The 12 best hotels in Boston for 2025

Few hotels capture Boston’s blend of modern innovation and historical grandeur quite like The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. With its sleek glass façade overlooking the city’s historic Common, this five-star retreat marries sophistication with a sense of place. Steps from the park, the Theater District, and South Station, it’s the kind of address that lets you explore the best of Boston on foot while basking in classic Ritz-Carlton luxury.

The hotel’s legacy traces back to 1927, but its current incarnation—a gleaming tower opened in 2001—recently underwent a $13 million refresh led by Rockwell Group. The redesign strikes a balance between refined minimalism and subtle historical nods: think bronze accents, carved wood, and leather details inspired by Boston’s literary icons. What looks at first like sleek modern luxury reveals deeper layers of personality—the influence of Emerson, Poe, and even Benjamin Franklin woven into the décor.

Guest rooms and suites are airy and sophisticated, anchored by neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows. My stay in the Presidential Suite was nothing short of dazzling: a marble foyer, private library, dining and living areas divided by a gas fireplace, and wraparound windows showcasing sweeping views of Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the golden State House dome. Even standard rooms enjoy many of these vistas. Amenities include Frette linens, Asprey bath products, soaking tubs, and whimsical design touches—Franklin-inspired light fixtures and medallion drawer pulls among them.

Service is polished yet personal, enhanced by The Club Level, an exclusive top-floor lounge with all-day food, drinks, workspaces, and a dedicated concierge. Guests also enjoy access to the adjoining Equinox Sports Club, complete with a junior Olympic pool, and even a partnership with Neiman Marcus offering in-room wardrobe styling.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the dining at the hotel. At Artisan Bistro you’ll find New England cooking with dishes such as Nantucket Lobster Rolls, while Avery Bar, hidden behind the lobby, features a moody palette of burgundy and gold and brags a menu of imaginative  cocktails like the Meiji Manhattan, made with whiskey, Cynar, soy sauce, and bitters.

Address: 10 Avery St, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Price: From $558 per night
Closest transport: South Station is a 15-minute walk away

Rising above the Seaport District’s waterfront, The Envoy Hotel is a striking glass landmark that captures Boston’s energy and style. With 136 contemporary guest rooms and suites overlooking the harbor, it’s the perfect mix of urban escape and seaside retreat—ideal for travelers who want both skyline views and ocean breezes.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the lobby with light, where yellow and blue tones create a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. The rooms mirror that modern minimalism with clean lines, light woods, and pops of color. Floating beds face panoramic harbor or city views, and thoughtful details—like etched maps of Boston, Five Wits bath products, robes, coffee machines, and bicycle-inspired TV stands—add a splash of personality. Corner rooms and water-view suites are especially stunning at sunset.

Food and drink are central to The Envoy experience. The Rooftop at the Envoy is one of Boston’s best-known hangouts, famous for its sweeping views, buzzy atmosphere, and inventive cocktails such as the smoky Mezcal-based “Up in Smoke.” Summer brings open-air patios; winter means cozy igloos under the skyline. Downstairs, Para Maria offers a more intimate setting, serving Chef Tatiana Rosana’s creative blend of American classics and Cuban-inspired dishes—like grilled corn ribs and garlic butter shrimp—against a backdrop of waterfront views and vibrant art.

Service is warm, genuine, and refreshingly unfussy. Guests receive a daily $15 credit to use throughout the property, along with friendly front-desk greetings, attentive bar and restaurant staff, and quick in-room dining. The hotel’s fitness center is impressively equipped with Peloton bikes, weights, and yoga gear—perfect for a rainy afternoon. 

Oh, and did we mention that the hotel is in Seaport? It’s a spot which buzzes with everything from cafés and breweries to boutiques and museums, so this hotel is a solid place to base yourself for your first visit to Boston. 

Time Out tip: Guests can also use their destination credit for Envoy bike rentals or tickets to the nearby Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).

Address: 70 Sleeper Street, Waterfront, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Price: From $295 per night
Closest transport: Seaport Boulevard bus stop is a 3 minute walk from the hotel

Set directly across from Boston Common—the oldest park in the U.S.—and the historic Granary Burying Ground, Hotel AKA Boston Common is as just about as central as it gets. This sleek 19-story hotel puts you in the middle of one of America’s most storied cities, with panoramic skyline views and easy access to nearly every major landmark.

First opened in 2023 and completely reimagined in early 2025, the property’s new look (by designer Rafael de Cárdenas) blends Scandinavian warmth with mid-century sophistication. The low-lit lobby feels cocoon-like, wrapped in sycamore paneling, leather seating, and shades of mushroom and black. Communal spaces, including the on-site restaurant The Bosworth, feature dark woods, marble, and moody art that give the hotel its chic, city-hotel personality. 

The 190 guest rooms follow a lighter, modern aesthetic with white walls, ink-blue accents, and pale wood panels. Higher-floor corner rooms, like the Premium Corner King Skyline View, offer stunning floor-to-ceiling vistas of the State House dome, the Charles River, and Fenway Park. Thoughtful design touches—like built-in bench seating and sleek work tables—make the compact spaces feel airy. Rooms include Nespresso machines, minibars with local snacks and beers, and strong showers stocked with quality toiletries. Soundproofing isn’t perfect, but the buzz of city life adds to the sense of place.

The Bosworth serves refined comfort food from Chef Kinan Ibrahim, blending New England and Mediterranean flavors. Think honey-garlic Brussels sprouts, burrata with smoked chili, chicken truffle Caesar salad, and Korean beef tacos. Breakfast favorites include truffle omelets and Turkish eggs, while the bar’s intimate lighting makes it a great spot for cocktails.

Facilities at Hotel AKA Boston Common include a 24-hour Technogym fitness center, valet parking with Tesla charging, and pet-friendly services through D’Tails Pet Boutique. From the doorstep, you can walk to nearly every major attraction—the Freedom Trail, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, or the Union Oyster House.

Time Out tip: Hotel guests enjoy 10 percent off dining and a daily complimentary wine hour in the lobby from 4–5pm—a highlight that encourages mingling with staff and fellow travelers.

Address: 90 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Price per night: From $300
Closest transport: Park Street station on the MBTA Subway is a few minutes’ walk away. South Station and North Station for the MBTA Subway, Commuter Rail, AMTRAK and Bus Lines are 10 and 20-minute walk respectively.

The Langham Hotel, which is a former bank, shines in its ability to deliver relaxation. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel offers a balance of comfort, design, and personalized services, with nods to its financial past throughout the building. There are desk lamps that look like they’ve come straight from a 1930s bank and the lobby carpet mimics the back of a dollar bill. The Langham’s central location allows easy access to many of the city’s top attractions, including Boston Common and the New England Aquarium, all within walking distance.

The 1920s-era building underwent an extensive transformation during the pandemic and reemerged in 2021 with a new identity. The renovation introduced fresh artwork, a pub-style bar and a ballroom.

The Fed and Grana are among the standout additions to The Langham. The Fed is a British-style cocktail bar with New England influence serving nibbles and lobster rolls. In the hotel’s former grand hall, the Grana restaurant serves up Italian dishes set to a backdrop of stunning art hanging on the walls. The hotel has a remarkable art collection with nearly 300 works in total, some of which are on sale. Many of the pieces were sourced from or inspired by local artists and institutions, with several celebrating the hotel’s legacy as a financial institution—guests can even take a self-guided art tour by scanning a QR code near the lobby elevators.

Rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in a contemporary New England style, featuring a palette of soft tones, rich woods, brushed metals, and marble flooring. Bathrooms are stocked with Diptyque goods, and thoughtful extras such as sewing kits and dental care sets. Guests staying on the executive level can go to The Langham Club, an exclusive lounge offering light bites and beverages throughout the day. There’s also a 40-foot heated indoor pool and a gym with Peloton bikes.

Time Out tip: Grana, the on-site Italian restaurant, is worth visiting for the interiors alone, as it’s located in the Reserve Bank’s former grand hall.

Address: 250 Franklin St Boston 02110
Price: $600 a night
Closest transport: The Aquarium subway stop is an 8-minute walk away

Boston’s waterfront is one of the city’s biggest draws, so why not cut out the middleman and stay directly on the harbor? Marked by its impressive 60-foot archway and classic architecture, the Boston Harbor Hotel on Rowes Wharf offers a grand welcome to guests. Water taxis, ferries, and the nearby subway make it simple to explore greater Boston. You’ll also have quick access to the Boston Harborwalk, a 43-mile pathway along the shoreline that winds through the city’s neighborhoods. There are plenty of harbor-side restaurants and boat trips to keep you busy.

You could just as easily spend your trip in its luxurious rooms and marvel at the water from afar. Many of the hotel’s 232 guest rooms and suites look out over the harbor, while others offer vistas of the city skyline. Rooms are well-appointed with marble bathrooms, Diptyque toiletries, soft linens, and thoughtful tech amenities such as in-room tablets and complimentary WiFi, however, most impressive of all is the luxurious John Adams Presidential Suite. It comes with a glass-domed ceiling, private elevator, a 1,000-foot terrace, two bedrooms, a freestanding bathtub, and a kitchen and dining room. Its personal bar is fully stocked with fine wines and liquors—but it will set you back $15,000 a night.

There’s a fully equipped spa, gym, and a 60-foot indoor lap pool at this hotel, plus a program of in-house events throughout the year from outdoor film showings to alfresco bonfires and cocoa in the winter as well as a wine festival which starts every January.

Dining at the Boston Harbor Hotel is a key part of the experience. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille features a seasonal menu focused on fresh seafood and local ingredients, served in a bright, airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling views of the harbor. For something more relaxed, The Rowes Wharf Bar offers a warmer atmosphere, and comes with a fine whiskey selection.

Time Out tip: Boston Harbor is perhaps best enjoyed from the water—simply ask a concierge to set up a boat cruise for you.

Address: 70 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA, 02110
Price: From $460 a night
Closest transport: There’s a bus stop right outside the hotel

With Parisian elegance and an enviable Back Bay location, the boutique Eliot Hotel is an ideal place to stay to explore Boston’s landmarks and green parks. Housed in a stately Georgian Revival building dating back to 1925, the hotel has long stood as a symbol of classic elegance. Originally built as a residence for Harvard professors, it has since evolved into one of Boston’s most distinguished hotels. With its homey atmosphere, attentive service, and mix of classic charm and contemporary comforts, The Eliot continues to attract visitors from across the world.

Its 95 thoughtfully designed rooms include deluxe guest rooms and spacious one and two-bedroom suites. Interiors are warm and inviting, decorated with a mix of classic furnishings and touches like Italian marble bathrooms. Expect HD TVs, soundproofed windows, stocked minibars, WiFi and a complimentary overnight shoe-shining service. The suites, in particular, feel residential.

If you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your hotel, you won’t need to look far for good food. The Eliot’s Uni restaurant showcases the best in Japanese cuisine. Led by renowned chef Ken Oringer, this chic spot offers Japanese-inspired dishes with global flavors. It's known for its inventive sashimi, makimono and sake list. Breakfast happens in the restaurant or you can order it to your room and features made-to-order eggs, porridge, and avocado on toast.

While The Eliot does not have a full on-site fitness center, guests receive free access to a nearby gym. Additional services include valet parking, same-day dry cleaning, 24-hour front desk assistance, and pet-friendly accommodations at no extra charge.

Step outside onto the tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue and you won’t have to venture far to explore Boston. The road itself is one of the most scenic the city has to offer, no matter what time of year. Follow the path and it leads straight to Kenmore Square and Fenway Park. Less than a 15-minute walk away is the grand Boston Public Library. At the center of the building is a picturesque courtyard with a fountain—the perfect spot to take a break.

Time Out tip: Take a look at the hotel’s special packages before you stay—they give guests access to walks, tours and dining deals.

Address: 370 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA, 02215
Price: Around $455 per night
Closest transport: The Hynes Convention Center T station is around the corner and Back Bay station is a 20-minute walk away

If you want to be in the heart of it all, the grand Fairmont Copley Plaza could not be in a better spot to explore this bustling city. Its classic architecture and walls brimming with history offer a very Boston experience, all while overlooking handsome Copley Square.

The lobby, in particular, is breathtaking—soaring ceilings, ornate details, and gleaming chandeliers set the tone for what feels like stepping into a palace. Despite its grandeur, the environment feels warm and personable, a rare trait for a hotel of this scale. There’s a certain intimacy that makes guests feel immediately welcome. Don’t miss the iconic clock hanging in the lobby, which has been a fixture of The Fairmont since it opened in 1912 and has become a recognizable reminder of the hotel’s connection with the city.

Its 383 stylish rooms including 17 luxury suites are bright and comfortable with sprawling beds. Its Fairmont Gold suite has the best view in the house, and comes with all the amenities such as a kettle, ice machine, minibar, TV, access to a private lounge and complimentary breakfast. There’s a rooftop health club with fitness equipment that’s open 24 hours a day with amazing views of the historic Back Bay neighborhood. There are also organized runs managed by the hotel.

Check out the flagship OAK Long Bar + Kitchen for food and drinks. With its grand copper bar, extensive wine list and craft cocktails, it’s considered one of the best bars in the city. The New England-inspired menu highlights locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors, making it a popular spot for both hotel guests and Boston locals. Room service is also on offer from 7am to 10pm. The menu includes selections from OAK, offering everything from hearty meals to light bites.

Time Out tip: Look closely at the floors in OAK Long Bar, and see if you can find where the former Merry-Go-Round Bar once stood. (Yes, really.)

Address: 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Price: From about $159 per night
Closest transport: Copley Green Line station is one block away; also Back Bay (Orange Line & commuter rail) is nearby

It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential Back Bay retreat than The Newbury Boston. Overlooking the scenic Boston Public Garden, this iconic property has been part of the city’s landscape since 1927, originally opening as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the U.S. Located where the serene Public Garden meets the lively charm of Newbury Street, this 286-room hotel is perfectly positioned for anyone looking to experience the best of the area’s beauty, culture, and retail scene.

The surrounding neighborhood offers something in every season: historic architecture, unique boutiques, and cute cafés. Take a stroll through the Public Garden, hop on a Swan Boat, or explore Newbury Street’s standout shops. Make your own candle at Candlefish, browse a range of tomes at Trident Booksellers, and flick through graphic novels at Newbury Comics. If you’re new to the city, catch the elevator up to the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center and marvel at the city from a 360-degree observation deck.

Dining at The Newbury is a highlight. The wood-paneled Street Bar is perfect for an aperitif. Upstairs, Contessa awaits: a glamorous rooftop restaurant serving northern Italian cuisine with plenty of fresh pasta and rich flavors in a glass-enclosed space. Try the spicy lobster capellini and wash it down with a negroni. After dinner, see if you can uncover the secret library bar hidden away inside Street Bar, an exclusive offering for guests only. You can work off the calories at the hotel’s gym which overlooks Commonwealth Avenue.

The rooms are grand in their design: custom woodwork, curated art and marble bathrooms. Premium touches like Byredo toiletries and plush Frette robes add a luxurious tip. If you can afford it, it’s well worth upgrading to the Fireplace Suite which comes with its own “fireplace butler” who will make a fire for you using your choice of fragrant wood. Pick from birch, maple, cherry, or oak.

Time Out tip: Celebrating something special? Book in to have Afternoon Tea at the Street Bar—it’s a decadent way to mark an occasion.

Address: 1 Newbury St. Boston, MA, 02116
Price: From $440 a night
Closest transport: Arlington (Green Line) is one block away

Located at the foot of historic Beacon Hill, The Liberty Hotel is one of Boston’s most distinctive properties. Once home to the Charles Street Jail, this landmark building has been transformed into a high-end hotel that memorializes its past while offering the comforts of a modern stay.

Originally constructed in the 1850s, the building retains many of its original architectural elements from when it was a prison, including wrought iron railings and the impressive central rotunda—panopticon style. The former jail’s unique layout has been preserved and reimagined into vibrant gathering spaces, from lively lounges to high-ceilinged dining areas.

Dining and nightlife are a big part of The Liberty’s appeal. CLINK. serves New England-inspired dishes in a space that creatively incorporates former jail cells into its décor. Scampo is a vibrant Italian-Mediterranean restaurant led by renowned chef Lydia Shire, which comes with its own mozzarella bar. For drinks, guests can visit the dramatic Liberty Bar under the hotel’s towering rotunda or stop by Alibi, a moody lounge with bluestone floors.

There are 298 rooms throughout the building which come with river views, exposed brick and tall windows. Upgrade to the deluxe Ebersol Suite for 270-degree views of Boston from its floor-to-ceiling windows. This huge room has a foyer, dining room, butler’s pantry, living room and a private balcony.

Guests can take part in a guided tour of The Liberty, which tells the historic story of its journey from prison to luxury accommodation, and it ends with a glass of bubbly. In summer, the hotel runs frequent yoga sessions and evening social gatherings open to both visitors and local residents. These include activities like cooking classes, runway showcases, and a weekly “Yappy Hour” designed for dog lovers and their pets.

The Liberty is steps away from the Charles River Esplanade, close to Boston Common, and within walking distance of downtown and the North End.

Time Out tip: Visit at Christmas time to see the hotel’s stunning lobby display: Christmas trees are suspended upside down from soaring ceilings.

Address: 215 Charles St Boston, MA, 02114
Price: $335 a night
Closest transport: Only a one-minute walk from the Charles subway

Despite this Back Bay hotel’s imposing concrete exterior, this hotel and its stunning rooftop pool are among the most beloved in Boston thanks to its ideal location and modern rooms. Each of its 285 urban bedrooms features floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to fill the interior, premium linen bedding, Eames furniture, Five Wits toiletries and modern art. If you’re traveling in a bigger group, their luxury suites have amazing views and plenty of room for hosting. Book a stay in one of their southside rooms if you want a great view.

The Colonnade’s chic in-house restaurant, Lucie Drink + Dine, has a global menu serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner as well as bar snacks and cocktails. For dinner there’s a range of dishes including pizzas, bourbon-glazed salmon, mussels and gnocchi. Top tip: Every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm there’s a special deal on oysters going for just $1 a pop.

The rooftop bar and pool come with private bookable cabanas, and it hosts special events with chefs and yoga instructors. There’s a state-of-the-art gym with modern equipment, and the hotel even has its own audio-guided tour with runs ranging from a 5k loop around Boston Common and the Charles River to runs you can bring your pet dog on.

Time Out tip: Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can buy a day pass to the rooftop pool.

Address: 120 Huntington Ave Boston, MA, 02116
Price: From $380 a night
Closest transport: Back Bay subway station is a 7-minute walk away

Built in a former Playboy club, the Four Seasons Hotel is a magnet for attracting stars from the Rolling Stones to the Yankees. And with its indoor pool with skyline views and unbeatable location, it’s easy to see why. Recently refreshed with a redesign by the acclaimed Ken Fulk, the hotel’s common areas now blend classic New England architecture with a modern, residential feel. From the moment you step inside, the interiors evoke understated luxury.

The Four Seasons features 273 rooms, including 75 suites, many with views over the park, city skyline, or the gold-domed State House. The aptly named Senator Suite comes with a TV with Netflix, private bar, a living room area and French doors throughout the apartment. “The Vault” is a complimentary snack and refreshment nook located on every guest floor, perfect for late-night cravings or a midday treat. Additional services include laundry, valet parking, concierge support, and family-friendly offerings such as kid-sized robes, welcome gifts, and games.

Coterie, the hotel’s signature lounge and restaurant, serves New England fare with a French twist (burrata ravioli and lobster pot pie are on offer) and botanic-inspired cocktails, while Aujourd’hui, overlooking the garden, does breakfast in a sun-filled setting. For quick bites and expertly brewed coffee, Sottovento Coffee Bar is conveniently located in the lobby. Head to the 8th floor for a dip in its luxury heated pool and have your lunch poolside while taking in the views. There’s also a sauna and in-room spa treatments available.

Situated between Back Bay and Beacon Hill, you’re just a hop, step, and a skip away from the popular city park Boston Common, the shopping and dining destination Newbury Street, and the historic Freedom Trail.

Time Out tip: Aujourd’hui is beloved for its breakfast specialties, which you can eat while watching weeping willow trees sway in the wind at the Boston Public Garden.

Address: 200 Boylston St Boston, MA, 02116
Price: $800 a night
Closest transport: Tufts Medical Center subway station is less than a 10-minute walk away

Located right next to the grand Boston Public Library, The Lenox Hotel’s blue and gold styling oozes opulence and is an ideal location for your stay in the city. Established in 1900, the family-owned hotel stands as one of the city’s oldest hotels.

The Lenox has 214 rooms including luxury suites such as its Executive Fireplace Room where you can enjoy a roaring fire in the colder months. Each room is fitted with brass chandeliers, marble bathrooms and dark woods. They have all the amenities you would need for a getaway—WiFi, on-demand films and music, down duvets and toiletries. With a focus on sustainability, there are even beehives on the rooftop.

There are plenty of food options to choose from too. Sweeney’s is a classic Irish bar located on the ground floor, which serves hearty meals such as beer-battered fish and chips and of course lots of Guinness, whiskey-based cocktails and interesting beers on tap. The hotel’s dedicated cocktail bar, the dimly lit The Irving, serves small bites and interesting brews including dessert cocktails and a pear martini. The onsite restaurant, The Willow & Ivy, which has been recently redesigned, is decorated with lush plants and vaulted windows. The menu celebrates the best of Boston’s Back Bay with roasted local oysters, New England clam chowder and steaks.

Back Bay is one of the city’s most tourist-friendly neighborhoods with an eclectic mix of posh residential streets, luxury shopping and vast food options. It’s also the main hub for shopping with global chains, independent brands and designer items. Check out local historical landmarks such as the Trinity Church which was built in 1877 or the Gibson House Museum which tells the story of life in Boston during the mid-19th to early 20th century.

Time Out tip: Feeling fancy? Head to The Irving for its caviar service. 

Address: 61 Exeter St Boston 02116
Price: Starting at $195 a night
Closest transport: Back Bay station is just a 7-minute walk from the hotel