The 20 best hotels in Boston

The grandeur of an earlier era is exquisitely reflected in the Fairmont’s ornate marble lobby. First opened in 1912, the hotel is centrally located and beautifully appointed, yet is still down to earth with amenities like its canine ambassador, a black lab named Cori Copley. The hotel’s 383 rooms are both neutral and soothing, decorated with commissioned sketches of Boston scenes. Guests can head upstairs to the expansive rooftop gym, then enjoy a cozy night at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, where stately interiors and inventive cocktails await.

Location perks? In Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, in the heart of Copley Square

Budget range? Caters to various budgets

Time Out tip: Look closely at the floors in OAK Long Bar, and see if you can find where the former Merry-Go-Round Bar once stood. (Yes, really.)

As one of Boston’s newest, shiniest, and most-anticipated hotel openings, the Raffles is certainly turning heads. The internationally acclaimed hotel brand not only offers 147 rooms plus residences in its 35-story tower, but also a slate of some of Boston’s buzziest restaurants and bars. There’s Amar, which creatively dishes up Portuguese fare with a New England twist; La Padrona, an exceptionally chic Italian spot; Long Bar and Terrace (emphasis on the terrace part: a stunning perch overlooking the city) and more.

Location perks? In the smack dab center of it all, with proximity to Back Bay, the South End and beyond

Budget range? High-end

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without ducking into the Blind Duck speakeasy.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more classically Back Bay getaway than the Newbury. The 286-room hotel is perched at the intersection of two of the neighborhood’s loveliest attractions: the leafy Public Garden and the top-tier shopping on Newbury Street, making it a fitting launchpad for exploring all the neighborhood has to offer. You don’t have to leave for a good meal, however. The Street Bar should be your go-to for a pre-dinner martini; then, head upstairs to Contessa, the striking rooftop Italian spot overlooking the city. 

Location perks? Near Boston Public Garden and Newbury Street’s luxury shopping

Budget range? Mid- to high-end

Time Out tip: Book one of the Fireplace Suites to have a designated fireplace butler light a fire with wood scents of your choice in the fireplace.

As Beacon Hill’s premier boutique hotel, the Whitney imbues the neighborhood’s old-world charm with contemporary flair. Inside you’ll find an excellent Italian restaurant called Peregrine, plus free bikes, a fitness center and a stylish shared lounge. Many of the city's best historic sites are a short stroll away, and the hotel's location near Mass General Hospital makes it a great choice for medical travelers and those visiting family at the hospital.

Location perks? On the edge of Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, a stone’s throw from the Charles River Esplanade

Budget range? Various room and rate options

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the Charles with the "Whitney on Water" package, which offers the option to rent sail boats or yachts.
 

Overlooking the Boston Common, the Ritz-Carlton eschews old-fashioned opulence in favor of contemporary style. A creamy, neutral color palette establishes a warm, relaxing atmosphere, while suites feature sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and imposing fireplaces. Guests enjoy access to the neighboring spa at the Equinox Sports Club, plus a pair of on-site haunts—Artisan Bistro and the Avery Bar—which provide a nice complement to the many restaurants and bars nearby.

Location perks? A very short stroll to the Theater District

Budget range? At the higher end of things

Time Out tip: Order a traditional martini at The Avery Bar— you won’t regret it.

A top-to-bottom renovation recently made this Boston institution sparkle even brighter. Housed in the former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the five-star hotel balances the city’s historic charm with plush, modern comforts. Behold local art in its 312 rooms, and consider stepping into the Langham Club, a guest-exclusive lounge with personalized services. (It’s free for guests of executive rooms and suites.) 

Location perks? It’s a short walk to the scenic Rose Kennedy Greenway, and beyond that, the waterfront

Budget range? High-end

Time Out tip: Grana, the on-site Italian restaurant, is worth visiting for the interiors alone, as it’s located in the Reserve Bank’s former grand hall.

As one of two Four Seasons hotels in Boston, this establishment is setting itself apart. It's situated within one of the city's newest skyscrapers, meaning you can gaze out at fantastic views while lounging on a couch or sipping a cocktail. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a feature of every room, and the wellness floor will have you feeling zen in no time. Oh, and the Japanese food at on-site restaurant Zuma is internationally acclaimed. 

Location perks? Back Bay, the Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park are all nearby

Budget range? At the higher end of the budget range

Time Out tip: Fans of afternoon tea can get their fill at contemporary lounge, Trifecta.

For travelers looking for dashes of coolness and kitsch, book a room at the mid-century modern Verb Hotel. This boutique lodging is a music-themed hotel with copious nods to rock n’ roll. The colorful glass windows and central pool are a treat here, as are the “Backstage Trailers,” or Airstreams you can book for the night. Oh, and every room has a record player so you can jam out.

Location perks? Around the corner from Fenway Park and all the fun bars surrounding Kenmore Square

Budget range? Mid-range

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without having a meal at Hojoko, a fun “rock n’ roll Japanese tavern.”

Mandarin Oriental hotels delight guests around the world, including in Boston, thanks to their top-tier luxury and consistently fantastic service. If the sparkling reception lobby in this location doesn’t wow you straight away, the suites certainly will. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can look out at the whole of the city’s jaw-dropping skyline. 

Location perks? Brilliant views of historic Back Bay

Budget range? High-end

Time Out tip: Don’t pass up a visit to the hotel’s award-winning spa, where you can book a couples massage in the “sanctuary of serenity.”

For more than a century, The Liberty Hotel existed as a decidedly different entity: the Charles Street Jail, which saw inmates such as notorious local criminal James “Whitey” Bulger and the “Boston Strangler,” Albert DeSalvo. Now, the place is almost unrecognizable from its earlier days—save for Clink, the restaurant which sports a few barred windows. Many of the hotel’s 298 rooms offer sumptuous river views, and during the summer months, the hotel hosts regular yoga classes and after-work events for both guests and locals, including fashion shows, cooking classes, and a weekly “Yappy Hour” for dog owners.

Location perks? Centrally situated between Beacon Hill and Cambridge

Budget range? Caters to a range of budgets

Time Out tip: Visit at Christmas time to see the hotel’s stunning lobby display: Christmas trees suspended upside down from soaring ceilings.

For old-school luxury beloved by Brahmins, book a room at XV Beacon. This stunning hotel only has seven guest rooms on each floor, meaning privacy and personalized service rise to the top of the list. Each spacious room feels modern but still cozy, and the hotel itself displays an impressive art collection.

Location perks? It’s right near Boston Common and Massachusetts State House

Budget range? The highest of high-end

Time Out tip: In warmer weather, do kick back on the roof deck.

This luxurious waterside hotel is regally perched on Rowes Wharf along Boston Harbor. One of the hotel’s unique offerings is its summer happenings: during those months, you can enjoy chef-prepared picnics on the green and a whole host of waterfront entertainment from DJ sets to live jazz. Another enticing feature is its on-site seafood restaurant complete with a raw bar and a buffet brunch.

Location perks? Easy access to the Boston Harborwalk and its many waterfront restaurants 

Budget range? Many mid-range budget options

Time Out tip: Boston Harbor is perhaps best enjoyed from the water—simply ask a concierge to set up a boat cruise for you.

The 136-room Envoy’s interior plays up its buzzy Seaport location with modern, nautical-themed rooms. Para Maria, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, serves up Latin-inspired dishes and craft cocktails for both casual brunch and dinner dates. But the truly happening spot is the massive rooftop bar overhanging the harbor. It’s one of the hottest spots to grab a drink in town—even in winter, when heated igloos take over the roof.

Location perks? Sweet views of the city skyline

Budget range? Mid-range

Time Out tip: You really can’t leave without grabbing a drink on the roof. Locals and hotel guests alike relish the experience.

The five-star Four Seasons is known for its famous guests. When the Stones roll into town, this is where they set up camp. Built on the site of a former Playboy Club, the hotel boasts an ideal location in the Back Bay with lovely views of the Public Garden, plus impeccable amenities (an impressive swimming pool, fitness center, and spa) and services. 

Location perks? Just steps away from the Boston Public Garden and the Theater District

Budget range? At the higher end of the budget

Time Out tip: Aujourd’hui is beloved for its breakfast specialties, which you can eat while watching weeping willow trees sway in the wind at the Boston Public Garden.

Hotel Commonwealth is made up of rooms that are modern and doused in sunlight—and many face out onto Fenway Park. Its collection of on-site restaurants might be the most impressive in the city, with a lineup that includes Blue Ribbon Brasserie, Blue Ribbon Sushi and TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie. There's also a rooftop for socializing under the stars. 

Location perks? Views of one of Boston’s greatest landmarks, Fenway Park, as well as Kenmore Square and the Citgo Sign

Budget range? Affordable to mid-range.

Time Out tip: Baseball-themed packages are available for die-hard Sox fans.

Built in 1925, the historic Eliot Hotel is located on the edge of the Back Bay. Its 95 elegantly decorated rooms feature marble bathrooms and decorative curtains, not to mention plush bathrobes and a complimentary overnight shoeshine. Uni, the award-winning subterranean Japanese restaurant, lets guests enjoy sushi bar treats and street food-inspired small plates without having to venture outside.

Location perks? Overlooking the scenic Commonwealth Avenue Mall and steps from the shops lining Newbury Street

Budget range? Mid-range

Time Out tip: Take a look at the hotel’s special packages before you stay—they give guests access to walks, tours and dining deals.

If it’s a trendy, budget-friendly stay you’re after, head to the Revolution Hotel in the South End. Located in a former YMCA, this micro-hotel offers 177 stylish rooms, some with private bathrooms and others with shared facilities (though they still feel luxurious). The place is a breath of fresh air, decked out in murals and local art. There's plenty of color and open space for working remotely, and the on-site Mexican restaurant Cósmica serves late-night tacos and margaritas Thursday–Saturday until midnight. 

Location perks? You’ll be smack in the heart of the rowhouses of the South End, while still being close to Back Bay

Budget range? Affordable, yet small, rooms

Time Out tip: In a hurry? Don’t pass up the morning grab-and-go coffee and pastries from KoHi Coffee Co. 

The privately owned Lenox, which first opened in 1900, boasts a prime location next to the Boston Public Library. The hotel’s regal gold-and-blue decor oozes quiet elegance, while its rooms feature brass chandeliers, dark wood furniture, and marble bathrooms. Several rooms also boast working fireplaces, as does the charmingly restored lobby. 

Location perks? It’s a stone’s throw to Copley Square, thanks to its direct frontage on Boylston Street

Budget range? Various mid-range budget options

Time Out tip: The hotel just opened two new restaurants (with a third in the works): Sweeney’s on Boylston and the Irving at the Lenox. 

As Boston’s only Brutalist hotel, the Colonnade is an architectural marvel. It’s been recently renovated, too, now offering 285 bright and modern rooms. A major highlight is its rooftop pool. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, guests (and day pass holders) can luxuriate in the sun surrounded by some of Boston’s most iconic skyscrapers. 

Location perks? Directly across from the Prudential Center, not to mention mere feet from a Green Line stop

Budget range? Mid-range

Time Out tip: Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can buy a day pass to the rooftop pool.

This chic downtown hotel is a haven for business travelers and those seeking central access to the city. From the sleek wood-paneled lobby, you’ll travel upstairs to rooms that are urbane and opulent, with terrific city views. Along with a whole host of thoughtful amenities, like a fitness center, lounge, meeting rooms and a sophisticated restaurant, Hotel AKA also provides a master class in pet-friendliness, from complimentary dog beds to pet dishes.

Location perks? Situated just across the street from the historic Granary Burying Ground and a quick walk to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Budget range? It costs a pretty penny for a typical three-night stay here, so expect no less than exceptional service and trendy decor. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip stopping in the nearby Boston Public Market for a cider doughnut from Red Apple Farm.