Boston is 'The Athens of America'. Birthplace of the nation. Home of architectural and cultural treasures, Ivy League universities and the added bonus of beautiful New England surrounds. This is a great town for a city break and the majority of the best places to stay in Boston are ideally located for making the most of its varied highlights.

Boston is where the American Revolution and modern democracy got their start. And these things didn't take place in just any old building. No, Boston has some beautiful architecture, and just as in many European cities some of the best is crowded into the historic centre. It's also always been a city of great intellectual influence - home to prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT and Boston University.

With its smart surrounds, great sporting teams, a buzzy atmosphere and plenty of culture to get stuck into, you'll be sure to leave having completely fallen in love with the place.

Where To Stay - Which neighbourhood?

• West End - the area has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. With high-rise condos and plenty of parks, it's a lovely place to stay, and also closely located to Boston's sports stadiums.
• Downtown - if you don't mind spending a bit more then this is the perfect place to base yourself. There's a wonderful blend of old and new, whilst you're also only 20 minutes form the airport.
• Beacon Hill - home to many of the city's members of Congress, this smart area has plenty of stately homes and enjoys an enviably central location overlooking the Massachusetts State House.
• Back Bay - this upscale area boasts a number of elegant churches and smart Victorian brownstones. There are plenty of lovely shopping spots, as well as a number of glitzy restaurants.
• South End - slightly further out, this neighbourhood is home to a number of lovely parks, trendy boutiques and buzzy bars. Perfect for the classy traveller who likes to surround themselves with like-minded people.
• Fenway/Kenmore - the area is littered with contrasts: located close enough to the city's universities to be home to plenty of intellectuals, yet also brimming with basement beer bars and raucous Red Sox fans. A fun spot!

What not to miss:

• Beacon Hill is an area worth exploring. Home to the majority of the city's greatest dignitaries - many of their homes have been turned into museums - it also has great antique shops.
• You should also make time for Faneuil Hall - 'The Cradle of Liberty'.
• Despite being founded by Puritans, Boston is now one of America's most politically forward thinking cities. A shift influenced by the artists and creatives who have made this city their own. The opening of the Institute of Contemporary Arts means that it's not just Grand Masters that you'll find in the many museums and art galleries. Make time for the Museum of Fine Arts.
• If you've got the little ones in tow, then head for the Children's Museum. This is a haven from "Don't touch!", where everything is at child-height - and if it's not you're welcome to climb up to view it. Or touch it!
• The Science Museum is another family friendly perennial, as is the New England Aquarium.
• If you're visiting in summer you'll want to visit the Public Garden for a go on the famous Swan Boats of Boston. These lake paddlers are educational, as well as fun, having been around since the 1870s.

Intermingling some of America's finest historical monuments with a busy metropolitan city, Boston is a great place to explore. Our selection of the best places to stay in Boston serve to accentuate the city's rich history and culture.

The best places to stay in Boston

West End

• For something really unusual, The Liberty Hotel has to be one of the best hotels in Boston. It was once the Charles Street Jail and its luxury rooms, decorated in rose gold and mahogany, were originally its cells! It also has panoramic city views.
• Right in the heart of the Bullfinch Triangle, The Boxer epitomises contemporary luxury. The elegantly designed rooms are bright and sleek, offering excellent views out over the city. A haven to retreat to after a busy day's exploring.

Downtown

• Right in the heart of Boston, the Ames Hotel is a chic, stylish downtown option. Situated in a landmark 19th century skyscraper, it offers luxurious rooms, an excellent restaurant and a buzzy cocktail bar.
• Conveniently located for pretty much everything, Nine Zero is one of the best places to stay in Boston for families. They really want your kids as guests - providing them with special welcome packs including child-sized bath robes. They also offer free bike hire, yoga mats in all rooms and have an excellent gym, so this is also a good option for people who don't want this holiday to get in the way of their fitness.
• Don't be fooled by this hotel's austere exterior (it used to be a federal bank), it's one of Boston's finest hotels. The Langham is head to toe luxury and decadence. With plush rooms, a magnificent indoor pool, an excellent restaurant and deluxe spa, it's got every creature comfort you could ever need.
• The Boston Harbour Hotel offers contemporary luxury and superb waterside views. Fitted up to the nines with modern comforts, guests can relax in the spa, take cocktails overlooking the harbour or dine in the hotel's excellent Meritage restaurant.

For Beacon Hill

• Awash with charm and character, the Beacon Hill Hotel is a delightful boutique townhouse. Stylish rooms offer comfort and class and the hotel's award-winning restaurant serves some of the city's finest french cuisine. Great location, great option.
• If you want traditional luxury the XV Beacon ideal. The colour palette is pure New England greys and beiges and everything is weighty and comfortable. The unlikely named 'Mooo' restaurant is award-winning, so this is also a good choice for foodies.

For Back Bay

• There's only one word that springs to mind when it comes to the Taj Boston: opulence. The gloriously decadent rooms, a superb restaurant and sublime spa only scrape the surface of what this heavenly hotel has to offer. A five-star wonder.
• Looking for a luxurious five-star hotel with an Asian twist, go no further than the Madarin Oriental. With luxury at every turn and a fantastic location in the trendy Back Bay area, the Mandarin is a great option for an indulgent trip to Boston.
• Overlooking Boston Common, the Four Seasons personifies perfection on a park. WIth stunning rooms, a superb restaurant and a deluxe spa as well as a fantastic location, this is perfect for those looking for a lavish trip to Boston.
• Found in the trendy Back Bay Area, the Loews Hotel specialises in relaxed luxury. Featuring deluxe rooms, a state-of-the-art spa and a superb restaurant that focuses on all-American cuisine, it's a great place to decompress after exploring the city.
• With a rooftop pool, chic rooms and stunning city scapes, The Colonnade is an excellent downtown hotel. Featuring all the fittings of modern comfort, this is ideal location for a ctiy break to Boston.
• The Inn @ St Botolph is an elegant brownstone hotel in the trendy Back Bay area with an unmistakable Boston feel about it. The suites are stylishly designed and offer the option of self-catering with attached kitchenettes. Perfect for unlocking cool Boston.

For South End

• There's something inescapably homely about the loft-style rooms at Encore B&B. Set in a beautiful 19th century townhouse, it has stylish, comfortable rooms and great access to Boston's alternative South End.
• A stone's throw from the trendy SoWa arts district, the Clarendon Square Inn is a superb boutique hotel. With beautifully designed rooms and some of Boston's finest restaurants on the door step, this hotel is perfect for stylish visit to the city.
• Found in the hip South End, Chandler Studios offers an artistic hotel experience. Guests register at the 'virtual check in' and enjoy stylish suites fitted with bedrooms and kitchenettes. A great launchpad for a trendy trip to Boston.

Fenway/Kenmore

• Located on a street modelled on the Champs Elysee, there is an unmistakable French vibe surrounding the Eliot Hotel. The place exudes class with an excellent French restaurant, a trendy sushi bar and beautifully designed suites.
• Situated on the atmospheric Kenmore Square, Hotel Commonwealth epitomises Fenway's trendy vibe. Relax in the hotel's chic rooms, enjoy superb seafood at the Island Greek Oyster Bar. The hotel's bar is renowned for its innovative, craft cocktails.
• Within a home run of Fenway Field, The Verb Hotel is an excellent property that reflects the district's rich musical heritage. The hotel is replete with cool art-deco designs and fitted out with a whole host of musical paraphernalia. Fan of the great American pastime? Take in a Red Sox game across the road.

Outside the Centre

• Set in an old 19th century firestation, The Kendall Hotel brims with historical charm from the outside. However, inside a complete renovation has seen the hotel transformed into a stylish, modern establishment. This place feels typical New England with a hearty restaurant and excellent local beers on tap.
• The Hotel Veritas is a great choice if you want to get the best of both Boston and Cambridge. It's easy to travel between the two and you get the benefit of staying amongst the Harvard colleges and soaking up the lively, active, student vibe. This is also the place to book if you want to stay in a traditional New England mansion house.
• Built into the heart of Harvard Square, the Charles Hotel is a great option for a visit to Cambridge. Enjoy an evening in the hotel's private jazz bar or luxuriate in the deluxe spa. The perfect launchpad for soaking up the history of the illustrious surroundings.

For an apartment

• For those seeking a bit of additional privacy, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fying to Boston's Logan International Airport situated about 4 miles east of the city.
• Boston is at its best from June to October, with the fall being a particularly spectacular time to see the city. Winters can be terribly cold.
• If you think you'll need a car, check out our car hire partners Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Boston.
• Widen your search to include all our recommendations in Massachusetts
• Alternatively, feel free to call or email one of our gurus for advice.