Where to Stay in Boston: Guide to Find the Best Places & Hotels

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As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston is filled with a rich history and diverse culture. To enjoy all the city offers, you’ll need to know where to stay in Boston.

After all, it is home to the Boston Marathon, Boston Baked Beans, and Fenway Park. And despite its quaint feel, it’s a big tech hub.

So, to make the most of your visit, it’s best to stay informed about its areas. These include knowing about places with the best accommodation, neighborhoods, activities, and free things to do in Boston within a train ride or walking distance away.

Thankfully, this guide helps you find the best place to stay in Boston for your itinerary, including a list of places to choose from.

Best Areas To Stay In Boston

Whether you’re traveling solo, on a romantic city break, or taking the family on a Boston vacation, there’s an area just for you.

Not only is this a helpful guide on Boston neighborhoods, but it also shows you some tourist attractions within walking distance.

Overall Best Neighborhood To Stay In Boston

Ask anyone who’s ever visited Boston, and they’ll tell you that Back Bay is the ideal place to stay during any visit. Not only is it considered the best hotel location in Boston, but it’s also a safe, energetic hub of activity within walking distance of downtown Boston.

The district has a Paris-like feel, with its sophisticated boutique shops that line the streets and the expensive apartments overlooking pedestrians.

Contrasting with the glamor is the splendid Public Garden, where joggers, dog walkers, and strolling lovers can be seen at all times of the day.

The neighborhood also has the historical Boston Public Library, where art, literature, and architecture lovers can spend a relaxing afternoon walking the premises.

Tip: The home of the Red Sox is near Back Bay. So why not take a guided tour of Fenway Park to learn more about the team and the sport?

Where to Stay in Boston on a Budget: Downtown Boston

Boston’s commercial and financial districts may not seem like very interesting places to stay. But downtown Boston offers budget travelers the chance to visit the city without hefty expenses.

When it comes to cheap places to stay in Boston, this neighborhood has some exceptionally inexpensive hostels and tasty yet cheap takeaway food.

Downtown Boston is home to the Freedom Trails, Chinatown, and Washington Street. The area is walkable but also has easy access to public transport.

Tip: You can take a guided walk of Freedom Trail to enjoy more Downtown Boston sights.

Best Part of Boston to Stay with Kids

You can easily visit Boston with teens or younger kids and still have fun! The seaport district in South Boston is arguably the best location to stay in Boston for a fun-filled family vacation.

It’s home to many fun and educational museums, like the Boston Children’s Museum. There are also plenty of open spaces to enjoy walking or cycling with the kids.

The district has a bowling alley and a cinema to enjoy on rainy days. Older kids can enjoy free open-air workouts and concerts within the district.

There’s also the opportunity to enjoy the city sights from a boat on the water, which is bound to be a family favorite.

Entertain the little ones with a trip to the Tea Party Ship & Museum, where they’ll learn about Boston’s history on replicated Boston Tea Party ships.

Romantic Places to Stay in Boston, MA

Few things are more romantic than strolling down cobblestone streets surrounded by green spaces. The North End neighborhood is one of the most idyllic places to stay in Boston.

It gives you plenty of time to marvel at the old-time architecture which helped dub it as Boston’s own Little Italy. The area has an abundance of Italian restaurants to enjoy a romantic meal for two.

The North End is also home to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. It is the perfect spot for a lunchtime picnic and many gorgeous sights to enjoy with your partner.

You can even blend romance and food on this North End Pizza Tour to discover some of the best pizzerias in Boston.

15 Best Places To Stay In Boston – Accommodation Options

Once you’ve found the best area to stay in Boston, you can decide on your accommodation. This list offers a range of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses to fit every budget and suit every traveler.

Tip: If none of these grab your attention, you can search Vrbo for other fun places to stay in Boston instead.

Boston’s Best Budget Hostels

If you’re planning to stay in Boston while on a budget, you’ll likely want to find the best hostels in the city. The following hostels offer excellent locations at affordable rates.

HI Boston Hostel 

HI Boston Hostel is high on the list of cheap Boston places to stay and an all-time favorite among many.

This hostel sits in the theater district and offers a fun, funky, and friendly place to spend a few days in the city. It’s also within easy walking distance of Chinatown and the top Downtown Boston attractions.

There are male, female, and mixed dorms, all of which offer modern conveniences like plugs by the beds and free Wi-Fi.

A free breakfast is served every morning, saving money and filling you up for a busy day out. The hostel also offers bedding and towels to all guests – which is great for backpackers.

Backpackers Hostel & Pub

Designed for backpackers and budget travelers, the Backpackers Hostel & Pub offers the perfect place to rest after a full day of city exploration.

While it is located in Everett, it is still close to the Downtown area and within easy reach of public transport to get anywhere else.

Every morning the hostel offers a light breakfast of toast and coffee or tea. Guests also get free linen and towels for convenience, while the free wifi keeps you connected 24/7.

There are mixed and female-only dorms. To keep personal belongings safe, guests are given their own locker to store them while sightseeing.

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Backbay/Fenway

Found near Fenway Park, the Residence Inn is where to stay in Boston for baseball lovers because it’s such a short distance from live Red Sox games.

It is also good for anyone looking for a cheap bed for a few nights. And, while the facilities are relatively simple and clean, there is still a rooftop pool and bar.

It is close to all the restaurants, bars, and shops that you could need. And, while the hotel is not necessarily cheap, it’s a great budget hotel near Fenway Park.

Boston Homestel

For a hostel stay in Boston that feels more like visiting long-lost family, Boston Homestel is ideal.

It is located in a more residential area and is designed to make guests feel welcome by adding a personal touch to each stay.

The dorm rooms are simple yet comfy, and the living room and kitchen follow the same simplistic theme.

Although the hostel is slightly out of the city, it’s well within public transport zones and not too far from the big attractions. There’s even a nearby swimmable beach for those looking to take a dip.

Found Hotel Boston Common

While it’s not quite like other hostels, Found balances a hotel’s privacy with a hostel’s prices.

Located in the favored Back Bay, the Found Boston Common is set in a building that dates back to the 1800s. The old building lends a quaint atmosphere to the budget hotel, and its vintage decor and design add a romantic feel.

This hostel is within walking distance of some of Boston’s most fantastic attractions. Including the Public Garden, Boston Common, and other culturally-rich restaurants, galleries, and bars.

Mid-range Boston BnBs, Guesthouses & Hotels

Boston offers a range of guesthouses, B&Bs, and simple, affordable hotels for a homely stay within your travel budget. Here’s a selection of five of the best places to stay in Boston, MA.

Oasis Guesthouse 

If you’re heading to Boston to visit the home of the famous Red Sox, the Oasis Guesthouse is precisely where you need to be. This homely guest house is in Fenway, less than a mile from Fenway Park.

This guesthouse is located in two sister brownstones, which makes it feel more like a homely stay in a beautiful Boston neighborhood.

There’s a range of rooms to choose from, starting with a single room and a shared bathroom and going all the way up to deluxe rooms with en suites. The rooms here are snug and feature air conditioning, satellite TVs, and free wifi.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast served fresh every morning and a peaceful night’s sleep at the end of a busy day.

Newbury Guest House

A stay at Newbury Guest House promises a cozy and welcoming trip to Boston. It is not only located in one of the best areas in Boston but also in one of its most popular and charming streets.

The designer boutique hotel consists of three connected townhouses that will make you feel at home.

Its perfect blend of historical elements and a contemporary setting makes it feel fresh. And what’s even better is that it has its on-site bakery, Patisserie On Newbury.

The surrounding area contains green open spaces, quaint restaurants and bars, and quirky shops. And for those who love shopping, just nearby is The Shops at Prudential Center.

Irving House at Harvard

Mingle with the intellectuals while you stay at Irving House, located right by the famous Harvard University near Charles River in Boston.

This guesthouse is perfect for history lovers, thanks to its close proximity to some of the best fine arts museums and galleries in the city.

The rooms are all warmly decorated, with a touch of home added in. Depending on your budget, there’s a choice of rooms with and without ensuite.

The complimentary breakfast every morning is a pleasant sight to wake up to, and the dining area is social and accommodating. Guests also receive free coffee and snacks throughout the day.

The Verb Hotel

The Verb is well-known as one of the most fabulous hotels to stay in Boston. It’s a rock-themed hotel near Fenway Park that is colorful and fun and wins the hearts of almost everyone in its cozy rooms.

The hotel rooms are snug, with cable TV, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a vintage vinyl player for the atmosphere.

There’s a courtyard with a large heated pool in the center for guests to mingle, and breakfast is an entire affair at The Verb.

Boston Park Plaza

This Boston Park Plaza may look extremely expensive, but they’re considerably well-priced rooms for budget travelers. You’ll get all the luxuries offered at a top hotel at a comfortably affordable price.

The hotel offers fully-equipped rooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, and private bathrooms. Some of the rooms even have their sitting area.

Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant or wander further into the theater district to find restaurants and bars.

Luxury Hotels in Boston

Saving money while you travel is always smart, but if you’re looking for a luxury hotel or even a boutique hotel in Boston, these lavish hotels are what you need.

Boston Marriott Long Wharf

This stunning hotel oozes luxury, from its beautifully decorated interior to the spectacular views over the wharf.

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf hotel is right on the Waterfront, providing ample opportunities for guests to soak up the views, enjoy fresh seafood, and check out the working harbor.

This hotel offers valet parking, concierge services, and an onsite gift shop. It’s next door to a subway station, making it easy to access other areas.

It’s also a short walk into the North End, allowing romantic strolls to divine Italian restaurants.

The Kendall Hotel

The Kendall is much higher in price than anything we’ve mentioned above. But it is ideal for those special occasion trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations that call for enjoying the finer things.

The hotel is located in a Victorian-style building in Cambridge. It offers a full buffet American breakfast each morning and a complimentary wine hour on the rooftop in the evening.

The hotel is close to public transport stops, making it convenient for everyone.

The rooms are richly decorated and offer all the modern comforts you’d expect from a 4-star hotel.

Seaport Hotel® Boston

The Seaport Hotel offers an incredible stay as it’s one of the best hotels in Boston for sightseeing.

It’s right in a waterfront neighborhood not only close to many of the main city attractions, but the views from most of the rooms also show off the best of Boston.

The hotel has an onsite fitness center, an indoor pool, a gourmet dining restaurant and bar, and a cafe for baked goods and coffee.

The rooms are spacious and neat and provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. The higher rates are worth it.

Fairmont Copley

Fairmont Copley is a grand 5-star hotel offering only the best of everything. The historic building in Back Bay shows off the best of Boston’s early 1900s architecture. It’s stunning both inside and out.

The onsite restaurant serves gourmet meals in a sophisticated setting, and after-dinner martinis are a must while staying here.

The rooms are splendid, with all modern comforts and amenities, and room service is available to all guests.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel is magnificent both inside and out. This 4-star accommodation is one of the more affordable luxury hotels in Boston, conveniently located near many of the city’s top attractions.

It’s a short walk away from the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, and Boston Common.

The hotel has an onsite fitness center, a lounge, and a stunningly elegant restaurant. The rooms are all equipped with TVs, air conditioning, and spacious en suite bathrooms.

The staff is all extremely attentive and friendly, making this one of the best hotels in Boston for tourists on their first visit to the city.

Of course, there are hundreds of other great accommodations in Boston, so if you want to check the best deals there, I recommend checking them out on this map.

Where to Stay, Boston Summary

It’s clear to see that of places to stay, Boston offers more than its famous marathon and sweet Baked Beans.

Out of the Boston Harbor, attractions, and historic buildings, this charming city has so much to enjoy. You’ll also find something to suit almost every personality.

This guide should have answered the question of where to stay when visiting Boston. So now all that’s left to do is to plan your trip.

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Images: Featured, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 from Flickr Creative Commons.