EXPLORE WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON
EXPLORE WHERE TO STAY IN BOSTON
Boston offers a wide range of lodging options, each neighborhood providing its own unique experience. Whether you're drawn to historic, brick-lined streets, modern waterfront views, or vibrant student areas, the city's accommodations cater to various tastes and budgets. Beacon Hill's quaint charm contrasts with the bustling energy of Downtown Boston, while the Seaport boasts sleek, contemporary hotels by the water. For those seeking a more eclectic vibe, neighborhoods like The South End and Cambridge provide funky, independent lodgings. No matter where you choose, be mindful of parking challenges, high-demand times, and proximity to the city's top attraction
EXPLORE LODGING IN BOSTON
As a prominent college town, Boston's hotel scene is heavily influenced by the academic calendar. Graduation weekends in May and June are booked well in advance, with prices often tripling compared to off-season rates, and minimum stays stretching from two to four nights. Students return in droves during August and September for move-in season, adding to the demand. Early October brings leaf-peepers, while business travelers flood the city for fall conventions, especially in the Seaport District. Major events, such as the Boston Marathon in April and the Head of the Charles in October, make these months particularly busy for both large hotels and smaller inns.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD SHOULD I STAY IN?
NEIGHBORHOOD
Beacon Hill and Boston Common
Downtown Boston
The Back Bay
The South End
Fenway and Kenmore Square
The Seaport
Brookline and Jamaica Plain
Cambridge
VIBE
Historic brick buildings and upscale boutique hotels in Beacon Hill; luxury high-rises near Boston Common.
The Financial District stays busy during the week, with new boutique hotels competing against major chains.
Luxury hotels in Boston’s most upscale neighborhood, with Commonwealth Ave. lined by historic brownstones.
Funky, smaller hotels in a trendy and LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood with independent restaurants and shops.
A mix of larger hotels and smaller inns, catering to students, young professionals, and diehard Red Sox fans.
Modern, large-scale hotels with excellent dining options and waterfront views.
Mid-range chain hotels in student-heavy areas, along with independent inns in quieter Brookline.
Hip, eclectic hotels in a vibrant university area; service is laid-back but efficient.
PROS
Charming, safe area with lantern-lit streets; exclusive shopping and dining; access to parks and public transport.
Ideal for business travelers; good weekend rates; excellent public transit access; walkable to theaters and museums.
Central and safe with ample public transit; perfect for people-watching and nighttime strolls.
Vibrant food scene; easy access to the T and bus lines; safe, walkable streets near the Back Bay and Downtown.
Close to Fenway Park; emerging dining scene; more affordable than other areas; well-served by the T.
Bustling with restaurants; waterfront location attracts a younger crowd.
Affordable rooms in Brighton and Brookline; easier to drive in than Downtown.
Rich academic atmosphere; lively squares; diverse dining and hotel options, mostly independent.
CONS
Difficult to find parking; not budget-friendly; noisy hospital nearby; Boston Common can feel unsafe after dark.
Mostly empty at night; parking is pricey; Downtown Crossing gets crowded during lunch and weekends.
Expensive shopping, dining, and lodging; Newbury Street gets packed with tourists on weekends.
Nearby areas can feel unsafe; limited hotel options and challenging parking.
No street parking on game days; high garage prices; crowded during concerts and sports events; some noisy, tacky bars.
Lacks Boston's historic charm; parking is expensive and traffic can be heavy.
No overnight street parking in Brookline; distant from the city center; some areas feel unsafe at night; long T rides.
Limited public transport access; some areas can feel unsafe at night; difficult driving and parking.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO STAY IN BOSTON
Boston hotel stays are subject to a 14.95% tax, which includes energy, service, and occupancy surcharges. While bringing a car isn't necessary, many visitors opt to, adding parking fees to their expenses. Most hotels offer parking but charge for it, with self-parking rates starting around $15 per day and valet parking costing up to $63. Don't dismiss higher-priced hotels outright, as they often offer discounts from their listed "rack rates." Downtown hotels frequently have special weekend deals, and with Boston's growing number of hotel rooms, pricing is highly competitive. Be sure to check the hotel's website for the latest offers.
Prices listed are for two people in a standard double room during peak season, and do not include the 14.95% tax or service charges.
WHAT IT COSTS IN U.S. DOLLARS
$
HOTELS
$$
under $200
$$$
$200–$299
$$$$
$300–$399