Whether it’s your first time visiting Boston or you’re more of a familiar face, you’re likely visiting Boston for one of three reasons: history, sports, or food. But regardless of your itinerary or budget, Boston has plenty of great hotels to choose from!
Boston is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States. It’s the site of the Boston Tea Party as well as the Paul Revere House, which is the last surviving home of a Founding Father. The city also has many of the country’s firsts, including the first public park (Boston Common) and first subway system. Boston is home to one of the oldest major league baseball stadiums still in use, Fenway Park, where you can catch a Boston Red Sox game. Basketball and hockey fans can watch the Celtics and Bruins respectively at TD Garden in the West End. Boston’s food scene has a little bit of everything – from seafood and pastries, to Chinese, Italian, or Dominican cuisine.
When it comes to choosing a hotel, I will usually focus on its proximity to the city center and the things I plan to do, plus all the new food and coffee places I want to try. Below I’ve put together a pros and cons list for each of the Boston hotels I’ve stayed in, plus others I’ve considered for future trips, in the hopes it may help you as well!
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Planning a trip to Boston? Check out these things to do during your visit!
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Hungry? Check out my favorite places to eat & drink in Boston!
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Looking for a caffeine boost? Check out all the coffee shops I’ve visited in Boston.
Boston Neighborhoods Guide
Before choosing a hotel, you need to decide what part of the city is right for you. Officially Boston has 23 neighborhoods, but they can be further broken down into another 80+ subdistricts! Below are the most tourist-centric neighborhoods to focus your search for hotels and popular attractions you’ll find in each.
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Back Bay – Known for its Victorian era brownstone homes, as well as upscale shopping, galleries and restaurants along Newbury and Boylston Streets.
Neighborhood Attractions: Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Trinity Church, and the Charles River Esplanade. -
North End – Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood and the city’s Little Italy.
Neighborhood Attractions: Paul Revere House, Boston Public Market, Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, and the USS Constitution Museum. -
Beacon Hill – A favorite of tourists, this historic area in the heart of the city is known for its cobblestone streets and Federal style architecture.
Neighborhood Attractions: Museum of African American History, Boston Athenaeum, Boston Common, and the Massachusetts State House. -
Downtown – A commercial neighborhood that includes the Theatre and Financial Districts, as well as Chinatown and Downtown Crossing.
Neighborhood Attractions: Citizens Opera House, Chinatown Gate, the Historical Society of New England, and the Old South Meeting House. -
Seaport – Located across the Fort Point Channel from downtown Boston, this redeveloped section of the southern waterfront is filled with entertainment, food and drink options.
Neighborhood Attractions: Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Harborwalk, Museum of Ice Cream, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Highlighted Boston Hotels
Like in many large US cities, especially those in the Northeast, Boston hotels are a bit on the pricey side. I’ve stayed in Boston a handful of times over the years, sometimes focusing on budget-friendly options and other times opting to treat myself. Regardless of the price point, I always prefer to stay at hotels that are somewhat easy/quick to get to via public transportation from South Station. Below are the three hotels I’ve personally stayed in during my visits to Boston.
The Godfrey Hotel
505 Washington Street – Downtown Crossing
⭐ 4 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Positives:
- Spacious and clean rooms.
- 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
- Complimentary snacks/water in the room and welcome drink at the lobby bar.
- Close to shopping, bars, and restaurants.
- Walking distance from Boston Common.
- Laundry and dry-cleaning services available.
- Valet parking available (additional fee).
- Connected coffee shop and Peruvian-Japanese Fusion restaurant.
Negatives:
- More expensive than other options.
- Additional daily “Urban Fee” (amenity fee).
- Parking for $60/day (2025).
- No room service available.
- Sheets are lower quality than I’d expect from a 4-Star hotel.
- No airport shuttle service.
- Street noise can sometimes be a bit loud, especially in rooms on lower floors.
DoubleTree by Hilton – Downtown
821 Washington Street – Downtown Crossing
⭐ 4 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Positives:
- Mid-range priced option (cheapest of the ones I’ve stayed in).
- Near Chinatown and the Theater District.
- Free access to the YMCA next door.
- On-site restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Parking and dry cleaning services available (additional fees).
- 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
- Digital keys available for Hilton Honors members.
Negatives:
- Right next to Tufts Medical Center, so the area can be a bit noisy.
- No airport shuttle service.
- Not many shops or restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
- Decor was a bit dated on my last visit, but apparently they’ve since renovated.
- No pets allowed.
- Parking for $65/day (2025).
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
50 Park Plaza – Theater District
⭐ 4 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Positives:
- Beautiful lobby and bar.
- Less than a mile walk to Boston Common and the Freedom Trail.
- Daily $15 food and drink credit for the lobby bar/restaurant.
- Valet parking, gym facilities, dry cleaning, and room service available.
- Pet-Friendly (additional fees).
- 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
Negatives:
- TINY room for what I paid.
- Additional daily “Resort Fee” (amenity fee).
- No airport shuttle service.
- Large hotel – it can take a while to get to your room from reception.
- Popular venue for events, so the lobby can be very crowded at times.
- Parking is expensive – $70/day (2025).
Omni Parker House
60 School Street – Downtown Crossing
⭐ 4 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Positives:
- Historic building with a beautiful gold-accented lobby.
- Near Quincy Market, Boston Common, and many Freedom Trail sites.
- Coffee shop, restaurant, and bar on-site.
- Valet parking, gym facilities, dry cleaning, and room service available.
- Pet-Friendly (additional fees).
- 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
Negatives:
- Most expensive of the highlighted hotels.
- Additional daily “Destination Charge” (amenity fee).
- Hallways have seen better days.
- No airport shuttle service.
- The Last Hurrah bar is often closed for private events.
- Parking is expensive – $70/day (2025).
Other Boston Hotels To Consider
While I’ve mainly stayed downtown, the plan is to explore other neighborhoods a bit more in the future. Below are a few hotels in other neighborhoods that I’m considering for my next trips to Boston. Each is centrally located and highly rated!
The Charlesmark Boutique Hotel
655 Boylston Street – Back Bay
⭐ 3 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Highlights:
- European-style boutique hotel with 40 rooms.
- On-site cafe with complimentary breakfast (coffee & pastries) for guests.
- Great location – located across the street from the Boston Public Library and an MBTA station.
- 24-hour reception desk with luggage storage.
- Complimentary use of the Tennis and Racquet Club – Boston’s oldest athletic and social club.
- Parking available (offsite) for an additional fee.
Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront
3 Battery Wharf – North End
⭐ 4 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Highlights:
- Located on the Boston Harbor Walk – many rooms have water views.
- Easy access to North End attractions like the Paul Revere House and TD Garden.
- Private water taxi service to Logan International Airport (seasonal & additional fees apply).
- 2 Restaurants, a gym, and Exhale Spa on-site.
- 24-hour reception desk with luggage storage.
- Parking available for an additional fee.
- Pet-friendly.
Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill
5 Blossom Street – Beacon Hill
⭐ 3 – Star Hotel
View on: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Highlights:
- Located near Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and Charles River Plaza.
- Restaurant, gym, and seasonal outdoor pool on site.
- Parking available for an additional fee.
- 24-hour reception desk with luggage storage.
- Pet-friendly.
What are your go-to Boston hotels? Let me know in the comments!
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