The Best Hotels to Book in Massachusetts

Not far from Cape Cod is the postcard-perfect island of Nantucket. There’s no shortage of luxury hotels here, and a classic choice is this harborside hotel that dates back to the 1920s – it has the authentic shingle-style exteriors to prove it. The property has grown over the years to include more hotel rooms, a separate inn, garden cottages and larger residences. All come with elegant furnishings, plush beds and Italian linens, while some have fireplaces. Sip a lobster bloody mary at Brant Point Grill, featuring seafood and steaks, or hit the cobbled streets for more restaurants and lively bars in the historic district. There’s also an on-site spa, featuring organic products.

Cambridge is a hip, cultural hotspot whether you are attending America’s oldest university or not. This upmarket hotel is a quick walk to Harvard Square, surrounded by charming cafes, eclectic shops, indie bookstores and Georgian and colonial architecture. Inside the art-filled Charles Hotel, you’ll find tasteful, contemporary rooms with shaker-style furnishings, marble bathrooms, CO Bigelow bath products and Bose speakers. The all-day restaurant, Henrietta’s Table, puts out farm-to-table cuisine like healthy smoothies and avocado toast, or opt for heartier dishes like Yankee pot roast. At night, check out a live performance at the on-site jazz club or sip a 1940s-era cocktail in the cozy lounge, Noir.

Sister property of the White Elephant, this boutique hotel and Relais & Chateaux property enjoys a peaceful beachfront setting on the northeast side of Nantucket island. The historic inn first welcomed guests in 1875, and today has 32 luxury rooms and four cottages that blend New England charm with seaside sophistication. There are oodles of activities like stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, fishing, kayaking and tennis. Also on loan are bicycles, yoga mats, and coolers and beach chairs for the private beach space. You’ll have first dibs at one of the island’s best restaurants, Topper’s, featuring local seafood like smoked bluefish pate and oysters that have been cultivated nearby. Good luck picking a wine from a list featuring more than 1,500 bottles.

It’s no surprise that the luxury hotel brand has a fantastic location in America’s Walking City, with spacious windows overlooking the historic Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. History buffs will be in a prime position to explore the Freedom Trail, while renovated rooms have upscale furnishings, marble bathrooms and free access to over 3,000 digital newspapers and magazines in 56 languages. As for dining outlets, there’s a second-floor lounge overlooking the views, serving New American fare like beef tenderloin with parmesan macaroni. Meals can also be ordered in-room or from the eighth-floor indoor pool. Other perks include a fitness center, babysitting services and a lobby-level coffee shop.

This spacious and plush waterfront hotel is less than a mile walk from Boston Public Market and Boston Common. 232 guest rooms and suites come with rich woods and maritime-inspired furnishings, with views of either the Boston cityscape or waterfront — some with patios. Rooms have in-room tablets and spacious work desks, while amenities include an indoor pool, spa and fitness center, plus a 34-slip marina. Order meals or afternoon tea service at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille – try the shareable seafood towers or upscale sandwiches, like the panini with caviar, where you can enjoy views of Boston Harbor and its luxury yachts. There’s also a sophisticated bar serving oysters and a hefty list of scotches.

Built in 1925, the historic Eliot Suite Hotel is a boutique property with a touch of Paris in Boston’s stylish Back Bay neighborhood. It’s near art galleries, museums and designer shops along Newbury Street, not to mention walking distance to Fenway Park. The grandiose lobby paves the way for European-inspired guest rooms and suites offering pretty textiles, marble bathrooms and soundproof windows. On site is a lively Japanese restaurant called UNI, showcasing global street food-inspired small plates, as well as innovative makimono, nigiri, sashimi and sake. There’s also in-room dining with breakfast items like egg sandwiches and yogurt parfaits. Guests can request free access to the nearby Boston Sports Club.

This downtown Boston hotel with 193 refined rooms and suites has a sleek new urban design, thanks to a massive renovation. It’s located across the street from Boston Common – some rooms have views – and an easy walk to the Boston Opera House. The on-site Artisan Bistro features bistro-influenced dishes with local and seasonal ingredients, like lobster crepes at brunch and scallops at dinner, while the midcentury Avery Bar serves light bites and classic cocktails. Health and wellness seekers will have plenty to keep them busy with the adjacent Equinox Sports Club, which offers spa treatments as well. Guests have access to the club for a fee.

In the heart of Back Bay is another Boston hotel exuding modern luxury. Mandarin Oriental offers a range of rooms and suites overlooking the city or courtyard featuring art deco touches, goose-down bedding and designer toiletries — some that have whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and/or kitchenettes for those who require extended stays. There’s a bistro and lounge on-site serving champagne afternoon tea, while more neighborhood treats will soon include Gordon Ramsay’s first Boston restaurant – opening late 2021 – with a lobster and clam bouillabaisse on the menu. Other Mandarin Oriental pluses include an enormous spa offering 11 treatment rooms with some Eastern traditional therapies, plus a fitness center with yoga and pilates.

This restored Victorian beauty from the 19th century is said to be Nantucket’s first mansion, once drawing the likes of Herman Melville and Ulysses S. Grant. It also has a great location in the historic district, a short walk to the historic whaling museum, local shops, restaurants and beaches, as well as the White Elephant spa. Relaxed common spaces and well-appointed guest rooms offer period furnishings, antiques and bathrobes, along with four new suites. Free perks include morning coffee and pastries, afternoon snacks, loaner beach chairs and towels, and parking. The taproom has reopened after an extended hiatus with indoor and outdoor dining. Try New England classics like clam chowder and the French dip.

When in Lexington, where the American Revolutionary War began, consider staying at this upscale, colonial-era Relais and Chateaux property – it’s a short walk to the Lexington Battle Green battlefield. Common areas feature local artisan furniture, while accommodations are spread out in three restored buildings with Italian Frette linens, hand-printed wallpapers, marble bathrooms and Molton Brown toiletries. Some units may include fireplaces, soaking tubs and private entrances. Parking and breakfast are complimentary, and the on-site bistro serves fresh seafood, meat, poultry and game from within the region. Room service is also available – kids will love the milk and chocolate chip cookies. Guests also have access to bicycles for exploring nearby trails.