Boston Travel AgencyEst. 1969 · Bespoke Private Travel

Plan your visit

Where to stay in Boston

Where you stay shapes your whole Boston trip. The city is small enough to walk, but each neighborhood has its own personality, from the brownstones of the Back Bay to the cobblestones of the North End and the glass towers of the Seaport.

Here is our neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide, with hotels we like at three levels: Luxury, Classic and Value. Boston hotel prices swing a lot with the season. Expect the highest rates in September and October, around graduations in May, and during big events like the Marathon in April.

Photo: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0

Find your neighborhood

Three ways to stay

Back Bay

Victorian brownstones, Newbury Street shopping and Copley Square. Central, beautiful and easy to walk from, which makes it our top pick for first-time visitors.

Good to know: Walkable to the Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade and the Prudential Center. The Green Line and Back Bay Station connect you to the rest of the city.

  • LuxuryMandarin Oriental, BostonPolished service and a full spa, connected to the Prudential Center shops.
  • LuxuryFour Seasons One Dalton StreetSleek rooms with skyline views in one of the city's tallest towers.
  • ClassicFairmont Copley PlazaA grand 1912 landmark facing Copley Square and Trinity Church.
  • ClassicThe Lenox HotelA family-owned Boston favorite steps from the Marathon finish line.
Brownstones on Newbury Street in the Back Bay
Brownstones on Newbury Street in the Back Bay. Photo: David Adam Kess, CC BY-SA 4.0

North End & Waterfront

Stay in the middle of Boston's history and its best Italian food. You can walk to Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and the harbor in minutes.

Good to know: The North End itself has few hotels, so most options sit along the waterfront a short walk away. Great for Freedom Trail days and harbor cruises.

  • LuxuryBoston Harbor HotelThe famous arch at Rowes Wharf, with harbor views and water taxis at the door.
  • ClassicBattery Wharf HotelA quiet waterfront hotel on the edge of the North End.
  • ClassicBoston Marriott Long WharfRight next to the Aquarium and the harbor cruise docks.
  • ValuecitizenM Boston North StationCompact, stylish rooms by TD Garden, a short walk to the North End.
Rowes Wharf from the water
Rowes Wharf from the water. Photo: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0

Beacon Hill & Downtown

Gas lamps, brick sidewalks and the Public Garden on Beacon Hill, with the historic heart of downtown just beyond. Charming, central and full of character.

Good to know: Steps from Boston Common, the State House and the start of the Freedom Trail. The Theater District is close by for evenings out.

  • LuxuryFour Seasons Hotel BostonA longtime favorite overlooking the Public Garden.
  • ClassicOmni Parker HouseOperating since 1855 and the birthplace of the Boston cream pie.
  • ClassicThe LibertyA dramatic hotel inside the former Charles Street Jail.
  • ValueMoxy Boston DowntownA playful, budget-friendly hotel in the Theater District.
Acorn Street on Beacon Hill
Acorn Street on Beacon Hill. Photo: Seasider53, CC BY 4.0

Seaport

Boston's newest neighborhood, built on old wharves along the harbor. Modern hotels, rooftop bars and some of the city's best seafood restaurants.

Good to know: Close to the convention center and the airport, with water views everywhere. It is a bit of a walk to the historic sites, but the Silver Line and water taxis help.

  • ClassicOmni Boston Hotel at the SeaportA big, modern hotel with a rooftop bar and pool.
  • ClassicThe Envoy HotelA boutique hotel known for its harbor-view rooftop bar.
  • ValueYOTEL BostonClever, compact cabins in the heart of the Seaport.
Downtown Boston seen from the harbor
Downtown Boston seen from the harbor. Photo: National Park Service, Public domain

Cambridge

Across the river, Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT, with bookstores, cafes and a lively college-town feel. Often a little less expensive than downtown Boston.

Good to know: The Red Line takes you into Boston in about 10 to 15 minutes. Ideal for college visits and a slightly slower pace.

  • ClassicThe Charles HotelThe classic Harvard Square stay, right on the Charles River.
  • ClassicHotel VeritasA small, intimate boutique hotel near Harvard Yard.
The John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard
The John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard. Photo: Jessica Williams, CC BY-SA 3.0

Fenway & Kenmore

Stay in the shadow of the Green Monster. Fenway is lively on game nights and close to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Good to know: Kenmore Square has a Green Line stop for quick trips downtown. Prices can jump on game and concert nights, so book early.

  • ClassicHotel CommonwealthA comfortable favorite in Kenmore Square, steps from Fenway Park.
  • ClassicThe Verb HotelA retro, rock-and-roll themed hotel across from the ballpark.
  • ValueHotel BuckminsterA historic, budget-friendly hotel right in Kenmore Square.
The Green Monster at Fenway Park
The Green Monster at Fenway Park. Photo: Zoke, CC BY-SA 4.0
Now plan your days. See our 2, 3 and 5-day Boston itineraries →

Hotel picks are our suggestions; rates, renovations and availability change, so check current details before you book.