The 8 best cheap but cool hotels in Boston right now

💎 Best for: a stylish stay on a budget 

If you want a hotel that has bags of personality, look no further than The Revolution Hotel in Boston’s South End. Celebrating local history with a proud, quirky attitude, this property swaps ultra-luxury for locally inspired style, which is evident in everything from the lobby’s mural to the fitness center’s hanging yellow sneakers.

The options range from apartment-style suites with city views to European-style rooms with shared hallways baths. All feature a sleek, industrial aesthetic and thoughtful amenities like blackout shades. Next door, Cósmica serves up vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes and really great margaritas, while the lower-level Spy Bar listening lounge offers an intimate, ‘70s speakeasy vibe.

Perfectly situated among the South End’s charming brownstones and cobblestone streets, the hotel is steps away from local favorites on Tremont Street. It is an ideal neighborhood for a quieter, authentic vibe that remains a scenic 15-to-25-minute walk from major highlights like Boston Common and Newbury Street.

Time Out tip: We aren’t kidding about those margaritas—even if you have other dinner plans, stop by for one on your way. 

Address: 40 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
Price per night: Prices start at $149 per night
Closest transport link: Both Back Bay and Arlington stations are a 10 minute walk

📍 Discover the best hotels in Boston right now

💎 Best for: sightseeing, surprisingly

Perfectly positioned between downtown and the Boston harborfront, The Dagny is housed in the city’s first art-deco skyscraper from 1928, and welcomes guests with historic grandeur, featuring a dome-ceilinged lobby and an impressive ship-inspired light fixture.

While the 403 guest rooms favor a sleek, minimalistic design in soothing blue-grays, thoughtful details like complimentary water, plush robes, and slippers elevate the experience. Spacious suites also offer cozy living areas and convenient mini-kitchens.

Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille is a luxurious space serving standout seafood, including a decadent pan-seared scallop main. Next door, Tradesman cafe provides colorful pastries and craft cocktails in a quirky, antique-filled setting. Complete with a good fitness center offering complimentary yoga, this ideal location offers quiet surroundings just a short walk from major attractions like Boston Common, Beacon Hill, and the Freedom Trail.

Time Out tip: There’s complimentary yoga on every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15am in the fitness center. 

Address: 89 Broad St, Boston, MA 02110  
Price per night: From around $240
Closest transport: The aquarium blue line train is a 5-minute walk, and park street is a 13-minute walk (which connects to the red, orange, and green lines)

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💎 Best for: a little peace and quiet 

For a staycation completely off the tourist trail, the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville offers a quiet retreat just outside the big city. Sitting on the Cambridge/Somerville border, this 163-room property is a popular spot among business travelers, solo explorers, and visiting college families alike.

The minimalistic rooms are surprisingly spacious, featuring modern art, pops of yellow, and tech-friendly perks like casting-enabled TVs and Bluetooth-equipped mirrors. Downstairs, the cozy lobby—complete with a central fireplace and co-working nooks—complements a fun game room and a well-equipped fitness center.

While there is no room service, the on-site Italian restaurant, Josephine, channels a bougie, laid-back European vibe with standout wood-fired pizzas and housemade cello flights. Positioned between Union, Harvard, and Porter Squares, the hotel provides easy access to an eclectic local food scene, independent vendors at Bow Market, and the bustling energy of downtown Boston.

Time Out tip: Just because this place is out of the center of town doesn’t mean there aren’t landmarks near by — explore the Harvard campus! 

Address: 515 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Price per night: Prices start at $199 per night
Closest transport link: Several bus routes nearby, and a 15-minute walk to Union Square green line or Porter Square red line. 

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What was once an unremarkable Best Western has morphed into a modern, bright and budget-friendly boutique hotel run by Hilton. Rooms are decked out with locally sourced art and furniture, plus amenities including free wifi, a 32” TV, microwave, fridge and bath slippers. On the grounds, there’s a lovely little courtyard in which to relax. Plus, there’s a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions.

Time Out tip: Subject to availability, hop on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus to all the best nearby attractions. 

Address: 220 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138
Price per night: Starting from $170
Closest transport: Alewife Station (MBTA Red Line), and 
Boston Logan Airport is a 25 minute drive. 

The Inn at Longwood Medical distinguishes itself with kindly customer service and kid-friendly amenities. Kids receive a toy of Hope the teddy bear and a coloring book upon check-in and eat for free at the hotel’s restaurant. A short distance away from Fenway Park, the hotel is also perfect for large groups in town to take in a Red Sox game (or series). Rooms are spacious, bedding is plush and the city views are sweeping; the suites also come with kitchenettes.

Time Out tip: We weren’t kidding about this place being kid-friendly—the free meal offering applies to both lunch and dinner. 

Address: 342 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Price per night: Starting from $180
Closest transport: Longwood Medical Area Station (MBTA Green Line E Branch) or Longwood Station (Green Line D Branch), with Boston Logan Airport being between 20–25 minutes away by car. 

Rooms in this narrow hotel are cozy and basic, but you’ll be spending most of your time out on the town given your proximity to, well, everything. The hotel sits across the street from the historic Boston Public Library and a block away from the famed shopping and dining of Newbury Street; the Copley MBTA stop is less than 50 yards away. Don’t forget to grab your complimentary coffee and pastry (or bagel) from the onsite cafe.

Time Out tip: This place is a standout option if it’s your first time to Boston. Oh, and the library is open until 8pm Monday through Thursday—check it out in the evening. 

Address: 655 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Price per night: Starting from $240
Closest transport: Copley Station (MBTA Green Line). Boston Logan Airport is a 20 minute drive away. 

In a busy area with rather limited lodging options, this modern, 56-room boutique hotel stands out. The sleek, marble-heavy lobby gives way to light-filled rooms thanks to the oversized windows. Porter Square is the forgotten child among Cambridge and Somerville’s more celebrated squares (Harvard, Davis), but the eclectic area boasts a full range of dining options. Rooms come equipped with a desk, hairdryer, iron, bathrobe, slippers and free wifi. There’s also a cute patio with benches to enjoy.

Time Out tip: Leave some room in your suitcase for all the great bookstores around here. 

Address: 1924 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Price per night: Starting from $235
Closest transport: Porter Square Station (MBTA Red Line & Commuter Rail), and the airport is a 25 minute drive away. 

Need a room for less than 100 bucks? The Farrington Inn, located in the student-favored area of Allston, will see you through. The decor is dated and the bathrooms are shared, but for your money you get all you need, such as a double bed, TV, dresser, hairdryer, towels and free wifi. If you stay longer than five days, you’ll get a room with a kitchenette too (or access to the shared kitchen), but Harvard and Brighton Avenues offer plenty of dining options, as well as independent shops.

Time Out tip: Kimchipapi Kitchen is one of our favorite restaurants, but have a read of our guide to Boston’s top spots for Korean food. 

Address: 23 Farrington Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Price per night: Starting from $96
Closest transport: Packards Corner Station (MBTA Green Line B Branch), and the Boston Logan Airport is just a 15-minute drive.