Boston is one of the most interesting cities in the US. It is full of rich American history and is surrounded by many colleges and universities, which gives Boston a very youthful vibe and, of course, an undercurrent of rebelliousness that forms parts of its entire history.
In addition to this, the city enjoys cool architecture and an excellent sports culture. It is generally a cool place to visit.
For visitors, Boston offers lots of learning and exploration opportunities. But just as when visiting any other new place, you have to know where to stay in Boston.
Unfortunately, the city tends to be more expensive than most American cities. It consistently ranks among the top 10 cities in the country with the highest cost of living.
Sadly, hotels are not accepted for this.
You should also know that it is a fairly compact city due to the fact that it is constrained by water. The good thing about this is that you can comfortably walk to every corner of the city within a day. Actually, Central Boston is extremely walkable, making it convenient to connect to other places.
In this guide, we will share where to stay in Boston, including recommending the top 15 places.
We will also try to give a summarized overview of the neighborhood. This will help you find the perfect resting place when you are in the city.
Where to Stay in Boston: The Deciding Factors
We strongly believe that the best way to find a place to stay in a city is to first choose the neighborhood, and then pick where you love to stay within the neighborhood.
The only challenge is that Boston is not that big to have a huge number of cool neighborhoods to choose from.
You also have to consider other things, such as nightlife, accessibility from the city center, attractions in an area, and the kind of vibe that you want to be near.
The length of your stay in Boston will also likely influence where you stay.
Finally, you have to consider the budget. Some places are exceptionally good but might be out of reach for the majority.
The Best Places to Stay in Boston
Where to stay in Boston means several things to various people. Some are attracted to luxury, some love arts and culture, others look for family-friendly places, and many others are attracted to budget options. We tried to cover these aspects when we curated our list of the best places to stay in Boston.
The Best Neighborhoods for Sightseeing
The best place for sightseeing is downtown Boston. This is the city’s financial and commercial center. It is also one of the most historic and oldest sections of the city.
The area features lots of historic buildings and cobblestone streets intermixed with huge modern skyscrapers.
On top of this, you will find several bars and upscale restaurants. The main reason why it features on this guide to where to stay in Boston is that it has lots of tourist attractions.
Which include Faneuil Hall, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House, which make up the Freedom Trail.
The good thing is that there are several great options when it comes to accommodation.
1. HI Boston
HI Boston is among the best hostels in the HI chain.
The place has a common area, a kitchen, and several rooms for meetings and resting.
The beds come with a reading light, a personal shelf, and a power outlet. We also love this hostel because it is quite affordable.
2. The Godfrey Hotel Boston
This is one of the best boutique hotels in the city. It features a stylish lobby and a fun bar that serves nice drinks.
It also has comfy rooms fitted with everything you need, such as a desk area and plenty of natural light.
The Best Neighborhood for Luxury
If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay while in Boston, then you might consider Copley or the Back Bay.
The neighborhood includes Copley Square, which houses Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and several shops and restaurants, as well as some eye-catching brownstone homes along the river.
There is also a farmer’s market every Tuesday and Friday.
3. Boston Copley House
This set of studio apartments is located in ancient brick row houses that are fully equipped with cable TV and kitchens. We also love this place because it has a nice rooftop.
So, if you are looking for a luxurious neighborhood and prefer a place with reasonable pricing, the Boston Copley House might be ideal for you.
4. Fairmont Copley Plaza
Travelers looking for a more luxurious stay in Boston might want to consider Fairmont Copley Plaza. This luxurious hotel is located near Newbury Street and has a lot of excellent dining and shopping scenes.
If you are lucky enough to find a space on the concierge floor, you might get a free continental breakfast. Besides this, there is an outdoor deck and a nice rooftop health club.
The Best Neighborhood for Arts and Culture
Cambridge is not only popular for hosting some of the best institutions in the world, including Harvard and MIT; it also has plenty of museums, arts, and live music.
Simply put, the area is culturally diverse.
5. Porter Square Hotel
If you want to find a place to stay in Boston that allows you easier access to both MIT and Harvard, then the Porter Square Hotel is a good choice.
The hotel has a lovely garden and patio, which look lively during the summer months. Besides this, it offers spacious rooms with plenty of natural light.
The whole place is also clean and affordable for average travelers.
6. Irving House at Havard
If you are looking for a sort of B&B, then this will serve you. It has a cute and cozy atmosphere supported by nice rooms with comfy beds, a shared kitchen space, couches, and on-site laundry facilities.
7. Le Meridien
This is one of the luxurious hotels in the Cambridge neighborhood.
The contemporary four-star hotel boasts several spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour gym, and a French restaurant.
We really love the hotel because the beds are super comfy and the whole place is immaculately tidy.
Best Neighbourhood for Budget Travelers
Boston is generally an expensive city. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t find a place to stay that is pocket-friendly. Two such places are Brighton and Allston.
These two are popular because they carry a large number of recent graduates and students. There isn’t much to do here, but it offers cheaper dining options and nightlife than anywhere else.
There are a lot of affordable options in the South End, just next to Back Bay. This is more convenient than other deeper neighborhoods, which might be cheaper but not suitable for visitors.
8. The Farrington Inn
This is a small guest house with several dorm rooms, so it is an affordable option for budget travelers.
The good thing about it is that it has cool rooms with air conditioners.
In fact, some come with kitchenettes and free WiFi.
9. Studio Hotel Boston
This is another fantastic option for budget travelers. It specifically appeals to young travelers who love the artsy look and feel.
The hotel has a common area and an outdoor patio complete with a rum bar. Also, each room has impressive pieces of artwork, making it a fun place to stay.
10. The Revolution Hotel
As the name suggests, the Revolution Hotel was inspired by the rebellious spirit associated with the city.
The hotel has spacious rooms available for different budgets, with the cheaper ones having a single-occupant bathroom down the hall. Parking is also available in one of the garages.
11. The Upton
The Upton comprises nice apartments suitable for those looking for more space.
So, if more space and better kitchen amenities are what you value and are willing to spend a little more on, then living here will offer value.
The Best Neighborhood for Families
If you are traveling with your family and looking for a place to stay in Boston, then the best place is Brookline.
Essentially, it is a big town on its own, but it is still considered part of Boston. The neighborhood is generally quiet and offers a small-town feel.
12. Longwood Inn
If you are longing to stay with your family in a 19th-century Victorian inn, then Longwood Inn offers that comfort.
Moreover, the pace is charming and conveniently located. You might also love the old-style furniture and bedding. In fact, you will likely feel like you are in an old-school B&B.
13. Coolidge Corner Guest House
Coolidge Corner Guest House is a hidden gem located in a quiet neighborhood in a residential setting.
The place is comfortable, and the owners of the guest house are friendly.
Another thing we noted about the guest house is that it has rooms with very traditional decor.
The Best Neighborhood for Something Unique
If you are looking for unique things in the city, you might want to explore places like Seaport.
The neighborhood has a lot of high-end restaurants, condos, museums, fancy cocktail lounges, and a spacious outdoor lawn. It is one of those neighborhoods where development is evident.
14. Aloft Boston Seaport District
All Aloft hotels have something to offer, and this one is definitely no exception.
The hotel boasts large rooms with signature beds and spacious walk-in showers.
Another impressive thing about it is the WXYZ bar, which offers a nice spot to relax in the evening.
15. Staypineapple at the Alise Boston
This place is famous among young travelers, and for good reason.
Staypineapple is a trendy spot because it has several fun perks, including bicycle rentals and dog-friendly rooms. Bathrobes and fluffy towels also add a nice touch.
Closing Remarks
Boston is one of the most interesting places to explore.
The city has a rich history characterized by rebellion and revolution. It also hosts some of the best universities and colleges in the world.
So, you will likely experience a diverse culture. Other than that, there are several nice accommodations. So, you won’t lack where to stay in Boston.
While the city is compact, it has several neighborhoods. Each of them has its own small-town feel. Unfortunately, the city is not among the cheapest.
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