The Best Historic Hotels to Book in Boston

It was architect William Gibbons Preston who crafted this beaux arts building in the early 19th century. His design housed various tenants over the years – including subway pioneers the Boston Transit Commission – until it was transformed into this artsy luxury boutique hotel in 1999. It now has 63 rooms in shades of taupe and coffee, plus a fine-dining steak restaurant serving wagyu A5 sirloin, a gallery-worthy collection of art and a rooftop deck with views over the Charles River and the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

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 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.

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 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.

At the corner of Exeter and Boylston Streets lies this 19th-century Back Bay bastion. With the Lenox as your address, you’re steps away from Copley Square, the Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Because it was built in 1900, the rooms do err slightly on the small side, but you have to love a place that welcomes you with wood-burning fireplaces and vintage crystal chandeliers – and that extravagant exterior cornicing is just made for Instagram posts.

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.

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.

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.