Boston may be one of America’s smaller major cities, but it’s a place that punches much higher than its weight class.
It’s a destination where history abounds, the restaurants are world-class, the public gardens are lush, and the sports teams are always winning. (Sorry, New Yorkers, but I said what I said.) It’s also a city where every kind of traveler can find exactly what they’re looking for and spend time doing only what they wish — from walking the Freedom Trail to visiting the seals at the New England Aquarium, taking a jaunt down the Esplanade to shopping Newbury Street, Boston really does have it all.
But, before you can do that, you must find a great hotel. Here, find 10 of the best hotels in Boston.
Richard Mandelkorn / Courtesy of The Langham, Boston
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
Located in the historic Federal Reserve Bank building, The Langham is the perfect mix of landmark city charm and modern luxury. The hotel’s interiors are a high-end delight, with rooms boasting leather furnishings, plush bedding, and marble baths. But the best feature of the rooms is the stellar view. Each room in this It List-awarded hotel comes with massive windows, providing picture-perfect skyline panoramas. As a bonus, those who book the Executive Rooms and Suites also have complimentary access to The Langham Club for even more personalized service.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Indoor swimming pool and the award-winning restaurant, GranaLocation: 250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $405 per night
Nikolas Koenig / Courtesy of The Newbury
Also available to book at Hotels.com
The Newbury Boston swung open its doors in 2021 and quickly became a Boston favorite, and was even named the best hotel in Boston in the 2023 World’s Best Awards.
However, it’s important to note the building’s hospitality history. You see, the new hotel sits on the site of America’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel, giving it plenty to live up to. Luckily, it does, thanks to amenities like suites with wood-burning fireplaces, views of the Public Garden, and dining venues like Contessa, perched on its 17th floor.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Rooftop restaurant Contessa, bespoke concierge servicesLocation: 1 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116Resort fee: $40 per nightParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $593 per night
Courtesy of Historic Hotels of America
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
XV Beacon, another 2023 World’s Best favorite, stands out from the crowd thanks to its smaller size. With just 63 rooms, it’s a place where travelers can expect one-to-one service and all the right lavish touches like in-room fireplaces, high-end linens, and even Frette bathrobes so you can cozy up in style. Don’t miss the hotel’s steakhouse, Mooo…., for exceptional steaks.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Gas fireplace in every room, rooftop terrace, complimentary pet amenitiesLocation: 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $506 per night
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels
Also available to book at Hotels.com
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston, a 2023 World’s Best Awards winner, offers unrivaled glamour in one of Boston’s most prestigious neighborhoods. But more than that, it makes every guest feel like a star.
“You can tell that the Four Seasons Hotel Boston staff considered every angle of the guest experience. The amenities are super-thoughtful: Each guest floor has a complimentary pantry, ‘The Vault,’ stocked with candy, chips, and drinks,” Liz Cantrell, senior editor at T+L, shared.
“There’s also a special family check-in experience where children can select a vintage toy from a secret closet; a sixth-floor terrace where you can order drinks from a classic red telephone booth; and a coffee bar that will deliver your (free) espresso anywhere in the hotel. The design is also stunning — the hotel was redone in 2023 to reflect the Boston Public Garden, which is right across the street, and to pay homage to the historic brownstones around the neighborhood of Back Bay.”
The Details:
Standout amenities: Indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, the coffee conciergeLocation: 200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $730 per night
Courtesy of Accor
Also available to book at Hotels.com
Raffles Boston opened in September 2023, ushering in a new level of luxury. The hotel blends that timeless elegance that other global Raffles hotels are known for with distinctive touches you’ll only find here.
“On arrival, I was whisked to the 17th-floor Sky Lobby, which has wraparound views of the skyline,” Cantrell said of her stay. “My room was sumptuous, with sophisticated gold and black touches that gesture to the brand’s Asian design identity. Butler service was discreet and attentive. After check-in, I found a chilled cranberry cocktail called the ‘Boston Sling’ (a nod to the Singapore Sling, created at the flagship property in 1915) waiting in the room’s glass-fronted wooden bar.”
Also, take advantage of the hotel’s rooftop restaurant for skyline views or the treatments at its expansive Guerlain Spa.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Rooftop bar, spa, bespoke butler serviceLocation: 40 Trinity Place, Boston, MA 02116Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $931 per night
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
The Liberty Hotel, located at the foot of Beacon Hill, has a unique history. The one-time Charles Street Jail was declared “unfit” after prisoners revolted in the 1970s. It’s far from unfit now and could easily be considered one of the most sought-after hotel stays in the city.
The hotel maintains many of the jail’s original architectural elements, including the wrought ironwork and windows, mixed with more modern elements like its fashionable Liberty Bar that serves craft cocktails, Clink, its seafood-forward restaurant, or its much-celebrated dining venue, Scampo, serving some of the best Italian food in Boston.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Unique jailhouse architecture, multiple dining options, fitness center.Location: 215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114Resort fee: $25 per nightParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $644 per night
Courtesy of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Also available to book at Hotels.com
The Boston Harbor Hotel, located on the historic Rowes Wharf, is well-known for its breathtaking views and refined taste. Here, guests can settle into spacious, well-appointed rooms that ooze coastal chic with neutral hues and light blue splashes. Make the most of your stay by ensuring you book a harbor-view room, or go for the Admiral’s Suite, which includes a massive balcony. Don’t miss the hotel’s Sea Grille, which offers an authentic taste of New England classics.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Indoor pool, fitness space, waterfront diningLocation: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $567 per night
Courtesy of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Also available to book at Hotels.com
The Eliot Hotel in Back Bay offers a prime stay for those looking for a boutique experience. The hotel’s 95 rooms and suites are adorned with calming earthen tones and light baby blues.
Here, guests can choose simple rooms for shorter stays or go for larger two-bedroom suites for longer ones with family and friends. The hotel is also home to the acclaimed Uni restaurant, which serves contemporary Japanese food and is overseen by James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer. Before booking, check out its special packages, which include bespoke experiences and discounts on area attractions.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Award-winning dining at Uni, multi-room suitesLocation: 370 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $305 per night
Also available to book at Hotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, located just steps from the Boston Common, is as refined a hotel as they come — but it’s also about as far away from stuffy as a destination of this caliber can get. During a holiday season stay, I visited for an overnight with my pup, Alastor, who was warmly greeted by the staff in the lobby and in our suite, where he found a plate full of dog-appropriate cookies. All guests at the hotel (four-legged or otherwise) can expect this service. They can also expect elevated dining at the Artisan Bistro and innovative cocktails at Avery Bar.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Elegant dining options, lovely views from upper-level suitesLocation: 10 Avery Street, Boston, MA 02111Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $695 per night
Courtesy of Accor
Also available to book at Hotels.com
For over 100 years, the Fairmont Copley Plaza has symbolized Boston elegance at its finest. The hotel’s exterior is unmistakable, while its interiors are equally alluring. Inside its 383 rooms and suites, guests will find high-end furnishings and windows overlooking the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church. Guests should ensure they book a table at Oak Long Bar + Kitchen, the on-site restaurant serving American cuisine, including a must-dine brunch menu that will leave them satisfied for the rest of the day.
The Details:
Standout amenities: Historic architecture, shopping concierge, fitness centerLocation: 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA 02116Resort fee: NoneParking info: Valet parking is available for an additional feeAccessibility: Accessible rooms availableStarting rates: Rates vary by season, but we found rooms starting at $237 per night
Know Before You Go
Pack in layers.
Boston’s weather can be volatile, so it’s a good idea to pack in layers. Bring a raincoat, a sweater, or a light jacket in spring and summer and something heavier for the fall and winter months.
Bring your sneakers.
Boston is a walkable city. It’s also a fantastic place to explore on foot, so you can easily duck into the tiny shops and cafes in the various neighborhoods. Bonus points if you walk at least a part of the Freedom Trail.
Book a tour.
Boston is absolutely brimming with history, which makes it a great city to go on a guided tour. There are endless options for walking tours, including specialty tours for photography, history, and even ghosts, so pick the one that suits your interests and get on your way.
How We Chose These Hotels
Several of the hotels chosen for this story have earned spots in our World’s Best Awards and It List, and many are also personal favorites of our editors.
Writer Stacey Leasca grew up in Rhode Island, attended Emerson College in Boston for her Masters program, and lived in Boston for several years following graduation. Stacey also consulted family and friends who frequently visit or live in Boston for their input and researched guest reviews from many websites for others. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.
