The Best Historic Hotels to Book in Boston

Find the best historic Boston hotel to suit you with this hand-picked list | Courtesy of Omni Parker House / Expedia

1 February 2022

View

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

A simple bedroom with a bed, armchair, sofa, carpet, framed pictures and a television at XV Beacon

Courtesy of XV Beacon / Expedia

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 Boxer, for a state-of-the-art fitness center

A stylish dining room at the Boxer, with tables, chairs and two armchairs

Courtesy of the Boxer / Expedia

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

A grand restaurant with chandeliers, tables and chairs at the Langham Boston

Courtesy of the Langham Boston / Expedia

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

Courtesy of the Hotel Eliot / Expedia

With uniformed door staff and a sumptuous marble lobby, this neoclassical beauty radiates historic sophistication, and has a prestigious Back Bay location to boot. Visitors have been clamoring to stay here ever since it opened in 1925. There are 95 guest rooms and suites affording iconic city views, including the Massachusetts State House. Settle into your elegant space, resplendent in Italian marble and toile fabrics.

The Kendall Hotel, for flaming-hot design

A stylish reception at the Kendall Hotel, with a cushioned sofa, armchairs, small tables and lamps

Courtesy of the Kendall Hotel / Expedia

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

A light room with a grand piano, armchairs, a sofa, fireplace and chandelier at the College Club of Boston

Courtesy of the College Club of Boston / Expedia

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

An events space at the Lenox Hotel, with candles, lights hanging from a dome ceiling, chairs, carpet and windows

Courtesy of the Lenox Hotel / Expedia

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.

Omni Parker House, for a slice of culinary history

A cosy lounge at Omni Parker House, with armchairs, a coffee table with flowers, a picture on the wall and lamps

Courtesy of Omni Parker House / Expedia

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

Atrium at Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House, Boston

Courtesy of Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House, Boston / Expedia

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

A stylish lounge at Loews Boston Hotel, with sofas, tables, armchairs, carpet and lights

Courtesy of Loews Boston Hotel / Expedia

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.

These recommendations were updated on February 1, 2022 to keep your travel plans fresh.

Give us feedback