There really is no place quite like Boston. As one of the oldest cities in the US, it is home to some of the country’s most incredible historic landmarks and famous sites. Whether this is your first trip to Beantown or your tenth, you’ll find endless things to do in this vibrant and diverse city!
You’ll love exploring the iconic landmarks along the Freedom Trail or touring the city on one of the famous Duck Boats. Soak up the summer sun at one of the nearby beaches, have a picnic in the verdant Public Garden and Boston Common, or jog on one of the many trails along the Charles River Esplanade.
Boston boasts endless entertainment options, so it’s perfect for travelers who want to have a good time. With so many lively bars, restaurants, and music venues, you will be spoiled for choice. Plus, Boston is home to some of the best sports teams in the US including the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics. There’s a reason why it’s known as the City of Champions!
Boston just happens to have a variety of historic hotels, art-filled retreats, and modern boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Boston to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Check out our top 3 picks:
Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts
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The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts
1. The Liberty
With its storied past, The Liberty is one of the most unique hotels in Boston. Nestled at the base of Beacon Hill, this impressive building was built in 1851 and was home to the Charles Street Jail until 1990! After meticulous renovations, this luxury hotel opened its doors to guests in 2007.
The hotel is located a 3-minute walk from the Charles River Esplanade and one mile from the vibrant Faneuil Hall. You can borrow a bike from the hotel, which makes seeing all of the area’s iconic sites a breeze.
Choose from a variety of different rooms, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, classic New England-style furniture, workstations, 55-inch flat-screens, and spa-like baths with Molton Brown body products. If you want more space, you can opt for one of the opulent suites that feature sweeping views of the Charles River and Beacon Hill, regal living areas, and separate bedrooms.
Between exploring the historical elements of this architectural gem, learning about its interesting past, and wining and dining at the six onsite bars and restaurants, you might never want to leave this amazing hotel!
2. 907 Main
907 Main opened its doors in fall 2020. It might be the new kid on the block but it’s already being touted as one of the best boutique hotels in Boston. Set right in the heart of Central Square in Cambridge, this historic 1871 building has been meticulously renovated to maintain its historic roots while offering guests a luxurious and whimsical stay.
The hotel was designed to pay homage to Margaret Fuller, a 19th-century author and pioneer of the transcendentalism movement so expect to find references to this period throughout the hotel! The restaurant is named The Dial, which is a nod to the magazine that was co-founded by Fuller in 1840.
All rooms boast king-sized beds topped with luxury linens and Simmons 13-inch pillow top mattresses, as well as 55-inch TVs, designated workstations, and Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the 1,000-square-foot penthouse has two bedrooms, a sleek living area, and a huge rooftop deck. 907 Main also offers some really cool packages including the Girl’s Getaway, Romance in the Square, and Mom or Dad-Cation packages!
Dine on creative culinary concoctions at the hotel’s lively restaurant, sip cocktails at the only rooftop bar in Central Square, or grab a scoop of Toscanini’s Ice Cream at the shop in the lobby. Lafayette Square, Harvard University, and John F. Kennedy Park are all a short stroll away.
3. The Eliot Suite Hotel
With its brick facade, grand marble entryway, and top-notch customer service, The Eliot Hotel is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway. This elegant boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful 1920s neo-Georgian building and is located in the historic Back Bay neighborhood. Fenway Park, the chic shops of Newbury Street, and the Hynes Convention Center are all a stone’s throw away.
The lavish European-style guestrooms and suites feature plush beds, spacious workstations, beautifully patterned ikat fabrics and curtains, and Italian marble ensuites. You’ll love the thoughtful extras like the welcome gift, turndown service, and complimentary nightly shoe shine. While the hotel doesn’t have a gym, you’ll have free access to the nearby Boston Sports Club.
The Eliot is also home to UNI, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Boston. If you feel like staying in for the night, slip on the comfy bathrobe, get cozy in bed, and order fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and street food-inspired Japanese dishes to your room! Though dining at the sophisticated izakaya-style restaurant is highly recommended.
4. The Revolution Hotel
True to its name, The Revolution Hotel offers guests a completely different travel experience. Housed in a 1950s mid-century modern building (and former YMCA), this boutique hotel opened in 2018 and quickly emerged as one of the most unique hotels in Boston. Set right in the heart of the trendy South End, all sorts of hip cafes, swanky bars, and excellent eateries are right outside your door.
Step inside The Revolution and you’ll immediately see why this place is the essence of cool. In an effort to pay tribute to the history and culture of the area you’ll find street art-style murals, a 3-story collage of the city’s famous inventions, and custom wallpaper featuring famous Bostonians throughout this one-of-a-kind hotel.
There are a ton of different rooms to choose from, including modern rooms with ensuites, stylish loft-style suites, and bunk rooms with surprisingly deluxe shared baths. With an onsite co-working space, this is a great option for digital nomads. Not only can you get your work done with the lightning-fast internet, but there are vending machines and a walk-up craft coffee shop to keep you fueled.
After a long day working or exploring the town, head to the hotel’s restaurant, Cósmica. This Cal-Mex taqueria serves up creative concoctions like fried clam tacos, cheesy lamb quesadillas, and spicy vegan taco bowls. Top it off with an alcohol-infused slushy or a tequila-based cocktail!
5. The Verb Hotel
If you’re in town for a Red Sox game or a concert, The Verb Hotel is a fun option. It’s literally right across the street from Fenway and steps away from the House of Blues! Not only is the location awesome, but this boutique hotel was tailor-made for travelers who want to have a good time.
Formerly a rundown Howard Johnson motel, this 1950s building has been given a retro facelift. This rock’n’roll-themed hotel is decked out in music paraphernalia – from vintage music posters to in-room record players and a vinyl library. Even the lobby is designed to look like a recording studio!
Rooms feature plush beds, funky music-themed artwork, and retro decor like vintage typewriters. Be sure to pick out a record from the library and play it in your room. You can choose from rooms with balconies, rooms overlooking the pool, or rooms facing Fenway!
Head out to the picturesque courtyard and float the day away in the seasonal heated saltwater pool. It’s the perfect place to lounge around on a hot summer’s day. You’ll love the Insta-worthy vintage bus out front and the hotel’s hip Japanese tavern, Hojoko.
6. The Whitney Hotel Boston
If you’re looking for a home away from home during your next visit to Boston, The Whitney is one of the coolest hotels in the city. This luxurious boutique hotel opened its doors in 2019 and was designed to offer guests a pampering yet homey experience. Plus, the super attentive staff will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Located on Beacon Hill, just blocks away from Boston Common, The Whitney boasts 65 well-appointed rooms. Each room features Wright mattresses, Frette Italian linens, and 55-inch flat-screens with streaming services. If you’re traveling with your furry friends, they even offer a pet-friendly package offering your pups unlimited gourmet dog treats, plush dog beds, and bowls for food and water.
You’ll love the extra amenities including the Nespresso coffeemakers, the comfy robes and slippers, and the turndown service with yummy macaroons! There’s also a mini-bar stocked with local products including Bully Boy drinks, nuts from Charles Street’s Fastachi, and coffee and chocolates from Beacon Hill Chocolates. Each floor has a pantry with apples, ice, and seltzer if you need a snack or want to mix in-room cocktails with your Bully Boy spirits.
Head out to the courtyard where you can curl up with a book from the library or warm up with a glass of wine around the outdoor fire pit.
7. Revere Hotel Boston Common
The Revere Hotel is an excellent option if this is your first trip to Boston. Most of the city’s major attractions – Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and Newbury Street – are just a short stroll away. Plus, this unique boutique hotel is all about celebrating Boston’s independent and unique spirit.
Step inside this sleek hotel and you’ll find all sorts of funky paintings, sculptures, and murals paying homage to Paul Revere and other Boston icons. Stylish rooms feature plush beds, ergonomic workstations, and 55-inch flat-screens. You’ll love the extra touches from the Cuisinart coffeemaker to the pillow menu. Be sure to choose one of the rooms with stunning views of Boston Common and the Back Bay neighborhood.
Head up to the swanky rooftop bar for sunset cocktails and enjoy the sweeping city views. The Revere is surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants but if you feel like staying in, you can dine on locally-sourced pub fare at the onsite Rebel’s Guild. Or, if you’re exhausted from a long day on the town, put on your PJs, order up a bowl of New England clam chowder or a juicy burger to your room, and have a relaxing night of Netflix!
8. The Godfrey Hotel Boston
The Godfrey Hotel is yet another gem located steps away from Boston Common Park and the Theater District. Housed in two historic buildings from the early 1900s, this beautiful boutique hotel is the perfect pick if you want to be right in the heart of town. Plus, all of the shops of Downtown Crossing are right across the street.
The friendly staff goes the extra mile to provide you with fun extras like yoga mats for your morning yoga sessions and free bicycles if you want to explore downtown Boston on two wheels. Before heading out on the town, you can sip your morning cup of joe at the hotel’s George Howell cafe. The cafe also has grab-and-go pastries and sandwiches if you’re in a rush.
You might be surrounded by some of Boston’s best restaurants, but be sure to enjoy at least one dinner at the hotel’s totally unique restaurant. RUKA serves seriously creative Peruvian-Japanese dishes such as ceviche-filled tacos and Wagyu anticucho. The restaurant also boasts a long list of Japanese whiskeys and craft cocktails if you want to imbibe.
The modern rooms are the perfect place to unwind after a long day spent exploring the city. Ultra-comfy beds, large flat-screens with smartphone-to-TV media streaming, and plush robes make for a tempting movie night.
9. Hotel Commonwealth
Located right in Kenmore Square, the Hotel Commonwealth is yet another great option for hardcore Red Sox fans. Not only is this luxurious hotel located across the street from Fenway Park, but it has all sorts of cool features that baseball fans will love.
You can opt for a room facing Fenway Park or looking out over the bustling Kenmore Square. If you really want to cheer on the Red Sox, go all out and book the 700-square-foot Fenway Park penthouse suite. This Fenway-themed room boasts two bedrooms, all sorts of Rex Sox collectibles and paraphernalia, and a large deck with original Fenway Park seats overlooking the historic ballpark!
With its spacious and modern rooms, non-baseball fans will love the Commonwealth too. All rooms feature Serta Perfect Sleeper pillow-top beds with Italian linens and beautiful upholstered headboards. The Nexus tablets, smart TVs with Google Chromecast, and marble ensuites with Malin+Goetz bath products are nice extra touches.
The hotel is also home to some of the best wining and dining options around. You can snack on bar food and sip seasonal cocktails at The Hawthorne, have a romantic meal at the posh Island Creek Oyster Bar, or dine on fine French fare at Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks.
10. Studio Allston Hotel
With its art-filled lobby and unique rooms, Studio Allston might just be the coolest boutique hotel in Boston. Step into this funky retreat and you will never believe that the building was once a plain-old Days Inn. Before opening in 2018, the hotel teamed up with 22 local and national artists to create a colorful space that’s perfect for creative-minded travelers.
Guestrooms feature plush beds, modern furniture, and “artheadboards.” It’s well worth forking out a little more money to stay in one of the 10 themed suites such as the “Drink in the Cosmos Space Suite” and the “Reel Countdown Movie Suite”. Designed by artists, each suite is like living in an art installation!
The hotel restaurant, Casa Caña, serves up excellent New Latin dishes for brunch and dinner. Think Cuban Benedict or Huevos Rancheros for brunch and Carnitas Empanadas or Grilled Cuban Sandwiches for dinner. Be sure to order up one of the rum-infused beverages at the rum bar!
You might never want to leave this cool boutique hotel, but all of the hip bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues around Harvard University are a short stroll away.
11. The Boxer
This beautiful boutique hotel is located in a 1904 building right in the heart of the Bulfinch Triangle Historic District. With its central location, you can sample authentic Italian food in North End, stroll along the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, or go for a run by the Charles River. The Boxer will even provide you with free bikes so you can easily explore this amazing corner of Boston.
Because of the triangular shape of the building, each room is unique. You’ll love the comfy beds with stylish tufted bedframes, workstations with ergonomic chairs, and luxury baths with custom-designed vanities and Calcutta marble counters. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee from the Keurig coffeemaker, have a movie night with the 32-inch flat-screen, and listen to your tunes on the iHome.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch at the hotel restaurant, Bulfinch Social. Fill up on their decadent comfort food dishes – including Chicken & Waffles and Breakfast Burgers – before shopping on Newbury Street, catching a Celtics game at TD Garden, or hitting the Freedom Trail.
12. The Charles Hotel
If you’re looking for an upscale hotel in the Cambridge area, The Charles Hotel might be your best bet. This 10-story redbrick building is set right next to Harvard Square and a 5-minute walk to Harvard University. This is definitely a great option for parents, professors, or aspiring students wanting to pay a visit to Harvard or MIT.
The Charles has long attracted an impressive list of guests including Nobel laureates, elite academics, and famous celebrities. The hotel was fully renovated in 2020, so expect everything to be brand new and top-of-the-line.
Rooms and suites are outfitted with minimalist Shaker-style furniture, leather chairs, large writing desks, and plush beds with Frette linens and goose-down comforters. The luxurious ensuites boast rain showers, Carrara marble, C.O. Bigelow products, and TVs in the vanity mirror. Rooms look out over the buzzing Harvard Square or the scenic Charles River.
You can curl up on a leather couch and read a book from the lobby’s lending library, enjoy a complimentary morning cup of coffee, purchase farm-to-table fare at Henrietta’s Table, or enjoy an upscale Italian dinner at the Benedetto. The Charles is also home to one of the best jazz clubs in Boston!
That’s it – 12 of the best boutique hotels in Boston! Did we miss any cool Boston Hotels? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
Where to Stay in Boston
For a sprawling metropolis, Boston is a surprisingly walkable city. If you base yourself in the heart of town, attractions like the Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, and Downtown Crossing are easily reached on foot.
If you want to go further afield, Boston boasts an excellent public transportation system, locally referred to as the “T.” You can pretty much get anywhere in the Greater Boston Area by taking one of the T’s subways, buses, trolleys, or boats.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, Downtown and Back Bay are the best areas to stay in Boston. Not only are you close to all of the major attractions, but these areas have buzzing dining and nightlife scenes. If you’re planning to visit your kids at Harvard or MIT, basing yourself across the Charles River in Cambridge makes the most sense.
The hip South End is the perfect place to stay if you want to shop at funky boutiques, eat your heart out in trendy eateries, and party the night away at swanky bars or local pubs. Of course, Red Sox fans should definitely opt for a baseball-themed hotel near Fenway Park!
Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll find plenty of historic retreats and boutique hotels in Boston.
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Frequently Asked Questions
With its brick facade, grand marble entryway, and top-notch customer service, The Eliot Hotel is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway. The lavish European-style guestrooms and suites feature plush beds, spacious workstations, beautifully patterned ikat fabrics and curtains, and Italian marble ensuites. You’ll love the thoughtful extras like the welcome gift, turndown service, and complimentary nightly shoe shine. While the hotel doesn’t have a gym, you’ll have free access to the nearby Boston Sports Club.
If you’re looking for a home away from home during your next visit to Boston, The Whitney is one of the coolest hotels in the city. If you’re traveling with your furry friends, they even offer a pet-friendly package offering your pups unlimited gourmet dog treats, plush dog beds, and bowls for food and water.
The Revere Hotel is an excellent option if this is your first trip to Boston. Most of the city’s major attractions – Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and Newbury Street – are just a short stroll away.
Located right in Kenmore Square, the Hotel Commonwealth is a great option for hardcore Red Sox fans. You can opt for a room facing Fenway Park or looking out over the bustling Kenmore Square. If you really want to cheer on the Red Sox, go all out and book the 700-square-foot Fenway Park penthouse suite. This Fenway-themed room boasts two bedrooms, all sorts of Rex Sox collectibles and paraphernalia, and a large deck with original Fenway Park seats overlooking the historic ballpark!
The Eliot Hotel is home to UNI, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Boston. If you feel like staying in for the night, slip on the comfy bathrobe, get cozy in bed, and order fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and street food-inspired Japanese dishes to your room! Though dining at the sophisticated izakaya-style restaurant is highly recommended.
The Fort Hill Inn boston. If unique is what you seek!
The Lenox Hotel in Back Bay – amazing staff and incredible history!