Hayley Domin

About to land in one of the U.S.A.’s most historic cities? It sounds like you might need a little help on deciding where to stay—handily, that’s where we come in. Below is Time Out’s recently refreshed roundup of the best hotels in Boston, which includes brand new reviews for the Ritz-Carlton, The Envoy and Hotel AKA Boston Common ahead of Fall 2025.  Which area is best to stay in Boston? Downtown and Chinatown are where to stay to have loads of the city’s attractions on your doorstep (we’re talking the Freedom trail and the Rose Kennedy Greenway), but opt for Back Bay or Seaport for—you guessed it—oceanfront views and swish modern buildings, or Beacon Hill for something a little more historic.  Boston’s best hotels at a glance: 💎Most luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel Boston 👛Best budget: Fairmont Copley Plaza 🏊‍♀️Best swimming pool: The Colonnade Hotel 🌃Best rooftop: The Envoy Hotel 🤩Most iconic: The Liberty 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Boston How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial c

Held annually on Patriots’ Day and claiming the spot as the oldest race of its kind in the country, the famous Boston Marathon will run all day on April 21, 2025. With over 30,000 competitors annually, it’s certainly an event you don’t want to miss. The 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston offers many options for cheering, eating, and post-race celebration (including this Marathon party at Time Out Market!) . Below, you can find the full route, its starting and finish line points, and how to watch it in-person or streaming live on TV. You can also check out our list of things to do during the Boston Marathon. If you’re competing in the race, carbo-load at one of the best restaurants in Boston. 

It’s that time of year again. On April 21st, the streets of Boston will be taken over by more than 30,000 Boston Marathon runners gathering together for a good cause. As more than 1 million excited spectators line the streets from Hopkinton to Back Bay, there’s an array of happenings around the city to attend, celebrate, and show your support. From post-running merriment at local bars to experiencing the scream tunnel, check out how you can join in the fun at this year's Boston Marathon below, and for specific info about the route and where to watch, check out our guide to the Boston Marathon. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

If you’re walking across the bridge to Boston’s Seaport District, you’ll probably notice the towering glass structure of Envoy Hotel. The gateway to one of the city’s most buzzing neighborhoods, the hotel encompasses 136 stunningly appointed guest rooms and suites situated right along the water. The views and hotel atmosphere are what attract both tourists and locals to the Envoy—it brags some of the most impressive rooftop views I’ve seen in the city, after all. Why stay at The Envoy Hotel? Located in the heart of one of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods, the Envoy Hotel is the perfect blend of city escape and ocean-front staycation—in other words, you can choose how to live your stay.  By day, stroll along the Seaport’s picturesque waterfront paths; by night, dive into its vibrant scene of elegant bars, open-air patios, and diverse restaurants. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a lobby filled with cozy nooks and comfortable seating in warm tones of yellow and blue, anchored by a beautifully decorated chandelier at its center. With its prime location, the Envoy caters to every type of traveler—from solo adventurers to couples.  What are the rooms like at The Envoy Hotel? The 136 rooms range from classic guest rooms and kings to coveted water-view corner rooms and suites. Design is elegantly minimalistic—think light wood furnishings, pops of yellow, and industrial lighting. Floating beds are perfectly positioned to take in harbor or city views through floor-to-ceiling windows,

CitizenM opens its second Boston hotel in a prime location a short distance from Fenway Park, in the heart of historic Back Bay. The 15-story tower, which officially opens Tuesday, Sept. 3, is citizenM’s largest hotel to date, featuring 399 rooms with XL king-size beds and prime views of the city. The citizenM brand, which also has a property at North Station, is beloved by millennial and business travelers for “affordable luxury”—think: high-tech amenities, comfort and elevated hospitality, with nightly rates starting at $129. During a recent pre-opening stay, I saw the appeal.  The moment the elevator opens into the lobby, you’ll notice pops of color and the distinct design the brand is known for. At citizenM Back Bay, colorful couches surrounded by shelves filled with fun trinkets, and a rooftop area with views of the city are two common areas where you can sip incredible cocktails from the bar (be sure to try the Citizen Jasmine). The hotel plays a key role in the new Lyrik development, built over the Mass. Turnpike across from Hynes Convention Center Station in the Back Bay. Designed as a play-stay-work area for the new headquarters of CarGurus and The LEGO Group, it’s a European-style outdoor plaza, which gives hotel guests easy access to retail and restaurant amenities. A Rivian showroom is open now (one of the fastest growing EV makers in America), and coming soon are George Howell Coffee, Avra Estiatorio, a Greek restaurant; Pink Carrot, a café offering juices and he

While Boston is known for its history and charm, the city also has some funk. Whether you’re in the mood for a unique dining experience, an unusual museum or a hidden speakeasy, there are lots of cool places to go, you just need to know where to look. Grab a friend and follow this list of quirky things to do around Boston right now.  Go to a ping pong bar  Photograph: Courtesy SPIN   Located in the Seaport, SPIN Boston is an interactive playground for adults. Grab a paddle, rent a ping pong table with your group and enjoy full food and drinks service. There are also other options for those looking to relax, including giant UNO and adult-sized connect four. (Did we mention there’s also a full bar and a bathtub filled with ping pong balls?) See the site of an unsolved art heist  Photograph: Ally Schmaling, courtesy Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum   The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is magical garden oasis on the outskirts of the Fenway neighborhood; a true city-escape. Filled with various art pieces throughout its three floors, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must-visit. While the monumental art collection and impressive courtyard of plants and florals are a draw, this museum is world-famous for another reason. In 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen, making the Isabella Gardner Museum home to one of the largest unsolved art-mysteries. Drink inside a wig shop Boston has some fun speakeasy bars scattered throughout town. One new comer to the scene, Wig Shop, in Down