Boston, with its rich history, wide open green spaces and first-rate museums, is a must-visit city for any tourist. While I may be biased (I grew up here), I think more people should visit — especially history buffs and foodies.
Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, exploring the bustling Seaport District, or enjoying the iconic views along the Charles River, the city has so much to offer (don’t miss the Freedom Trail!).
And when it comes to finding a place to stay, Boston has plenty of options for every type of traveler and budget. But some of these hotels are better than others. Others should be avoided altogether.
To help you find the perfect base for your stay, here’s my list of the best hotels in Boston:
1. Godfrey Hotel Boston
The Godfrey Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. One thing I really like here is that they offer complimentary bikes, helmets and locks, which is great for covering more ground while exploring. They also have a fitness center with Peloton bikes. When it comes to breakfast, they have a cafe offering pastries, fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches. The hotel restaurant is also really good (it’s a Peruvian Japanese fusion place with a cool interior and great cocktails). For a quick nightcap, the hotel lobby bar is a great option, and I love that they even give you a complimentary welcome drink.
Rooms are sleek and minimal, with plush linens and comfortable beds with windows that let in lots of natural light (there are also blackout curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep). I appreciate the well-thought-out amenities, including the handy workspace, mini-fridge, 55” Samsung HDTV, BOSE Bluetooth speakers, and yoga mats. The bathrooms are equally impressive, with glass-enclosed showers, high-end toiletries and plush robes. Overall, the central location, chic design and solid amenities make this hotel an excellent choice for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.
2. Steppineapple Boston
This quaint and fun boutique hotel is located in Back Bay, just steps from Boston Common and within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. The design of the hotel is bold and vibrant, with pineapple-themed décor throughout. Don’t worry, it looks better than you think and adds a playful twist to an otherwise classic, early 20th century building. I love that when you check in, you get a free welcome drink at the hotel bar/restaurant and free coffee, tea and light snacks in the lobby in the afternoon. While no breakfast is served on site, there are plenty of breakfast places nearby. Also, the hotel offers free bikes that you can use to get around the city.
The rooms here are compact but well designed, making maximum use of space with an efficient layout. Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are bright and colorful, with playful pineapple accents, comfortable beds with plush bedding, and thoughtful amenities like a Keurig coffee maker, fluffy robes, slippers, and a small desk. I also like that they provide a reusable water bottle filled with filtered water in the room (you can take it with you or leave it and they will recycle it when you leave). Bathrooms are sleek and new, with glass-enclosed showers, quality toiletries and large plush towels.
Overall, this is a great choice for travelers looking for a unique, budget-friendly stay in a prime location. It’s an especially great option if you’re traveling with pets, as they’re known for their dog-friendly rooms and amenities.
3. Langham
A former Federal Reserve Bank landmark five star hotel, this unique hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. I love walking through the grand entrance into the stunning lobby with its grand chandelier and marble accents. The former bank hall is now the hotel’s signature restaurant, Grana, which serves classic and unique Italian meets New-England dishes (think lobster cannoli) as well as a fantastic breakfast menu, from freshly baked pastries to more indulgent options like Florentine Benedict. I also really love their British-inspired cocktail bar, Fade. They also offer excellent cocktails, elevated pub fare and free jazz every Friday. There’s also a high-tech fitness center that’s open 24/7 as well as a beautiful (and heated) indoor pool for when you want to relax.
Spacious, elegant rooms feature sumptuous beds, curated artwork from local artists, sleek furniture, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. In-room amenities include a large work desk, Nespresso machine, well-stocked minibar (I love that it’s stocked with local goodies), safe, and a 50” flatscreen TV. In-room bathrooms are equally spacious and elegantly designed, with luxurious marble finishes and walk-in rainfall showers (some rooms even have deep soaking tubs).
The Langham is a great choice for travelers looking for a centrally located hotel that blends old-world charm with modern conveniences. If you want to splurge look no further!
4. Seaport Hotel Boston
Located along the water, this four-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as the waterfront, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Children’s Museum. The hotel has a sleek, contemporary design with plenty of natural light and open spaces, with great amenities including an 11,000-square-foot 24/7 fitness center with group classes, a heated indoor pool, steam room and a peaceful garden. area
There are also three great restaurants on site. For breakfast, I love the fact that you can either sit down at Aura, their breakfast restaurant that offers a variety of delicious options for all diets, or grab some fare from the Seaport Cafe. For dinner, try TAMO Bistro + Bar, where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu (including herbs and honey from the hotel’s own rooftop garden and bee colony).
Every room has a great view of the city or the harbor. Plus, they’re spacious and comfortable, with comfy beds with pillowtop beds, a pillow menu, and even weighted blankets on request. I also appreciate the reading lamps and USB ports on the headboards. All rooms have work desks, 55″ HD TVs with streaming services, Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges and laptop-sized safes. Bathrooms are also large, with marble countertops, large fog-free mirrors, and walk-in showers with quality bath products. If you want to stay in an area that tourists don’t usually consider, stay here.
5. The Newbury Hotel Boston
Located on Newbury Street across from the historic Boston Public Garden, this iconic five-star property is a masterpiece of classic elegance. It first opened in 1927 as the Ritz Carlton Hotel and recently underwent an extensive two-year restoration, reopening as The Newbury. I love how this luxuriously moody feel goes with the velvet furniture, richly colored walls and custom artwork. I especially like the private library lounge for guests. It’s perfect for settling down with a drink and grabbing a book off the shelf to read. For breakfast, I recommend the stunning rooftop restaurant, Contessa, which is Italian meets American (with dishes like panettone French toast and carbonara scramble), though you can also get classic egg and pancake breakfast fare at the hotel’s street bar.
The rooms here are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with custom-designed furnishings, original paintings on the walls, and soft lighting for a calming atmosphere. Each room includes a plush king or queen bed with high-end mattresses. I especially appreciate the headboard lighting and large work desk, although the room also has amenities like a Nespresso machine and a fully stocked minibar. The marble bathrooms have glass-enclosed rain showers, bespoke toiletries and really nice fluffy robes and towels.
Everything about this place is luxurious, making it a unique option for those looking for an upscale and comfortable stay in Boston. It is also a prime location for exploring Back Bay’s high-end shopping, dining and cultural attractions.
I love Boston. I think it’s one of the largest cities in the US, it has all the benefits of a big metropolis with a small town feel, which is why, despite all my travels, it remains at the top of my list. Be sure to choose one of the above hotels to ensure a memorable stay in one of America’s most historic cities!
Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
use Skyscanner To find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they find websites and airlines worldwide so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. Use if you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel Booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For the best hostels, check out this post on the best hostels in the city. And if you want to know the best neighborhoods, here’s my guide to all the best areas in town!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer great service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the things I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel.
Want more information about Boston?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Boston for more planning tips!