Where to stay in Boston? The best areas and places to stay

0

Voyage Tips - Advice

Searching for hotels in Boston and short on time? Discover travelers’ favorite hotels in Boston on Booking.com by clicking here!

Pro tip: Book quickly, they go fast!

And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Boston, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.

Where to Stay in Boston: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Boston? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Boston very well, I have created this guide of:

  • Boston’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
  • For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Boston

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Boston, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

In the Downtown District

Downtown Boston is the city’s historic and commercial heart.

It’s a dynamic, central district that blends modern skyscrapers with historic buildings.

The area is particularly buzzing during the day, with its shops and offices.

It’s an excellent starting point for touring Boston, as you can easily reach other neighborhoods on foot or by subway.

I recommend this district for your stay in Boston:

  • To be close to all the essential points of interest
  • If you are visiting Boston for the first time and want to explore everything easily
  • If you enjoy the urban and dynamic atmosphere of American downtowns
  • To easily go to the best restaurants and shops without needing transportation.

This area is the ideal place to discover:

  • The Freedom Trail, the famous historical route that allows you to discover the important landmarks in the city
  • Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, historic markets converted into shopping galleries
  • The New England Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums on the East Coast
  • Boston Common and Public Garden, the oldest public parks in the United States
  • The Financial District, with its impressive skyscrapers
  • The Theater District, known for its historic performance venues and Broadway-like atmosphere
  • The Old State House, one of the oldest public buildings in America
  • Downtown Crossing, the main pedestrian shopping area.

Where to Stay in Downtown Boston?

  • The Godfrey Hotel Boston: Just a 3-minute walk from Boston Common. Comfortable and bright double room starting at 310€. Strong points: the perfect location for sightseeing, welcoming staff, free bottled water, coffee, and snacks every day. An great choice for its excellent value for money.
  • Revere Hotel Boston Common: Located south of Downtown, next to the Public Garden. Carefully decorated double room starting at 365€. Strong points: the rooftop terrace with city views, friendly staff, quality bedding.
  • Harborside Inn: Located next to Faneuil Hall Market. Cozy double room starting at 370€. Strong points: great location, close to many restaurants, parking discount.
  • Canopy By Hilton Boston Downtown: Situated not far from the Old State House. Warm and elegant double room from 460€, breakfast for 39€. Strong points: the location, friendly staff, tranquility. It’s my favorite hotel for a romantic weekend in downtown Boston!
  • The Langham, Boston: This 5-star hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Freedom Trail. It offers superb rooms with meticulous decor from 510€, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: indoor pool, sophistication of the hotel, excellent bedding. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Boston!
The Langham Boston
The Langham Boston

In the Back Bay Neighborhood

Back Bay is one of Boston’s most elegant neighborhoods.

It’s known for its magnificent red sandstone Victorian houses and its tree-lined wide avenues.

This chic and residential area houses some of the city’s best boutiques along Newbury Street and Boylston Street.

There, you will also find numerous upscale restaurants and trendy cafes.

The neighborhood offers an excellent balance between tranquility and liveliness, with a more peaceful atmosphere than Downtown, while remaining very central.

This neighborhood is ideal for your stay in Boston:

  • If you like shopping in luxury boutiques and designer stores
  • For a romantic getaway
  • If you enjoy fine dining and gastronomy.

Back Bay neighborhood is perfect to discover:

  • The Prudential Center and its observatory offering panoramic city views
  • Trinity Church, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece
  • Newbury Street, Boston’s most prestigious shopping street
  • Copley Square and its magnificent Renaissance-style public library
  • Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a broad tree-lined walkway inspired by Parisian boulevards
  • The Charles River Esplanade, perfect for waterside strolls
  • The Victorian homes on Marlborough Street with their historic facades
  • The Mapparium, a stained glass globe that you can walk inside of.

Here are my top hotel picks in the Back Bay area

  • The Revolution Hotel: Located 500 meters from Copley Square. Modern and comfortable double room starting at 240€. Strong points: excellent location, stylish hotel design, gym facilities. An excellent choice for a stay close to the center.
  • The Colonnade Hotel: Right next to the Prudential Center. Spacious double room with large windows overlooking the city, starting at 260€. Strong points: rooftop pool, attentive staff, restaurant.
  • Boston Marriott Copley Place: Located next to several shopping centers. Spacious and chic double room starting at 370€, breakfast at 28€. Strong points: indoor pool, large gym, view. One of the few hotels in Boston with an indoor pool!
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza: This 5-star hotel is housed in a historical building dating back to 1912. It offers classically styled, very comfortable rooms starting at 420€, breakfast at 34€. Strong points: superb breakfast, excellent service, stunning architecture. A great choice for a luxury stay in Boston.
  • Raffles Boston: This iconic luxury hotel is located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. You’ll stay in exquisitely decorated rooms featuring beautiful bathrooms starting at 900€, breakfast at 48€. Strong points: indoor pool, highly attentive staff, delicious restaurant. Simply the best luxury hotel in Back Bay!
Raffles Boston
Raffles Boston

In the West End and North End Neighborhoods

The West End and North End neighborhoods are two historical and authentic areas located north of Downtown Boston.

The North End is Boston’s “Little Italy,” while the West End offers a more residential vibe.

The North End stands out with its narrow alleyways, numerous Italian restaurants, and small traditional grocery stores. The atmosphere is very lively and friendly, especially in the evenings.

The West End, quieter by comparison, is bordered by the Charles River.

Both these neighborhoods are ideally located to explore Boston on foot.

You should stay in these neighborhoods for:

  • An authentic experience
  • Enjoying a village-like atmosphere in the city center.

Must-visit spots and activities in these 2 districts:

  • Paul Revere House, the oldest house in Boston
  • The Old North Church, a historic church famous for its role in the American Revolution
  • Hanover Street, the main street in the North End with its Italian eateries
  • TD Garden, the legendary arena for the Celtics and Bruins
  • The Museum of Science, perfect for a family visit
  • Haymarket, a historic outdoor market
  • Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston’s iconic bridge

Best Hotels to Stay at in West End / North End

  • citizenM Boston North Station: Located next to TD Garden. Bright and minimalist double rooms from 300€, breakfast at 19€. Strong points: the iPad in the room, the views of Boston, and the very pleasant common areas.
  • Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront: Situated on the harbor walk. Spacious and warm double rooms starting at 365€. Strong points: the quiet location, the waterfront terrace, and the high-quality amenities.
  • The Whitney Hotel Boston: This 5-star hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Boston Common park. It offers tastefully furnished rooms starting at 410€. Strong points: the chic and quiet neighborhood, the comfort of the beds, and the location. A magnificent hotel for a romantic stay in Boston!
The Whitney Hotel Boston
The Whitney Hotel Boston

Where to Stay in Boston on a Budget

If you have a tighter budget, here is a selection of budget-friendly hotels in Boston:

  • HI Boston Hostel: A youth hostel located in downtown Boston. Dormitory beds from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: cleanliness, well-designed common areas, friendly staff. An excellent choice for an affordable stay in Boston.
  • Holiday Inn Express Boston by IHG: Located about 15 minutes from the city center by public transport. Double rooms from 200€, breakfast included. Strong points: close to the metro and a shopping area, spacious rooms.
  • Courtyard Boston-South Boston: Located 4 km from the historic center. Double rooms from 210€, breakfast at 17€. Strong points: close to the metro, peaceful area, very clean.

Staying in Boston with Family

All the hotels I’ve just mentioned offer family rooms, usually with two large double beds.

I particularly recommend:

The Revolution Hotel
The Revolution Hotel

What is the best hotel in Boston?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Boston, I recommend you The Langham, Boston.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Boston Marriott Copley Place.

Where to stay in Boston: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Boston, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

HotelDistrictPrice (from)
The Godfrey Hotel BostonDowntown310$
Revere Hotel Boston CommonDowntown365$
Harborside InnDowntown370$
Canopy by HiltonDowntown460$
The Langham BostonDowntown510$
The Revolution HotelBack Bay240$
The Colonnade HotelBack Bay260$
Boston Marriott Copley PlaceBack Bay370$
Fairmont Copley PlazaBack Bay420$
Raffles BostonBack Bay900$
citizenM Boston North StationWest End / North End300$
Battery Wharf HotelWest End / North End365$
The Whitney Hotel BostonWest End / North End410$
HI Boston HotelCheap Hotel90$
Holiday Inn Express BostonCheap Hotel200$
Courtyard Boston SouthCheap Hotel210$
The Revolution HotelHotel for families240$
The Colonnade HotelHotel for families280$
Revere Hotel Boston CommonHotel for families360$
Book your trip now and save money!

You’re traveling in the US? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about USA: All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

best area to stay in Boston
best area to stay in Boston
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Leave A Reply