Where to Stay in Boston: Best Hotels for Every Budget

Trying to figure out where to stay in Boston? I get it. With so many unique neighborhoods and hotel options, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right spot.

Some areas put you in the heart of historic landmarks while others are perfect for shopping, dining or soaking up waterfront views. Where you stay can completely change how you experience the city.

The good news is I’m here to make it easy! This guide breaks down six of the best areas to stay in Boston, along with hotel recommendations for every budget. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, you’ll find plenty of options to match your style and trip plans.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Boston

If you’re short on time and just want a quick answer, here are my top picks for the best hotels in Boston. These are great options for every budget and travel style, so you can skip the research and book with confidence.

• Best luxury hotel: The Newbury Boston (Back Bay)
• Best mid-range hotel: The Colonnade Hotel (Back Bay)
• Best budget hotel: Porter Square Hotel (Cambridge)
• Best for first-timers: The Whitney Hotel Boston (Beacon Hill)
• Best for foodies: Battery Wharf Hotel (North End)
• Best waterfront views: The Westin Boston Seaport District (Seaport District)

Where to Stay in Boston: Best Areas & Hotels

1. Back Bay: Best area for first-time visitors

Back Bay is always my top pick when someone asks where to stay in Boston. It’s got that perfect mix of historic charm, walkability, and great hotel options, which makes it ideal if it’s your first visit.

This neighborhood is full of beautiful brownstone buildings, tree-lined streets, and some of the city’s best shopping.

Newbury Street is one of my favorite places to wander, with its boutique shops and cozy cafes. You’re also just a short stroll from Boston Common and the Public Garden, which are both perfect for a morning walk.

Back Bay feels lively but not overwhelming. There’s a nice balance of residential charm and tourist-friendly spots, and you’ll have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore in the evenings. It’s also well-connected by public transit, so getting around the city is easy if you don’t feel like walking.

The area has a great mix of hotels too, from high-end luxury to more affordable boutique stays. I think it’s one of the most versatile neighborhoods in Boston and a solid choice no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.

Where to Stay in Back Bay

• The Newbury Boston – Luxury hotel overlooking the Public Garden with elegant rooms and a beautiful rooftop restaurant
• Fairmont Copley Plaza – Classic luxury in a historic building with a stunning lobby and great service
• The Colonnade Hotel – Mid-range hotel with a rooftop pool and a prime location in the heart of Back Bay
• Charlesmark Hotel – Affordable boutique hotel on Boylston Street, perfect for budget travelers
• Inn at St. Botolph – Cozy all-suite hotel with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays or travelers on a budget

2. Beacon Hill: Best area for historic charm

If you want to stay in one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Boston, Beacon Hill is hard to beat. It’s famous for its cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and rows of 19th-century brownstones that look like something out of a postcard.

This is a smaller, quieter neighborhood that feels worlds away from the busier parts of the city. You can stroll along Charles Street to find cute boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes, or snap a photo on Acorn Street, which is one of the most photographed spots in Boston.

Beacon Hill is also incredibly central. You’re right next to Boston Common and the Public Garden, and you can walk to Downtown and the North End in no time.

The downside is that there aren’t a ton of hotels here, and most of them are on the pricier side, but the charm more than makes up for it.

Where to Stay in Beacon Hill

• The Whitney Hotel Boston – Chic luxury hotel steps from Charles Street with bright, modern rooms
• Beacon Hill Hotel – Small boutique hotel with an excellent location and a welcoming vibe
• Boston Omni Parker House Hotel – Historic and budget-friendly, sitting right at the edge of Beacon Hill near Boston Common

3. North End: Best area for food lovers

The North End is Boston’s Little Italy and one of the most charming places to stay in the city. This neighborhood is packed with old-world character, cobblestone streets, and some of the best Italian restaurants and bakeries you’ll ever find.

It’s the kind of area where you can grab cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, enjoy a romantic dinner at a family-run trattoria, and take a sunset stroll along the waterfront.

Staying here also puts you right on the Freedom Trail, so it’s easy to explore some of the city’s most famous historic sites and all the best things to do in Boston.

There aren’t a ton of hotels in the North End, but the ones here offer a cozy neighborhood feel and great access to the waterfront. It’s a solid choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Boston and want to be surrounded by amazing food.

Where to Stay in the North End

• Battery Wharf Hotel – Upscale hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful harbor views
• Boston Yacht Haven – Unique boutique stay with marina views and a peaceful setting
• Bricco Suites – Modern suites right in the heart of the North End, perfect for longer stays
• Boston Marriott Long Wharf – Just outside the North End, with a pool and easy access to the neighborhood and waterfront

4. Seaport District: Best area for a modern vibe and waterfront views

If you prefer a more modern side of the city, the Seaport District is a fantastic place to stay. This area has transformed in recent years with sleek high-rises, trendy restaurants, and a beautiful harborwalk that’s perfect for an evening stroll.

The Seaport is also great for nightlife and dining, with plenty of rooftop bars and seafood spots overlooking the water. It’s not as historic as other parts of Boston, but it makes up for that with its contemporary feel and stunning waterfront views.

There are lots of excellent hotels in Boston’s Seaport District, many of them in shiny new buildings with top-notch amenities. It’s a solid pick for couples or anyone looking for a mix of luxury and convenience.

Where to Stay in the Seaport District

• The Westin Boston Seaport District – Upscale hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and easy access to the waterfront and convention center
• Seaport Hotel Boston – Stylish mid-range option with large rooms and a great location near the harborwalk
• YOTEL Boston – Modern and affordable with compact rooms and a rooftop bar
• The Envoy Hotel – Trendy boutique stay with contemporary design and a popular rooftop lounge
• Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Downtown Seaport – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays

5. Downtown/Financial District: Best area for sightseeing

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Downtown Boston and the Financial District are hard to beat.

This area is packed with historic landmarks, shopping, and plenty of dining options, making it one of the best places to stay in Boston for sightseeing.

You’ll be within walking distance of Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the start of the Freedom Trail. It’s also super convenient for catching a show in the nearby Theater District or hopping on a ferry from the waterfront.

The vibe here is busier and more corporate compared to neighborhoods like Back Bay or Beacon Hill, but the location can’t be beat. There’s a wide range of hotels from luxury towers to budget-friendly spots.

Where to Stay in Downtown/Financial District

• The Langham Boston – Luxury hotel with elegant rooms, a beautiful indoor pool and top-notch service
• Boston Omni Parker House Hotel – Historic hotel with classic decor and an unbeatable location near Boston Common
• Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston – Mid-range stay with modern rooms steps from Quincy Market
• Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall – Affordable option with compact rooms in a prime location
• citizenM Boston North Station – Stylish budget hotel with a fun vibe and great city views

6. Cambridge: Best area for budget travelers

Cambridge sits just across the Charles River from Downtown Boston and offers a completely different feel.

Not only is it known for Harvard University and MIT, but it’s also one of the most affordable places to stay near Boston. Hotel prices here are often much lower than in the city, making it a great choice for budget travelers.

It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quieter base with easy access to the city. You can hop on the Red Line and be in central Boston in minutes, or spend your time exploring Harvard Square and the picturesque streets around the university.

While technically outside Boston proper, Cambridge still has some of the most unique and budget-friendly places to stay in Boston MA.

It’s perfect for families, students visiting the universities, or anyone wanting to save on accommodations without sacrificing convenience.

Also, if you’re visiting Boston on a budget, make sure to check out my guide about the best free things to do in Boston!

Where to Stay in Cambridge

• The Charles Hotel – Elegant hotel in Harvard Square with spacious rooms and a warm, classic feel
• Kimpton Marlowe by IHG – Stylish boutique hotel with a quirky design and easy access to the river
• Porter Square Hotel – Affordable boutique hotel with modern rooms and a great location near the Red Line for quick trips into Boston
• Irving House at Harvard – Budget-friendly guesthouse with a cozy atmosphere near Harvard Square
• Hotel Veritas – Small boutique stay with charming rooms and a fantastic location for exploring Cambridge