Planning a trip to Boston and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the neighborhood and hotel options? You’re not alone! If you’re not from the area, deciding where to stay in Boston can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we have you covered. This guide provides an easily digestible overview of four of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods, and three top hotels in each one. So put on your virtual walking shoes, and let’s check them out!
Historic and hip: Back Bay
Probably Boston’s most famous neighborhood, the historic and upscale Back Bay is home to everything from high-end shopping and dining on Newbury Street, to laid back biking and picnicking on the banks of the Charles River. Its central location provides easy access to major tourist attractions, alongside beautiful old residential brownstones.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Enjoy over a hundred years of history, combined with the best of modern luxury amenities at the landmark, four diamond, Fairmont Copley Plaza. Walk everywhere, including the historic Boston Public Library, Boston Public Garden, and upscale boutique shopping on Newbury Street.
Address: 138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116
The Lenox Hotel
If you love the Fairmont location, but want a cozier feel, head just a few blocks away to the Lenox Hotel. With a lobby fireplace and attached Irish pub, you can enjoy a four-star luxury stay, combined with some more casual dining and socializing options.
Address: 61 Exeter Street, Boston, MA 02116
Mandarin Oriental
Justin Bieber stayed here, so why not you? In the heart of the bustling Back Bay and less than a twenty-minute walk to Fenway Park, the Mandarin Oriental offers five-star luxury amenities in addition to being directly attached to the high-end Prudential Center shopping mall.
Address: 776 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
Central and charming: Beacon Hill
If you love the central location and high-end character of Back Bay, but you’re looking for a slightly more quaint feel, you’re in luck, because just on the other side of the Boston Public Garden is the charming historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Home to the Massachusetts State House, and the Museum of African American History, early European settlers erected a beacon here to warn of impending danger, resulting in it becoming known as Beacon Hill.
Travler’s tip: Boston is a wonderful town for art lovers. If you’re looking to get a glimpse of the city’s best collections, check out our list of the Best Art Galleries in Boston.
XV Beacon
The XV Beacon is a popular, pet-friendly, five-star hotel adds to its appeal by also donating to local animal shelters. And if you’re not only an animal lover, but also an art lover, XV Beacon doubles as an art gallery, featuring, among other works, an ancient Roman mosaic and paintings by prominent early American portraitist, Gilbert Stuart.
Address: 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
The Liberty Hotel
When you think of champagne, do you also think of being in jail? We didn’t think so! But that’s what you’ll get at this unique Marriott Luxury Collection hotel. The cheekily named Liberty Hotel used to be an actual, working jail, and now, in addition to staying there overnight, they give guided tours of the building’s somewhat spooky history, but thankfully end with a cobweb-clearing glass of bubbly.
Address: 215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
The Whitney Hotel
If you’re looking to stay in shape while you’re away, the four-star Whitney Hotel offers complimentary bicycles and a fitness studio featuring a Hydrow rower and Tonal machine. And with certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Whitney claims an admirable documented effort towards reducing its environmental impact.
Address: 170 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
Bustling and modern: Downtown
Home to Boston’s bustling financial district during the week, as well as popular shopping and dining destination, Faneuil Hall, the Downtown Boston neighborhood offers doorstep access to many historic sites on Boston’s famous Freedom Trail. From Downtown, you can also easily access other popular areas and attractions, including the North End for some great Italian food, Chinatown, the Theater District, and the hip and modern Seaport District.
The Langham
Stay in a piece of financial history. Protected by the Boston Landmarks Commission, the luxurious Langham building was originally built in 1922 as The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and looks almost exactly the same today. And have a soft spot for a bit of British charm? Then head to the Langham’s London pub-inspired cocktail bar, and check out their creative collaboration with the Paddington Bear brand. Too cute!
Address: 250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
Boston Harbor Hotel
Love the downtown location, but fancy a bit of fresh sea air? The Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond Boston Harbor Hotel answers that call. Situated in an architecturally stunning building directly on Boston Harbor’s waterfront, this luxury gem provides city buzz on one side, and relaxing water views on the other.
Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
InterContinental
Just a five-minute walk from the Boston Harbor Hotel is the four-star, highly rated InterContinental Boston. Ranked second in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 10 Hotels in Boston: Reader’s Choice Awards 2023,” this historic luxury accommodation offers floor-to-ceiling city views combined with a perfect waterfront location.
Address: 510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
Boston’s best eats: South End
Filled with artists, creatives, art galleries, and unique eateries, Boston’s beloved South End has a cozy, social feel. You can still easily walk or get the bus to central areas of Boston, and then retreat at the end of the day to a thriving urban neighborhood that, somehow, still feels just a tad more suburban and “local.”
The Revolution Hotel
The unique and vibrant, almost rebellious, character of the three-star Revolution Hotel is boldly illustrated by the lobby’s 65-foot spray paint masterpiece by artist Tristan Eaton, and seems to make the spirit of the South End feel tangible. Enjoy a built-in community co-working space and lobby coffee shop for those who can’t quite leave all the work behind!
Address: 40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116
Clarendon Square
Securing the number one spot in the inaugural Best Bed & Breakfasts rankings by U.S. News, Clarendon Square is a four-star luxury boutique inn that gives the feeling that you’ve returned home at the end of the day. Socialize in the bespoke parlor, sip tea with a book in the library, or unwind in the rooftop hot tub with a spectacular city view. What’s not to love?
Address: 198 West Brookline Street, Boston, MA 02118
Staypineapple
Looking for something a little different? Staypineapple prides itself on ditching the “corporate and stuffy,” and being the “cookies and popcorn” to other hotels’ continental breakfasts. A Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023 winner, Staypineapple’s vibrant yellow accents and people-centered philosophy has garnered a loyal and enthusiastic following. And Staypineapple is dog-friendly, so bring Fido too!
Address: 26 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116
As you can see, Boston has a vast array of amazing neighborhoods, all with their own unique character. When deciding where to stay, make sure you find something that fits your needs, but you really can’t go wrong in this charming city.
And once you’ve decided on where to hang your hat (Red Sox, of course), why not check out one of our fabulous walking tours? Our local experts will guide you along the Freedom Trail where you can walk in the footsteps of revolutionary patriots or a Boston food tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most beloved bites.