The Best Historic Hotels to Book in Boston
The backstory of Boston is a riveting tale of Puritans fleeing England and persecution, of European influences and American democracy. Check in and drift back in time at one of these magnificent historic hotels in Boston, from the Back Bay neighborhood to Cambridge – all bookable on Culture Trip.
XV Beacon, for beaux arts beauty
Hotel
The Boxer, for a state-of-the-art fitness center
Boutique Hotel
The nouveau-industrial interior may scream modern boutique, but the Boxer occupies the Flatiron Building, a West End landmark. Elsewhere, modernity reigns: there are Peloton bikes in the fitness center, and a snazzy New England–French fusion menu is on offer in the stylish Bulfinch Social brasserie. When it comes to entertainment options, it’s just a five-minute walk to TD Garden – where you can watch the Celtics, Bruins and a host of performers – and just over 10 minutes to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where the cobbled alleys host top street performers.
The Langham Boston, for high-class chic
Luxury
The one-time Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is now one of the most exclusive hotels in the city. The Langham has 312 rooms and suites; book the executive room or a suite for access to the eighth-floor Langham Club, where you’ll get premium bar service and dedicated attendants. There are also two dining spaces: Grana, where Italian family-style meals are served in the old grand hall; and the Fed, a classy cocktail lounge with the feel of a British pub.
The Hotel Eliot, for historic sophistication
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
The Kendall Hotel, for flaming-hot design
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
This is a sweet, historic boutique hotel rich in period charm, located where Cambridge meets Boston. It occupies what was once the Fire Department Engine 7 Firehouse – hence the late 19th-century red-brick good looks. The 74 guest rooms and four suites flaunt jazzy blue-and-white patterned bedspreads, while for longer stays, the luxury suite has a complete kitchen. Settle in and switch off with a nice bottle of Napa Valley red.
The College Club of Boston, for unique rooms
Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
The College Club of Boston is set in a Victorian brownstone mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. Inside, along with tea rooms and parlors, you will find the Club Bed and Breakfast. With fireplaces and rugs on elegant bare floorboards, the 11 rooms were designed by different decorators, and no two are the same. Each is named after a college attended by members, such as Smith, Wellesley and Radcliffe. Bathrooms are shared, with one on each of the three floors.
The Lenox Hotel, for a touch of vintage
Hotel
Omni Parker House, for a slice of culinary history
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Dating back to 1855, Omni Parker House has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating hotel in America. Parker House rolls were created here, as was the Boston cream pie. Do not leave Boston without tasting a slice of this decadent yellow cake, layered with vanilla pudding and covered with dark swiss chocolate. Guest rooms are chi-chi and well carpeted, with good lighting, high beds and soft couches – just don’t check in expecting oodles of space.
Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House, Boston, for family fun
Hotel
This family-oriented hotel, with its neck-craningly splendid facade, is set in the historic Custom House Tower dating back to around 1837. The suites come with one king bedroom, sofa beds and kitchenettes. The 20th floor is given over to family fun, with games rooms, children’s activity centers and a movie theater. For stunning views, head to the 26th-floor observation deck, step out and peer down through the railings.
Loews Boston Hotel, for criminally elegant rooms
Hotel
Before you check in, gaze up and admire this grand old edifice: you’re staying in a 1920s limestone building that once served as the headquarters of the Boston Police Department. The Loews Boston is a decidedly elegant boutique hotel with larger-than-standard rooms and suites featuring living rooms and kitchenettes. It also enjoys a prime location in the Back Bay, with easy access to Copley Square, the upscale shops on Newbury Street, the Public Garden and Boston Common.
Sam Murray contributed additional reporting to this article.
For more properties in Boston, check out our guide to the best hotels in the city – and book your stay now on Culture Trip. To discover more great hotel options, check out our pick of the best hotels in South Boston, Massachusetts, for every traveler, bookable on Culture Trip.