Be in the thick of it. There’s perhaps no better location from which to explore one of America’s most historic cities than the Hotel AKA Boston Common, which overlooks the country’s oldest park and the patriot-laden Granary Burying Ground.
The Common—which dates from 1634—was where George Washington, John Adams and General Lafayette celebrated US independence. Today it includes over 50 acres of pampered gardens, ballfields, lawns as well as ‘that’ bench from Good Will Hunting. But that isn’t the only attraction nearby, making it an easy base for those like me who like to explore a city on foot.
Based just minutes from some of Boston’s major sites, I didn’t even have to leave my bed to see many of them. Initially opened in 2023, the AKA recently underwent a major refurbishment reopening in early 2025 with a sleek new look, and panoramic views from its upper floors.
Why stay at Hotel AKA Boston Common?
The new design scheme from Rafael de Cárdenas and rooms from Studio NA.GI, is cozy but slick. Stepping off the street, the low lighting, banded sycamore paneling, leather stools, and plenty of black and mushroom shades from surfaces to curtains, make the lobby here feel cocoon-like.
Overall, think a little Scandi Hygge, a little mid-century modern, with a touch of steely urban chic. Communal spaces, such as on-site restaurant The Bosworth, all bear that same moody but somehow comforting mix of black accents, marble, and jewel-toned abstract art of textured paint swathes and animal heads on human portraits.
It’s a vibe that extends to rooms too, though things are more pared down and brighter with white walls, hints of ink blue, and pale wooden batten paneling; perfect for the persistently rainy weather when I was in town.
What are the rooms like at AKA Boston Common?
There’s something distinctly Mad Men about taking a glass of wine from the minibar and slinking down into a classic black leather Eames chair, feet aloft on its ottoman, and watching the weather roll in over the city.
If you want to get the best views, you’ll need a corner room on the higher floors, but despite the 190 rooms across 19 stories, only the upper few—like my Premium Corner King Skyline View—have floor-to-ceiling windows.
It’s gratifyingly immersive to feel a stone’s throw from the neighboring rooftops, and looking out to the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, the Charles River, and even Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, without needing to move an inch. It also made the room feel much bigger. Clever design, with a separate table built into bench seating by the bed, also frees up space.
More entry-level rooms have much more restricted views to neighboring buildings and streets, so book accordingly if that’s important to you. The 1,065-square-foot penthouse, with separate living and dining space, billiard table and jet bath, clearly has the best views of all.
My room had no bath, but the powerful shower with a full range of toiletries is all that’s needed. A full minibar with local beers and snacks isn’t unreasonable, and the Nespresso coffee machine is necessary and welcome.
The only slight issue was with soundproofing. Though not constant, I could hear some of the activities of my neighbors, and from the street below. But when staying in a city center, you’d hardly expect it to be silent.
What are the best things to eat at AKA Boston Common?
In a city bursting with tip-top clam chowder and lobster rolls, it’s hard to stay put at the hotel, but its restaurant, The Bosworth, is a decent option if you do. Dark wood paneling and leather chairs make this feel like a cozy nighttime option for a cocktail or beer at the bar.
Menu-wise, Chef Kinan Ibrahim’s menu overall combines some of New England’s flavors with a Mediterranean influence. So, alongside starters such as honey-garlic Brussels sprouts and buffalo chicken wings, there are dishes like chicken truffle Caesar salad, a burrata with smoked fermented chili, and a poached pear salad. Prices sit around $20 for a starter, ranging from the $25-$55 range for a main, where there’s a more global influence with dishes such as Korean Beef Tacos. Hotel guests get 10 percent off.
For breakfast, staples such as eggs Benedict, truffle omelets and Turkish eggs are go-tos.
What is the service like at AKA Boston Common?
In a world of hefty-priced minibar bottled waters, it was a nice surprise to be handed two bottles on check-in, and actually most times I walked by the front desk (though officially that’s just a check-in perk). A complimentary wine hour in the lobby every day from 4–5pm where a chat with the staff as much as other guests is in order, and it felt especially welcoming. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations for exploring the city.
What facilities does the AKA Boston Common have?
Love an early morning workout? Sometimes it really is the only way to fight jet lag, and sadly there’s no pool or spa, but you can sweat at all hours of the day at the 24-hour Technogym fitness center. It’s not massive, but the equipment including cardio machines, weights, and yoga and fitness mats get the job done, and personal training sessions with Healthworks Boston can be arranged in advance.
If arriving on four wheels, there’s valet parking for an additional fee, and even Tesla charging stations. Pets are welcomed; again, book ahead for a grooming session at D’Tails Pet Boutique.
What’s the area like around AKA Boston Common?
Most of Boston’s prime attractions are easily reachable on foot. If revolutionary or early American history is your thing, the Granary Burying Ground—founded in 1660, and final resting place of notable citizens including John Hancock, Samuel Adams—is right across the road. The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are an easy 15-minute walk away, too.
If—like me—you also like exploring via your tummy, it’s a ten-minute walk to the Union Oyster House, a favorite haunt of JFK, and a bastion of New England’s de facto signature dish, clam chowder. A 15-minute walk in the opposite direction will lead you to Chinatown, the only historic Chinatown in New England.
And if you just have to, the Cheers pub is a ten to 15-minute amble across the Common. Stay and ramble the Beacon Hill area, a half-square-mile neighborhood of cobbled streets, old-school independent bookshops, brick pavements and gas lamps. Once home to Boston’s largest community of pre-Civil War African Americans, the Black Heritage Trail takes you to 10 sites in the neighborhood, from meeting houses to schools, and stops on the Underground Railroad.
Why you should book a stay at AKA Boston Common
Central, stylish, and friendly, the AKA feels like an ideal option for travelers looking for a modern but cozy base, but without the heftier price tag of the city’s luxury grande dames. There’s no pool or spa, but that’s no problem if your primary focus is exploring the city itself, but with a plush room to return to. For city views, those upper-floor corner rooms are hard to beat.
DETAILS
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. Boston Logan International Airport is a 10-minute drive.
Book now: via Booking.com
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