Where To Stay In Boston: The Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Boston is a vibrant city steeped in Irish heritage, passionate sports culture, and centuries of American history. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean in the Northeast, it’s the 25th largest city in the United States and home to around 650,000.

As someone born and raised in this incredible city, I’ve explored every corner and can tell you exactly where to go, where to stay, and what areas you might want to skip. Whether you're a first-time visitor or planning a return trip, this guide will help you discover the very best neighborhoods and hotels Boston has to offer.

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Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Boston. This neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and Victorian brick row houses. Beacon Hill is a great place to stay for first time visitors because of its central location and quintessential Boston charm.

While in Beacon Hill you must visit Acorn Street. Acorn Street is in heart of Beacon Hill and is the most photographed street in the United States! For breakfast and coffee in Beacon Hill be sure to checkout Tatte!

Pros and Cons Of Staying In Beacon Hill

Pros

Safe
Pretty Area
Centrally Located

Cons

Expensive
More Of a Residential Feel

Luxury Hotels In Beacon Hill

XV Beacon - Located in the outskirts of Beacon Hill (close to downtown) is the elegant XV Beacon Hotel. At this five star hotel you will find a top notch restaurant, spacious rooms, a gym, pet friendly rooms, in room fireplaces, and more!

The Whitney Hotel - Situated right by the stunning Charles River is The Whitney Hotel. The five star hotel offers more of a modern feel, rather than the XV Beacons more historical features. At the Whitney you will be met with a fabulous restaurant, gym, bar, and beautifully appointed rooms.

Mid Range Hotels In Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill Hotel - The Beacon Hill Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel situated on Charles Street. This for star hotel is home to a cozy restaurant and adorable rooms.

The Liberty - The Liberty Hotel is one of the most unique place you can stay in Boston. The once jail has been renovated into a gorgeous four star hotel. Be sure to dine at the in house restaurant Clink were the cells are still installed and the windows are barred.

Budget Hotel In Beacon Hill

Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill - The Wyndham is the only budget friendly option in Beacon Hill. Boston is an expensive city so even the budget hotels can get pricey. The Wyndham has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Beacon Hill!

The North End

The North End is a neighborhood full of Italian culture. Located on the tip of the city, the North End is a wonderful area to stay in Boston because of its central location, amazing restaurants, and cool culture.

While in the North End be sure to dine at one of the many Italian restaurants (my favorites are El Panino and the Daily Catch), visit the old north church, and stop by the waterfront.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In The North End

Pros

Great food
Culture

Cons

Not many hotel options
Expensive
No Budget Friendly Hotels

Hotels In The North End

Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront - The Battery Wharf Hotel is the best located hotel in the North End. With easy access to all of the best restaurants and shops the North End has to offer, the Battery Wharf Hotel is perfect for families and couples.

Boston Harbor Hotel - The Boston Harbor Hotel is located on the outskirts of the North End, by the Seaport. This five star hotel offers guests with luxury rooms, stunning views of the waterfront, a top notch restaurant, a gym, and more. The Boston Harbor Hotel is best for couples.

The Seaport

The Seaport is a modern and ritzy neighborhood. Located right next to The North End and downtown Boston, the Seaport is the perfect place to stay for couples or families.

In the Seaport you will find stunning views of the Boston Waterfront, many amazing seafood restaurants, great shopping, and fun outdoor events throughout the year.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In The Seaport

Pros

Centrally located
Safe
Lots of shops and restaurants

Cons

Expensive
all new (not as charming as the rest of Boston)

Luxury Hotels In The Seaport

Boston Marriott Long Wharf - Located on the Boston waterfront (just outside of the North End) is the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. At this four star hotel you will find an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a gym, and more!

InterContinental Boston - The InterContinental is a 5 star hotel located on the outskirts of the seaport (near the fanatical district). At the InterContinental You will find two restaurants, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a bar.

Mid-Range Hotels In The Seaport

omni boston seaport — Omni Boston Seaport

Omni - Omni is a four star hotel located in the heart of the Seaport. At the Omni Hotel you will find an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a spa, two restaurants, a bar, and more. The Omni is a massive hotel that is pretty close to the airport. So if you have a long layover Omni is a great option for you!

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Downtown Seaport - The Residence Inn is located on the outskirts of the Seaport (just a few steps from downtown Boston). At this 4 star hotel you will be met with pet friendly rooms, a bar, a gym, breakfast served daily, and more.

Budget Hotel In The Seaport

Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District - The Hampton Inn is in the heart of the Seaport. This hotel is pretty corporate, but it offers everything you could need for a comfortable stay in the Seaport.

Cambridge

Home to Harvard University, Tufts University, and MIT, Cambridge is arguably the smartest neighborhood in the world. Cambridge is located just across the Charles River and is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more low key, eclectic area.

While in Cambridge make sure to stop by Harvard Square and visit the many shops and restaurants (don't miss L.A. Burdick Chocolate House). Also checkout the Harvard Campus and Porter Square.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Cambridge

Pros

Lots of shopping and restaurants (cool area)
A bit less expensive than staying in Boston

Cons

Not right in the city

Luxury Hotels In Cambridge

The Charles Hotel - Located in the heart of Harvard Square is the lovely Charles Hotel. This luxury hotel offers guests with 4 restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, a bar, family sized rooms, and more. The Charles is a great place to stay for couples or families.

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel - Situated just across from Boston on the Charles River is the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel. At the Kimpton you will find a restaurant, a gym, a bar, and breakfast served daily.

Luxury Hotels In Cambridge

Hotel 1868 - Located a few minutes walks away from Harvard Square is the adorable Hotel 1868. This boutique hotel offers guests with cute clean rooms and a gym. There is a Cafe Nero next door to Hotel 1868, so if you are a fellow coffee addict you will love this. When I stayed here and it was raining the staff gave us umbrellas and were very helpful overall.

Le Méridien - Le Méridien is located in the center or Cambridge (just a mile from Harvard). At Le Méridien you will find a gym, a restaurant, family sized rooms, a bar, a breakfast served daily.

Budget Hotels In Cambridge

A Cambridge House Inn - If you are looking for a unique experience in Cambridge, checkout the Cambridge House Hotel. At this tiny hotel you will stay in a historical house in the heart of Cambridge.

Porter Square Hotel - Located in Porter Square (near Tufts University) is the lovely Porter Square Hotel. At this charming hotel you will find cozy rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and more.

📚Read Next - Cambridge, MA Travel Guide

Back Bay

Back Bay is a bustling Neighborhood full of shopping, history, and restaurants. This charming Boston Neighborhood site next to Beacon Hill and Downtown. Back Bay is a great area to stay in Boston for first time visitors because it in centrally located and near some of the best and most popular attractions in the city.

While in the Back Bay Neighborhood be sure to visit Newbury Street, The Boston Common, and Fenway Park.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Back Bay

Pros

Great location
Lovely hotels
Shopping & Restaurants

Cons

Expensive
Busy

Luxury Hotels In Back Bay

The Newbury - The Newbury is one of Boston's most iconic hotels. Built in 1927 this historic hotel is located on the stunning Newbury Street with is full of luxury boutiques and amazing restaurants. At the Newbury you will find luxury accommodations, two top notch restaurants, a gym, a bar, and more.

Four Seasons - The Four Seasons consistently ranks as one of the best hotels in the world. This elegant hotel sits across from the sunning Boston Common in the Back Bay neighborhood. At the Four Seasons Boston you will find an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and family sized rooms.

Raffles - Raffles is Boston's newest luxury hotel. This modern hotel was built in 2023 and offers guests with the best facilities there are to offer. At the Raffles Boston you will find an indoor swimming pool, five restaurants, a bar, a fitness center, and a lovely spa.

Mid-Range Hotels In Back Bay

The Lenox Hotel - The charming Lenox Hotel is located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. At the Lenox you will find rooms that will remind you of home, a cozy restaurant, a bar, a gym, and more. A unique detail at the Lenox is there in room fireplaces!

The Westin Copley Place - The Westin Hotels are consistent and rarely disappoint. Located in the center of Back Bay is the lovely Westin Copley Place. At the Westin you will find spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and more. The Westin is a great hotel for families.

Fairmont Copley Plaza - The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Back Bay (near the Boston Common). This elegant hotel was built in 1912 and features a restaurant, a bar, large rooms, and a fitness center.

Budget Hotels In Back Bay

Copley Square Hotel - The Copley Square Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel located on the outskirts of the Back Bay neighborhood. This budget friendly hotel offers guests with rooms with an eclectic style, a gym, and more!

citizenM Boston Back Bay Hotel - The citizenM Hotel is located on the outskirts of Back Bay (a few steps from Fenway Park). This brand new hotel is perfect for solo travelers or couples.

Top 10 Things To Do In Boston

There is truly something for everyone in Boston. These are my top 10 favorite things to do in Boston as a local.

Visit Fenway Park
Checkout Harvard Square
Take a Stroll Down Newbury Street
Grab a Coffee & Pastry at Tatte
Walk Through The Boston Common
Eat Italian Food In The North End
Visit America's Most Photographed Street in Beacon Hill (Acorn Street)
Visit The Iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace
See a Bruins Game
Visit The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

☘️Read Next - A Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts