectacular, and the guest rooms are elegant with exotic touches.

With rooms overlooking the leafy Public Garden and its famous swan boats, Four Seasons Hotel Boston exudes style. The spacious lobby is decorated with magnificent floral arrangements, and the rooms are stylish and supremely comfortable. The house car for local transport is a welcome amenity.

The Westin Copley Place

The Westin in Copley Place is part of the Marriott line of resorts, and if youve ever stayed at one, youll know what type of luxury they offer and that their resorts and hotels are generally both luxurious and kid-friendly at the same time.

Kids under 12 can get involved in their special activity club, while kids and teens will find plenty else to do around the resort.

Consoles to-rent are great for both kids and adults, and they offer many more amenities right at the resort and of course, plenty to see just a shuttle away from there, including the Public Garden.

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Boston Marriott Copley Place

This Is One Of The Coolest Spa Hotels in Boston Central

Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel features a health club, an indoor swimming pool and a business centre, and lies 5 minutes’ drive from the large park “Boston Public Garden”. Set in the centre of Boston, the venue offers quick access to the shopping mall “Skywalk Observatory”.

Situated in Back Bay district, the accommodation is set 0.4 km from Newbury Street. The hotel is located next to John B Hynes Veterans Convention Center. Park Street Church is only a couple of minutes’ drive away.

Boston Marriott Copley Place:

Wi-Fi

This Is One Of The Most Luxurious Budget Hotels in Central Boston

The Colonnade Hotel Boston is situated in Back Bay district, 700 metres from the public Copley Square and features 285 rooms with views of the city. Guests of this stylish venue benefit from a winter garden and loungers and a lending library in proximity to the movie theater “Boston Symphony Hall”.

The shopping mall “Skywalk Observatory” is less than 0.4 km away. The accommodation is 3 km away from the centre of Boston. The Colonnade Hotel is a few minutes’ drive from Park Street Church.

The Colonnade Hotel:

50 Park Plaza At Arlington Street

Its Also One Of Largest Good Hotels in Boston Central

Boston Park Plaza: