Hotels in Boston, Massachusetts
Looking for a hotel in Boston, Massachusetts? Boston offers a wide range of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, motels, inns and other lodging options. Whether you are visiting Boston for business, a vacation, a college visit or a weekend getaway, you can compare lodging options in and around the city.
Choosing a Boston Hotel
When choosing a hotel in Boston, consider the location, transportation options, parking, amenities and proximity to the places you plan to visit. Staying near downtown Boston can make it easier to reach attractions, restaurants and business districts, while hotels outside the city center may offer additional parking or lower rates.
Boston Hotels Near Popular Attractions
Visitors may want to look for hotels near downtown Boston, Back Bay, Fenway Park, Boston Common, the Seaport District, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, or Boston's colleges and universities.
Popular Boston Neighborhoods for Lodging
- Back Bay & Copley Square: Ideal for luxury hotels, shopping along Newbury Street, and walking distance to the Prudential Center and Boston Public Library.
- Downtown & Financial District: Convenient for business travel, historic sights along the Freedom Trail, and proximity to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
- Seaport District: Perfect for attendees at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), featuring modern harborview hotels and waterfront dining.
- Fenway & Kenmore: Great for catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and nearby medical centers.
- North End & Waterfront: Offers charming boutique lodging options close to historic sites and Boston's famous Italian dining scene.
Hotels for Boston College & University Visits
If you are visiting students or touring campuses, location is key. Look for accommodations near Harvard Square and Kendall Square in Cambridge, hotels along Commonwealth Avenue for Boston University (BU), or lodging near Huntington Avenue for Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute of Technology. During peak campus events, such as May commencements and September move-in weeks, booking your hotel well in advance is highly recommended.
Navigating Boston: Parking and MBTA Public Transit
Driving and parking in downtown Boston can be challenging and expensive, with overnight hotel parking fees often ranging from $40 to $70+ per night. When selecting a hotel:
- Subway (The "T") Access: Choose a hotel within a short walk of an MBTA subway station (Red, Green, Blue, or Orange lines) to easily navigate the city without a car.
- Suburban Lodging Options: Consider hotels in surrounding communities like Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, or Waltham. These locations frequently offer lower room rates, complimentary or discounted parking, and easy highway or commuter rail access into downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Hotels
What is the best area to stay in Boston for first-time visitors?
Back Bay and Downtown are ideal for first-time visitors, as both neighborhoods are highly walkable and close to major attractions like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and public transit.
Are there budget-friendly hotels near Boston?
While downtown rates can be high, travelers can find more affordable hotel, motel, and inn options just outside the city center in areas like Arlington, Medford, Revere, or near Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Boston?
Hotel rates are generally lowest during the winter months (January through March). Prices peak during the spring graduation season, summer tourist months, and autumn foliage season (September through October).