In Boston's Historic Back Bay, CitizenM's Newest Hotel Is Proof That High Style Can Be Affordable

The recently opened property marks the 36th citizenM location worldwide and the brand’s largest to date, with 399 rooms. It’s also the second Boston property for the hotel brand, with this edition set in the heart of Back Bay. One of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods, Back Bay is known for its Victorian brownstones, trendy shops, and bustling restaurants. Its mix of historic charm and modern city life is the perfect backdrop for the bright, lively hotel.

The lobby elevator took me to the living room, the hotel’s main hub where you can eat, work, and play in the community. You can also check into your room there, which is offered self-service at computer kiosks. Friendly staff is available to help if needed. The process was quick and efficient, adding to the hotel’s overall modern feel.

The accommodations at citizenM Boston Back Bay

As I ascended to the guest floors, I was greeted by red carpets displaying maps of Back Bay. My room, though compact, was cleverly designed, reminiscent of some European hotels or high-rise properties in New York City but more functional. The efficient use of space made me feel comfortable and at ease, ensuring a relaxing stay.

The extra-large king-size bed is clearly the focal point of the room, placed snugly against a wall-to-wall window with blackout blinds and electronically controlled curtains. This arrangement made the bed feel like a sanctuary. It was a cozy spot to relax while enjoying the neighborhood views.

Despite the room’s modest size, its smart layout maximized every inch. Deep storage drawers under the bed offered space for luggage and clothing, and a desk provided just enough room to work if desired. There’s a small room safe in the storage drawer while the mini fridge sits within a vanity.

citizenM doesn’t play when it comes to technology. It plays a significant role in the room’s allure. Everything was controlled by an iPad mini — lights, curtains, temperature, and entertainment. I spent part of my stay playing around with the mood lighting, setting the colors based on the time of day and itinerary just for fun. The room comes equipped with a large smart TV at one end of the bed, allowing you to connect and access your personal streaming accounts if desired.

There were thoughtful details throughout the room, like the Marvin doll, citizenM’s whimsical mascot, which I ended up taking a few selfies with to commemorate my first stay. Missing amenities, like an in-room coffee maker or iron, weren’t much of a drawback — these are intentionally omitted to encourage guests to use the communal amenities like the “Iron Heaven,” the ironing room located on each floor, and canteenM.

The amenities at citizenM Boston Back Bay

Back Bay’s citizenM is designed with both socialization and relaxation in mind. The living room, which encompasses the entire second floor, serves as the hotel’s social hub. The space is filled with cozy seating areas and communal workspaces. There’s even a workspace with several iMacs available for guest use. I brought my laptop, so I spent my time rotating between several couches and small booths around the living room. It reminded me of a co-working space but with comfy furniture, quirky artwork, and curated books. The living room connects to an outdoor terrace that sits adjacent to a public courtyard, providing an additional relaxing spot to unwind.

While I usually travel with my family and might not consider citizenM for those types of trips, it’s the perfect option for business travel and getaways with my wife. The modern, community-driven atmosphere offers something fresh, with the open social spaces blending seamlessly with the private, tech-enhanced guest rooms.

For fitness-minded guests, the hotel has a 24-hour gym. The outer wall has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Back Bay, making my quick treadmill runs far more enjoyable. The gym features modern exercise equipment, including Peloton bikes, smart treadmills, a water rowing machine, dumbbells, yoga mats, and a high-tech workout mirror. The focus is on ensuring that guests can maintain their fitness routines without compromising on quality or experience.

During my stay, the hotel’s 10-story facade featured a larger-than-life photograph of eight individuals from Boston and the Back Bay area, chosen to represent the community as “citizens.” These individuals embodied the local spirit, showcasing contributions in art, business, culture, and fashion. While the exhibition only ran for a couple of months shortly after citizenM’s Back Bay property opened, it goes to show that the hotel’s commitment to the community is more than marketing. It’s about creating an authentic connection that resonates with both locals and visitors.

Dining at citizenM Boston Back Bay and nearby

Dining at citizenM is centered on convenience. The canteenM is open 24 hours a day, offering a selection of drinks and snacks that feel perfectly suited for the busy traveler. During my stay, I only had the chance to try the breakfast buffet, which was a delightful surprise.

The spread included scratch-made breakfast staples like crispy potatoes, bacon, fresh pastries, smoked salmon, and an impressive selection of cheeses and charcuterie. The vibe was casual and relaxed, with seating at small and large communal tables, booths, or a high-top counter looking out over the neighboring terrace. The canteenM bar was my go-to spot for espresso, lattes, and other caffeinated beverages throughout my stay.

One morning, my group ventured out to Trident Booksellers & Cafe a short walk from the hotel. The food was excellent. I chose the lemon ricotta-stuffed French toast with a house coffee, which was a delicious and energizing start to the day. Trident is an absolute gem, offering a warm, inviting environment to converse over incredible food while surrounded by books.

Our Back Bay culinary adventure also included stops at Cafe Landwer for its famous schnitzel and Saltie Girl Seafood Bar for an enormous burger packed with fried lobster.

Things to do near citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM’s prime location puts it close to some of Boston’s most iconic landmarks. This was my first time visiting Back Bay. I heard that Newbury Street was a must, especially for shopping. I mostly window shopped, but some of my favorite stops were Uniqlo, Muji, Nike, Sneaker Junkies, Johnny Cupcakes, Marathon Sports, Away, and Eataly. I also spent time shopping in the Berklee College of Music Bookstore, which is located within a block of the hotel.

My favorite experience was View Boston, an observation deck offering 360-degree city views. It’s located on the 52nd floor of the tower within the Prudential Center, known to locals as the Pru. It was the perfect way to appreciate Boston’s skyline and get a sense of how the city’s neighborhoods were laid out. Beyond the observation deck, View Boston provides other exhibits to connect visitors with the city. Boston 365 is a 3-D model of the city brought to life through projection mapping technology. View Boston’s 270-degree immersive theater screen is a visual wonder. It’s among the best observation deck experiences I’ve ever had.

We also spent time exploring the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The museum is part art collection, part Italian villa. It offers an intimate look at part of Boston’s cultural history. It was also the site of the biggest art heist in modern history when 13 works were stolen in 1990. The collection of stolen artwork is valued at over $500 million. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved, and the museum is still offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen artworks. Empty frames still adorn the museum walls as placeholders for the original works.

Getting to citizenM Boston Back Bay

During my stay, I used a rideshare service between Logan International Airport (BOS) and the hotel, which was convenient given the hotel’s central location. However, it’s worth noting that citizenM Boston Back Bay doesn’t offer parking for guests, so you’ll need to make alternative arrangements if arriving by car.

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