Options abound in Boston when it comes to lodging, particularly in the downtown and Back Bay neighborhoods, where you’ll find most of the city’s boutique and chain hotels, including Mandarin Oriental Boston and The Ritz-Carlton Boston. However, Boston also has lots of cool, independent properties, as well as reasonably priced places to rest your head. Here are several options to consider that will fit a variety of budgets.
Hotels
Photo: The Revolution Hotel/Facebook
The Revolution Hotel — Set in a former YWCA, this fashionable place to lay your head oozes a Millennial spirit at every turn starting with its location in the artsy South End. Aside from its illustrious brick-row architecture, it has vending machines filled with funky options, Shinola bikes to ride, a pillow menu, and a pet-friendly policy, along with eclectic, Instagram-friendly interiors. Room choices range in style and price from the Studio Suite with a sitting room and separate bathroom to rooms with a shared bathroom at the end of each hall. The community area Conspire morphs from a free coffee and breakfast space in the morning to a beer lounge at night.
Photo: Revere Hotel Boston Common/Facebook
Revere Hotel Boston Common — This modern haven kisses Boston’s Theater District and sits fewer than 10 minutes by foot from Chinatown. Rooms include handsome details, like houndstooth chaise lounges and C.O. Bigelow bath products, and some even have little balconies. From the rooftop pool to the lobby, Paul Revere serves as the hotel’s design inspiration from artworks of the famous liberty seeker to stained-glass elements inspired by the Old North Church. Head to Rebel’s Guild for local favorites, such as homemade clam chowder, meatloaf, and Boston cream pie.
Photo: The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection/Facebook
The Envoy Hotel — Here’s the place for those eager to spend the night in the Seaport District, a happening modern spot with 136 rooms, water views, sleek rooms, and a rooftop bar featuring artisanal cocktails and humming social scene. Outlook Kitchen on the first level scores locavore points for its regional comfort food ranging from roasted Maine-bred chicken with beans and leeks to a killer Cognac Mac and Cheese with local lobster, which you can work off after in the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center.
Luxury Hotels
Photo: Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Boston — This is where the stars stay, and for good reason. The hotel is elegant, discreet, with white-gloved service and lovely plush rooms overlooking the historic Public Garden and Beacon Hill neighborhood. It’s located steps from the designer shops lining Newbury Street, many of the city’s top restaurants, as well as the theater district. The Bristol restaurant inside the hotel has garnered a following for its oversized iced martinis and its Bristol Burger — a juicy beef patty crowned with gooey cheddar, cognac bacon, onion jam and Thousand Island dressing and served with truffle fries.
Photo: Fairmont
Fairmont Copley Plaza — This grande dame resides in the heart of Back Bay overlooking Copley Square, as it has since it first opened in 1912. In all its shimmering, mirrored glory, it is famous for its Oval Room, known for its outstanding sky and cloud mural. Featured in several movies, including The Firm and Blown Away, the 383-room hotel has hosted celebrities, royalty, and almost every US President since Taft.
Photo: XV Beacon/Facebook
XV Beacon — Hush, chic, and pet-friendly, this boutique hotel houses 63 art-filled rooms in a turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building adjacent to the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. The property drips with unexpected touches, such as complimentary overnight shoeshines and a courtesy in-town Lexus service. Mooo…. restaurant, adjacent to the hotel, specializes in, you guessed it, steak, including the Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin, which will set you back almost $200. But, hey, remember the free shoeshine service.
Photo: Boston Harbor Hotel /Facebook
Boston Harbor Hotel — Set on Rowes Wharf, this impressive property treats guests to one of the most stunning waterfront views in the city. Furnished with a nautical nod, the hotel has 232 guestrooms, a 60-foot lap pool and spa, and two dining venues: Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, which offers casual alfresco dining, and the wine-centric fine-dining Meritage Restaurant + Wine Bar, courtesy of Chef Daniel Bruce, founder of the annual Boston Wine Festival.
Hostels
Photo: HI Boston
HI Boston Hostel — Finally, here is Boston’s answer to affordable housing for visitors who are eager to stay in Boston proper. The clean, youthful space has private and dorm rooms, free WiFi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and gratis daily city tours and activities. The hostel also has a café, communal space with a pool table, luggage, and bike storage and laundry facilities.
Backpackers Hostel & Pub — Located in the town of Everett, just outside Boston proper, this family-owned and -operated hostel has shared dormitory-style rooms, a computer room, a pub, and free WiFi. You can get there from Boston on the Orange Line subway, getting off at Wellington Station, where the hostel provides daily shuttle service from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Alternatively, the hostel is a 15-minute walk from Wellington Station.
Airbnbs
Photo: Airbnb
Modern Loft in Heart of Downtown — Spread out in this sleek, airy loft with an open floor plan decorated in soothing gray and white tones with comfy furniture, including a sofa bed in the main living area, king-size bed, and polished concrete floors. It’s only one block from Boston Common and the Public Garden and about 10 or so minutes by foot to Back Bay and North End.
Photo: Airbnb
Historic townhouse in center of Boston — Once the workshop of famous Boston furniture makers, this gated townhouse tucked off a cobblestone alleyway behind Faneuil Hall has gorgeous exposed brick wall interiors, two bedrooms, private parking, a modern kitchen, and private courtyard, where you can enjoy a drink or meals during nice weather.