Best hotels in Boston

Boston’s best hotels offer guests something unique. From a night in a former jail to a stay in a rock ’n roll motel, the digs in this city are definitely different. Stay in a Boston hotel to see a Red Sox game or immerse yourself in Beantown’s art scene with a weekend in a hotel that could easily be an art gallery.

Alternatively, book a weekend in a luxury hotel that makes your little ones feel just as pampered as you. If you’re traveling with four-legged friends, the very best hotels in Boston will roll out the VIP carpet for them as well.

The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection

70 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210

Combine art, Seaport views and sleek lines with a stay at The Envoy Hotel. One of the best hotels in Boston for culture lovers, your hotel room is within walking distance of the city’s Institute of Contemporary Art.

Not that you need leave the hotel for bold colors and mixed media. The Envoy sees itself as a work of art – and the hotel’s curated gallery is well worth your time.

When you’re done with the exhibits in and around The Envoy, trot back to one of their 136 rooms. Inside, you’ll find bespoke furniture commissioned for the hotel, locally sourced bathroom products and downtown skyline views. The Latin-inspired restaurant, Para Maria, takes its food seriously, securing first-rate reviews from guests and locals.

Studio Allston

1234 Soldiers Field Road Boston, MA 02135

Another Boston hotel adding creative pieces to its walls, Studio Allston is almost an art gallery first and a hotel second. The tastefully curated collection includes work by local and national artists, giving guests a flavor of the Boston art scene.

Nearby, the Harvard Art Museums and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts are within a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, the cheers of the Red Sox fans at Fenway Park stadium are just as close. On your doorstep, don’t miss the Charles River views and amphitheater performances in Christian Herter Park.

Studio Allston’s monochrome rooms act as a blank canvas for the bold wall art. Expect vibrant art headboards to be the backdrop to your two queen beds. Premium linens elevate the room to deliver a chic but minimalist night’s sleep.

The Liberty Hotel, Beacon Hill

215 Charles Street Boston, MA 02114

If any building could tempt you to spend a night in jail, it’s The Liberty Hotel. Gone are the bleak bunks from 1851 – in their place, floor to ceiling windows and luxe fluffy bathrobes. There are still plenty of nods to The Liberty’s past, however. Cheekily named restaurants, Scamp, Alibi and Clink sit within the revamped brick walls of the prison.

Guest room safes sit behind mock old-world safes, - but that – and the artistic use of key motifs on the decor – is where the jail cliches begin and end. If you’re keen to sleep in the original prison, be sure to tell staff when you book a room. Many of The Liberty’s rooms are in a newly added wing.

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

25 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA 02141

Driving to Boston for a luxury break? The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel ticks the top two boxes – luxe and location. Situated west of Downtown Boston, the hotel is a short walk – or drive from the city’s top attractions.

Take a stroll to the Charles River, Boston’s Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium – or hop in the car to see a game at Fenway Park or enjoy a night at the Boston Opera House.

Taking inspiration from the nearby science museum, some rooms at the Kimpton Marlowe include telescopes to scan the night sky. Fitness is a priority too – bikes and kickboard scooters are available for guests to explore the city on. The in-room yoga mat is a rare find in any hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel

200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

This five-star hotel might be the first choice for families looking to stay in Boston. Luxurious and high-end amenities abound while the kid-friendly perks will woo families looking to treat little ones to a stay to remember.

There’s free cookie-making classes for all ages, while babysitting services allow parents an often much-needed break from the bath and bedtime routine. The neat touches – a complimentary toy, tiny robes, children’s movies and the unlimited snacks and drinks from ‘The Vault’ make holidaying here with younger family members a breeze.

The swimming pool feels very grown up, however, but in keeping with the elegant vibe at the Four Seasons.

The Verb Hotel, Fenway-Kenmore

1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

Looking for a hotel in Boston that’s a little different? Consider a stay at The Verb. Opened in 1959 as a motel, renovations have elevated the venue into a cool, hip hangout – without compromising on the 60s style and nostalgia.

From the vintage jukebox in the lobby to the rock memorabilia – The Verb is the place to stay in Boston for music lovers. Retro music posters fill the walls, signed guitars, pop music books and an impressive vinyl collection make every space in the hotel a pop culture treasure trove.

Located right next door to Fenway Park – you can pair your rock ’n roll stay with a Red Sox game. Swim laps of the hotel pool accompanied by the Verb’s curated playlist or chill in your room as a vinyl album spins on your in-room turntable.

Sonder 907 Main

907 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening in 2020 was a tough route for any hotel to take, but Sonder 907 Main made it work. The Cambridge location helped – as did the gorgeous, historic brownstone façade, complete with period features.

Exposed brick, bay windows and custom furniture will only get you so far though. Sonder 907 Main’s appeal definitely benefits from its Central Square location. Lush green parks, artisan bakeries and third wave coffee shops set the scene – the shopping is on point too.

Back at the hotel, huge pillows and king-size beds as standard ensure a peaceful night’s sleep in one of Boston’s buzziest neighborhoods. Don’t miss brunch at the Dial, Sonder 907 Main’s in-house restaurant. Expect American classics your tastebuds will remember long after you drive home.

The Colonnade

120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

This Back Bay hotspot puts you in the heart of the city’s tourist hub. Ideal for sightseeing, The Colonnade is one of the best hotels in Boston for pets too. Their VIPets program ensures your dog – or cat, gets a bed, bowl and food to enjoy during their stay.

Your concierge can also arrange dog walks, pet sitting, vet visits and more – plus tip you off to other nearby pet-friendly locations. Whether you’re traveling with – or without – a four-pawed friend, you’ll be wowed by The Colonnade’s roof top pool. Soak up the Back Bay views or explore further afield.

Skip across the street to shop at Prudential Center or Copley Place Mall – or stroll a little further to enjoy the views along the Charles River Esplanade.

Some of the best hotels in Boston offer unique, curated extra experiences – such as art and music memorabilia. If you’re looking to take a themed break, be sure to seek out a hotel that matches your interests.

Get to know more about Boston

Ready to book a hotel in Boston? Our expert guides contain everything you need to plan a trip to Beantown.

• Best restaurants in Boston
• Best things to do in Boston
• Boston Driving Guide