The Hotel Guru
The 12 Best Five-Star Hotels in Boston

The 12 Best Five-Star Hotels in Boston

Boston offers its visitors a lot. Whether you are here for the history and culture (this is America's oldest city after all), or the food (the seafood is an absolute must), or perhaps to see Boston's beloved Red Sox play - there is plenty to keep everyone busy. Reflecting the city's merging of progressive modernism and grand historic architecture - the hotel scene is equally varied. Five-star options range from sleek contemporary towers overlooking the city and the bay to stately buildings offering some old-school glitz and glamour. There are, of course, luxury offerings with particularly noteworthy restaurants or spas or design - which is how our list of the best five-star hotels in Boston are categorised in order to make booking your next stay a quick and easy decision. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your trip?

For foodies

Once a jail, The Liberty Hotel is now a chic five-star. Rooms are spacious and minimalist and offer epic views over the Charles River. Boasting two of Boston's best fine dining restaurants (innovative modern dishes at CLINK and excellent Italian at Scampo) plus there are knockout cocktails at Alibi. This is a foodie haven.
Eliot Hotel is like a little bit of Paris in Boston. Rooms are elegant and the location, in the Bay Back area, is unbeatable. However, at the heart of this property is the superlative French restaurant, Clio, and the sushi offering in Uni Sashimi Bar.

For the spa

Four Seasons One Dalton Street is a slick 61-storey glass tower in Boston's Back Bay; this a luxury 5-star hotel with a lot to boast about. Rooms and suites are a master-class in contemporary design. However, book this property for the art collection, 3 buzzy restaurants, and the floor that is entirely dedicated to a spa.
Four Seasons Boston is another luxury option by Four Seasons well positioned overlooking the Public Garden. Elegant rooms offer wonderful city views and plenty of mod cons. The spa which offers a wide range of treatments and includes a pool, whirlpool and saunas is a real lure.

For a waterfront hotel

Luxurious Boston Harbor Hotel offers classic rooms with bay or harbour views. Complete with an award-winning restaurant, a spoiling spa, and an indoor pool, not to mention first-class service, this indulgent choice is worth every penny.

For the location

The Newbury is a grand luxury stay occupying an enviable location in the exclusive Bay Back neighbourhood overlooking the Public Garden. Rooms are contemporary, spacious, and lend wonderful city views while the Italian glass-rooftop restaurant is a romantic spot.
Located again in the sought-after Back Bay area, Mandarin Oriental Boston is a classic luxury stay. Suites and rooms are simple and contemporary with a chic Asian aesthetic. Complete with fine dining and a spoiling spa - this is an indulgent choice.
Ritz Carlton Boston is a modern offering boasting beautiful minimalist rooms lending far-reaching views across Boston Common. You'll find all the expected five-star trimmings here from an elegant cocktail bar to a well-equipped spa. Pick this property for its location in the theatre district - this is a great option for those visiting to catch a performance.
Hotel Commonwealth is set in vibrant Kenmore Square, minutes from the city's best attractions and particularly well placed for Red Sox fans as it overlooks Fenway Park. Expect attentive service, spacious and light modern rooms and a highly popular restaurant and oyster bar.
XV Beacon is a preppy New England frat boy with style; proud, polite but ready to party if you want to. With luxurious rooms, fine-dining and a dedicated wine-room this is a smart choice set in the upscale Beacon Hill neighbourhood.

For a historic stay

Fairmont Copley Plaza is Boston's landmark luxury hotel which has been in operation since 1912. Expect historic glitz and glamour with 5-star service and great amenities. A local favourite for upscale events, the lobby is always buzzing with a chic crowd. An indulgent choice.

For a boutique

The Whitney Hotel is a luxury boutique set at the foot of Beacon Hill. Rooms are stylish and feature white subway-tiled bathrooms and offer lovely city views. However, the family run Italian/American restaurant is a charming personal touch and the real attraction.

Still not sure where to book?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Boston.
Widen your search to include all our recommendations for the best waterfront hotels in Boston of the best spa hotels in Boston or the best downtown hotels in Boston.
Alternatively, feel free to call or email one of our gurus for advice.
- The Liberty Hotel Boston 298 rooms from £542
  
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  Foodies  -  Boasting three of Boston's best- fine dining and wines at CLINK, knockout cocktails at Alibi and excellent Italian at Scampo.
  City Style  -  An 1851 vintage prison, turned luxurious and trendy hotel in Boston's hottest neighbourhood, Beacon Hills.
  Sailing  -  Learn how to sail at the Community Boating Dock just two minutes from the hotel.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  What was once the iconic Charles Street Jail is now the stunning, vibrant Liberty Boston Hotel. Minimalist rooms with epic views over Charles River. The restaurant CLINK serves inventive and modern cuisine and still features the jail bars and catwalk. A stylish hotel near the city centre. See More
  
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- Four Seasons Boston Boston (Massachusetts) 273 rooms from £351
  
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  Museums  -  Art lovers should head to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
  Spa  -  In addition to the wide range of treatments you'll find a pool, whirlpool and relaxing saunas
  Fishing  -  Head to Boston Harbour to see what the fisherman are saying for the day.
  Sights nearby  -  Head up to the 50th floor of Prudential Tower for views of the city.
  
  This luxurious hotel overlooks the Public Garden with indoor pool and spa treatments. Classic contemporary rooms with city views, marble bathrooms, all the mod-cons. The Bristol offers seasonal dishes, Bistro Bar for cocktails and small plates in a lively yet relaxed setting. Location is spot on! See More
  
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- Four Seasons One Dalton Street Boston 273 rooms from £511
  
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  City Style  -  Views have to be some of the best in the Boston. Look out over the city skyline from the pool, the bath, and even bed
  Local exploring  -  It's easy to visit all of the city's top sites on foot; Boston Public Library, Symphony Hall and Museum of Fine Arts
  Romantic Break  -  It's hard to beat the combo of slick dining venues, stand-alone tubs with jaw-dropping city views and sexy suites
  Foodies  -  Home to an outpost of world-famous Japanese restaurant, Zuma. Be sure to make a reservation, it's unmissable
  
  Located in a 61-storey glass tower in Boston's Back Bay, this a luxury 5-star hotel with a lot to boast about. Rooms and suites are a master-class in contemporary design; think slick but cosy with floor-to-ceiling city views. Enjoy the art collection, 3 buzzy restaurants & excellent central spot. See More
  
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- The Boston Harbor Hotel Boston (Massachusetts) 230 rooms from £242
  
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  Spa  -  Offering a range of restorative treatments with an emphasis on relaxation and healing, plus nail salon
  Sights nearby  -  Boston Harbor Islands National Park is only 100 metres away.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, CN Traveller
  
  This contemporary luxury harbour hotel offers guests an indoor pool and spa. The large, classic rooms with city, bay or harbour views and modern bathrooms. Meritage Restaurant's chef is award winning and whips up seasonal produce accompanied with an extensive wine list. See More
  
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- Mandarin Oriental Boston Boston (Massachusetts) 148 rooms from £362
  
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  Restaurant  -  Bar Boulud, a French-inspired bistro & wine bar with brasserie fare, seasonal New England dishes and signature charcuterie.
  Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Book the Royal Suite for a marble spa style bathroom with whirlpool tub
  Sights nearby  -  Boston Public Library
  Great walks  -  Boston Public Garden
  Recommended by  -  Fodors
  
  A luxury city hotel set in an elegant limestone and marble fronted building. Gorgeous suites and contemporary bedrooms with an exotic Asian feel. Modern luxuries and fine dining venues as well as a vast spa offering high end pampering. Fantastic downtown location. See More
  
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- The Newbury Boston 286 rooms from £468
  
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  Weddings  -  The place where white fairy-tale wedding dreams come true; lavish ballrooms, chandeliers and views over Boston's Public Garden
  Romantic Break  -  Check-in for a weekend of fine-dining, rooftop drinks, expansive suites with views and beds you won't want to leave
  City Style  -  There's nothing quite like it in the city; upscale sophisticated boutique luxury at its finest
  Great walks  -  The hotel's prime location on Boston Public Garden means a quick stroll or jog couldn't be easier
  
  Mega-luxe hotel steeped in history in the exclusive Back Bay neighbourhood. Dreamy rooms look out over the city's esteemed Public Garden - they are contemporary, airy and exactly where you want to spend a weekend with a significant other. Make sure to dine at the Italian glass-rooftop restaurant. See More
  
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- Ritz Carlton Boston Boston (Theatre District) 236 rooms from £463
  
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  Great walks  -  Walk the Freedom walk- the 2.5 mile (4 km) walk from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown
  City Style  -  The hotel is in the heart of the Theatre District - ideal for exploring the theatre, nightlife and culture scenes
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Public Garden- the first public botanical garden in the United States and Boston Common just opposite the hotel
  Restaurant  -  Artisan Bistro is a day-to-night, smartly casual restaurant. The menus are centred around local ingredients
  
  A modern luxury hotel, just across from Boston Common in the theatre district. Rooms are sleek and stylish with marble bathrooms and enviable views overlooking the city. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and martinis at the Avery bar. Guests can make use of the Equinox Sports club's gym, spa and pool. See More
  
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- Eliot Hotel Boston 95 rooms from £152
  
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  Restaurant  -  Clio Resaurant and Uni Sashimi. Top notch culinary destinations.
  Downtown
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  A piece of Paris in Boston? This hotel on Commonwealth Avenue which was modelled on the Champs Elysee would like to think so. Comfortable rooms and a popular French restaurant give this hotel the ooh la-la factor. See More
  
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- Hotel Commonwealth Boston 245 rooms from £155
  
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  Restaurant  -  Eastern Standard restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and Island Creek Oyster Bar for super-fresh seafood.
  Lively area  -  At the western end of Back Bay, Kenmore Square is a busy place and close to the Boston University
  Sights nearby  -  Superb location with easy access to all of Boston's best bits
  Spa  -  In-room spa services available by appointment
  
  Soak up the atmosphere of vibrant Kenmore Square and enjoy excellent hospitality in this stylish hotel. A new wing of spacious rooms and terrace overlook Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. Try the New England oyster bar, sip an award-winning cocktail, or dine in the hugely popular restaurant. See More
  
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- Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston (Back Bay) 383 rooms from £190
  
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  Weddings  -  Look out for grand formal weddings bursting with elite Boston families taking place in the ballroom
  Business meetings  -  There is over 25,000 square feet of grand Renaissance-style meeting space
  City Style  -  If you are looking for Boston's Grand Dame, then look no further
  Sights nearby  -  All of Boston's famous sites are on your doorstep: Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, 200 Clarendon Street & Copley Square
  
  Boston's landmark luxury hotel has been in operation since 1912. Expect historic glitz and glamour with 383 rooms, 5-star service and great amenities. A local favourite for upscale events, the lobby is always buzzing with a chic crowd. Make sure to visit the rooftop gym terrace and OAK restaurant. See More
  
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- The Whitney Hotel Boston (Beacon Hill) 69 rooms from £195
  
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  Local exploring  -  Amble down the surrounding streets and discover the 19th century buildings filled with restaurants, bars and shops
  Great walks  -  There are lots of beautiful walks, especially over the Longfellow bridge, and green-spaces surrounding the hotel
  Restaurant  -  Peregrine is a local owned restaurant, on-site, specialising in American/Italian cuisine
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the the Public Garden, the first public botanic garden in the US
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A luxury boutique hotel situated at the foot of Beacon Hill. Rooms are spacious and stylish with white subway-tiled bathrooms, rain showers and stunning views of Beacon Hill and the Charles River. Dine at the family-owned restaurant Peregine that boasts delicious Italian/Bostonian fare. Superb. See More
  
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- XV Beacon Boston 63 rooms from £254
  
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  Restaurant  -  the award-winning Mooo
  City Style
  Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Whirlpool Bathtubs are available in the Contemporary Classic Rooms, Beacon Hill Studios, Boston Common Studios and the suites
  Four poster beds  -  in some rooms
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  A classy luxurious hotel in the smart Beacon Hill district of Boston where guests can enjoy almost any treat they can think of. A super-sybaritic treat. See More
  
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