MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Boston

Where to Stay in Boston

Boston Massachusetts, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Limited, mainly the HI Boston Hostel downtown, an economical option for solo travelers.

  • Budget Hotels/Motels

    Found outside the immediate city center, with basic amenities at lower price levels.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Wide selection in Back Bay, Downtown, Seaport, balancing comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end properties like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, in top spots.

Unique & Local Stays

  • Historic Inns/Boutique Hotels

    Converted historic buildings in Beacon Hill or Back Bay, offering unique character.

  • Bed & Breakfasts

    More common in residential neighborhoods, for a cozy and close stay.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Available via Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, with options from rooms to entire homes.

  • Homestay/Pet Sitting

    Individual rooms on platforms like Airbnb or through TrustedHousesitters for a local living experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Boston's neighborhoods possess distinct personalities. Explore areas based on your preferences.

Back Bay

Highlights
  • Central, beautiful, and safe
  • Excellent dining and shopping (Newbury Street)
  • Good MBTA access
  • Victorian brownstones, cultural institutions
Considerations
  • Expensive lodging
  • Can be busy with tourists and shoppers
  • High demand during peak season
  • Less quiet than residential areas

Beacon Hill

Highlights
  • Charming, quiet, and historic
  • Cobblestone streets, gas lamps
  • Close to Boston Common and Public Garden
  • Upscale boutiques on Charles Street
Considerations
  • Very expensive lodging
  • Hilly terrain, challenging for some footwear
  • Limited dining and shopping in immediate area
  • Parking is extremely difficult

North End

Highlights
  • Boston's oldest residential neighborhood
  • Authentic Italian restaurants and bakeries
  • Historic sites (Paul Revere House, Old North Church)
  • Lively atmosphere with cultural heritage
Considerations
  • Can get packed, especially evenings and weekends
  • Parking is very difficult to acquire
  • Less green space compared to other neighborhoods
  • Mainly Italian cuisine, less variety in other foods

Considerations

Safety

All areas mentioned are generally safe for tourists. Exercise caution, especially late at night, as one would in any major city.

Proximity & Vibe

Back Bay plus The central area are great for attractions and MBTA access. Beacon Hill for quiet charm. The North End, Fenway, and Seaport have lively scenes.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures your preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, Fall Foliage, Major Events): Book 3-6 months ahead.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring, Late Fall): Book 1-3 months ahead.
  • Low Season (Winter): Book 1 month or less ahead.
  • Always check for university events or public holiday periods, which can drive up prices.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld are reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Hotels frequently have best rate guarantees or exclusive perks on their websites.
  • Negotiation: Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary for Boston hotels.
  • Policies: Check deposit and cancellation terms carefully before confirming any reservation.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Highest Rates
  • June to October
  • Peak fall foliage period
  • Major events (e.g., Boston Marathon)
  • New Year's Eve
Lowest Rates
  • January to March
  • Excluding holiday weekends
  • Coldest months, fewer tourists
  • Best for budget travelers

Moderate Rates

Spring

April to May, before summer peak.

The End of autumn

November, after fall foliage rush.

The First part of december

Before holiday week increases.

Accommodation Recommendations

Suggestions for different traveler types and budgets, helping you find a suitable place to stay.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options
  • HI Boston Hostel (Downtown)
  • The Revolution Hotel (South End – a micro-hotel concept)
  • Motels outside the city center
  • Guesthouses in surrounding towns
Mid-Range Options

For a balance of comfort and value:

  • Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center
  • The Godfrey Hotel Boston
  • Many chain hotels in Back Bay and Seaport

Luxury & Family Friendly

Luxury Properties

For a premium experience:

  • Fairmont Copley Plaza (Back Bay)
  • Mandarin Oriental Boston (Back Bay)
  • The Liberty Hotel (Beacon Hill)
  • Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
Family-Friendly Stays
  • Hotels with pools or suites (e.g., Residence Inn, Embassy Suites)
  • Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms via Vrbo
  • Properties near Boston Common for easy park admission
  • Apartments for more space and home amenities

Solo Traveler Options

  • Hostels

    Like HI Boston, creating social interaction opportunities.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Well-located mid-range or boutique hotels prioritizing safety and convenience.

  • Compact Stays

    Consider micro-hotel concepts like The Revolution Hotel.

  • Convenience

    Stay in areas with good public transport access and walkable attractions.

Long-Stay Solutions

  • Serviced Apartments

    Ideal for longer visits, providing more space and amenities.

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Brands like Residence Inn or Homewood Suites have suitable options.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb or Vrbo rentals cater effectively to longer durations.

  • Local Living

    These arrangements can provide a more integrated experience.

Culturally Significant Properties

Omni Parker House

The oldest continuously operating hotel in the U.S., famous for inventing Boston Cream Pie.

  • Located Downtown
  • Rich history and elegant atmosphere
  • Near Freedom Trail sites
  • A culinary landmark
The Liberty Hotel

A converted 19th-century jail, with unique architecture and a compelling past.

  • Located in Beacon Hill
  • Former Charles Street Jail
  • Distinctive design and public spaces
  • Popular for its bar scene

Explore More Options

B&B Experiences

Seek out charming Bed & Breakfasts in residential areas for a bespoke stay.

Extended Stay Brands

Brands like Marriott Residence Inn cater to longer visits with apartment-style rooms.

University Housing

During summer, some university dorms may be available for short-term stays, check local listings.

Where to Stay in Boston. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation