5 Boutique Hotels in Boston

The Scene

Boston is an international city with immediate access by air, train or car. Boston is walkable from every vantage point; anchored by the Public Garden’s and Universities that surround it. It is a place where locals, visitors and students coexist for the benefit of the city itself.

While there is a substantial number of brand name hotels that have existed within the city limits, there are five boutique hotels in Boston that are must stays when visiting this thriving city.

The Whitney Hotel is at the epicenter of all things Boston, located at the end of one of the most famous streets in the city – Charles Street – in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This boutique hotel in Boston provides an intimate haven for those that visit, combining simple luxury and style. The Whitney Hotel hosts 65 rooms and four suites (including mobile and hearing-impaired ADA compliant rooms). The rooms are clean lined and well thought out. While there are many dining options outside the hotel, there is an on-property dining option, Peregrine, that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fitness studio is small. However, other amenities make up for this lack, such as, complimentary wi-fi, complimentary bicycles (a must, as traffic in the city is one of the lists!) and complimentary daily newspapers. There are two options for those that drive - valet at the hotel and a nearby parking garage that is within walking distance of the property. This hotel is great for a couple staycation, attending an in-city event or business trip.

XV Beacon is also in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This boutique hotel in Boston is on the ‘top of the hill’ as they say, and close to the West End and Downtown Crossing neighborhoods. XV Beacon is a staple property within the city of Boston, patronized by politicians, famous dignitaries and even George Washington himself (so the rumor goes)! This historical landmark is a combination of the past and present and gives way to a sense of home. XV Beacon is pet-friendly. This property has 63 rooms that are colored in various shades of taupe; simple and refined. There are 7 room types including suites. Each floor only has 7 rooms so privacy is a given. Some highlighted amenities include a pillow menu, in town Lexus drop off and pick up within a 2-mile radius, small fitness center and in hotel restaurant called Moo which serves fabulous steak dinners and more. This hotel is great for couples, persons attending an in-city event activity or business trip.

As we head across the park from Beacon Hill we come to The Newbury. This boutique hotel in Boston is located in the Back Bay neighborhood, which is filled with shopping, theater and restaurants. Very accessible to everything Boston. The vibe is vibrant and buzzing due to the proximity of the hotel to the main shopping district. The Newbury is the type of hotel to be seen but not “seen”. There are several room categories including suites; the rooms have an understated, calm contemporary feel. The Newbury does have ADA accessible rooms. The suites come in two classifications, some with fireplaces. The hotel does also have 2 collection suites which are great for families. There is a fitness center that is available, however, it is small. There are two dining options on property; Contessa and The Street Bar. The Newbury does offer Valet Parking and does not have an attached garage. This property does have Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club Perks. Great for wedding parties, couples and those that are in Boston for the in-city activity.

The Revolution Hotel is located in the South End neighborhood, which is full of shops and restaurants. This neighborhood is LGBTQ+ friendly and has a young hip vibe that can’t be denied. The Revolution Hotel is a boutique hotel in Boston that would be classified as a 3 to 4 star. However, is worth a mention as it has an edgy, artsy feeling that many visitors enjoy. The rooms come in a few classifications, ‘Bath Down the Hall’ and ‘In Room Bath’ (I think the description speaks for itself) along with a few suite variations. Rooms are small. The Revolution Hotel allows pets and has a robust ‘virtual concierge’ that is accessible upon check-in via text. There is no valet or parking available. If guests drive, there are two parking garages within walking distance to the property. The amenities overall are narrow; however, they do offer public bicycles for guests, complimentary wi-fi and water, and do have a small fitness area with Peloton bikes. The hotel has one dining option, Cosmica, a Mexican restaurant that serves an insane weekend brunch along with dinner. This hotel is great for guests who are looking for a more communal, artsy experience and/or are visiting for work or business. This property is not recommended for children or families as rooms are small and cribs and beds are not available.

For those who want a more young, energetic buzz to their Boston stay, The Envoy Hotel delivers. This boutique hotel in Boston is in the Seaport neighborhood. This neighborhood has made a renaissance over the last 10 years; with its abundance of restaurants, night life and hotels - it has become the go-to neighborhood for families, singles and couples for both visitors and locals alike. The Envoy Hotel is part of the Autograph Collection and boasts complimentary wi-fi, valet and a small fitness area. There is one restaurant on property, called Para Maria, however, the Seaport neighborhood offers many amazing external options as well. The best element of this property - the roof-top bar - where guests and locals enjoy the amazing view overlooking the city from across the water, whether it be summer or winter. The 136 rooms are earthy and simple, and have a sustainable slant that makes them comfortable and inviting. Various suites have floor-to ceiling windows with views and separate living areas. The vibe overall is contemporary and hip, which does coincide with the area itself. The Envoy Hotel does allow pets. This property is recommended for groups (i.e a bachelorette or bachelor party) or for young couples that want to have a night on the town.

These 5 Boutique Hotels in Boston vary in price and amenities. All are in well established neighborhoods within the city and as such give way to a sense of place and purpose. Depending on your mood, purpose and desire all provide a unique perspective to one of the oldest and diverse cities in the U.S. Reach out to me to help plan your perfect Bostonian experience!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Boston. In need of further inspiration? Check out Karen Morales’s guide, Site Inspection: Four Seasons Dalton Street Boston.