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The 12 Best Historic Hotels in Boston

The College Club of Boston

Boston is the US's oldest city - filled with historical sites such as the 16 stops along The Freedom Trail which include the country's oldest public park and a Revolutionary Battle Site. The city also brims with theatres, museums and restaurants which range from glamorous old-school establishments to cutting-edge modern eateries. Unsurprisingly, many come here for the culture and, therefore, such a trip can only be enriched by booking one of the best historic hotels in Boston. Our hotel experts have scanned the city and picked out their 12 favourites. Ranging from grand five-star establishments to charming B&Bs - there is really something for everyone here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your stay?

For a five-star property

The Langham

  • 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.
  • Omni Parker House is a historic hotel stay that has hosted everyone from Charles Dickens and Mark Twain to Malcolm X. Live out Gilded Age fantasies from the minute you enter the vast lobby with its high ceilings and oak panelling. Rooms are classic, colourful & spacious, with all the luxury amenities expected of a 5-star property.
  • The Langham, Boston is a five-star occupying the former Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Boston. The elegant rooms exude old school opulence while the collection of bars and restaurants are excellent. Complete with an indoor pool and state-of-the-art spa and fitness suite - this is a has-it-all stay.

For the location

Lenox Hotel

  • XV Beacon is a preppy New England frat boy with style; proud, polite but ready to party if you want to. With luxurious rooms (think cashmere throws, gas fireplaces, and Frette linen), fine-dining and a dedicated wine-room this is a smart choice set in the upscale Beacon Hill neighbourhood in a heritage Beaux-Arts building.
  • Copley Square Hotel is the oldest hotel in Back Bay - an Italianate building dating from 1891. 143 bold rooms and suites benefit from high ceilings and Art Deco-style furniture, blending historic architecture with modern colours, prints and textiles. A chic choice in a perfectly central location.
  • Lenox Hotel is another historic choice in the hip Back Bay area. Spacious rooms are wonderfully old-school with in-room working fireplaces, gilded mirrors and large sash windows with impressive city views. With a choice of bars and restaurants - this central property has it all.

For foodies

The Liberty Hotel

  • Once a jail, The Liberty Hotel is now a chic luxury hotel. Interiors are now chic and minimalist but features remain of the original building including cells and even the catwalk. 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. A foodie haven.

For a brownstone

The College Club of Boston

  • Step into another world with a stay at The College Club of Boston - a slice of history in well-heeled Back Bay. This 1890 Victorian brownstone's 11 unique rooms were each renovated by a different local designer; think high ceilings, decorative fireplaces and antique furniture. Low in tech, high in charm.

For a boutique

The Boxer

  • The Boxer is a boutique stay perfectly located in the heart of Boston's historic Bulfinch Triangle. Originally built in 1904 (it is the original Flatiron Building), spacious rooms have a loft aesthetic with chic vintage furniture. With the city's main attractions right on the doorstep, this is a convenient and luxurious choice.
  • The Kendall is a characterful boutique set in a converted 19th-century brick fire station. Homely bedrooms have a New England feel. The restaurant serves all-American dishes and the bar even serves its own beers. Despite its size (there are 88 rooms) this property has an intimate feel.

For a B&B

Samual Sewall Inn

  • Mary Prentiss Inn is situated in a beautifully restored historic Greek-revival building. Located walking distance from Harvard Square and the university - a stay here feels like staying with friends.
  • Samuel Sewall Inn is another homely option. Situated in an 1886 Queen-Anne style Victorian home in Boston's Brookline district. Unique and atmospheric rooms have antique furniture and period details. The comfy shared lounges and space to work make this an ideal base to really settle in.

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.
    • Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston (Back Bay) 383 rooms from £190

      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
      RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

      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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    • Omni Parker House Boston 551 rooms from £146

      Families  -  Kids will love the children-designed rooms featuring bunk beds and toys, as well as backpacks filled with games and activities
      City Style  -  Stay in a slice of history surrounded by some of the city's best neighbourhoods: Downtown Crossing and Back Bay
      Local exploring  -  All of Boston's major shops, restaurants and sites are walking distance, you're even staying inside one
      Historic  -  Founded by Harvey D Parker in 1855, the hotel is America's oldest continuously operating hotel
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

      This historic hotel has hosted everyone from Charles Dickens and Mark Twain to Malcolm X. Live-out Gilded Age fantasies from the minute you enter the vast lobby with its high ceilings and oak panelling. Rooms are classic, colourful & spacious, with the luxury amenities expected of a 5-star property. See More

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    • XV Beacon Boston 63 rooms from £254

      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
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
      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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    • The Liberty Hotel Boston 298 rooms from £542

      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
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
      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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    • The Boxer Boston (Massachusetts) 80 rooms from £130

      Sights nearby  -  Located in the historical Bulfinch Triangle district. Easy access to all of Boston's attractions.
      Restaurant  -  Simple American fare with a long list of great beers, wines and fabulously creative cocktails.
      Local markets  -  Quincy Market
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      This boutique hotel offers a contemporary downtown feel in the heart of Boston's historic Bulfinch Triangle. Bedrooms have a classic loft apartment aesthetic with cool earthy tones and vintage furniture pieces. Fantastically located for exploring the heritage of the city, restaurants and shopping. See More

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    • The College Club of Boston Boston (Back Bay) 11 rooms from £89

      Local exploring  -  The local area continues the time-travel theme. Explore the neighbourhood known for elite Boston Brahmin culture
      City Style  -  A totally unique offering that makes guests feel like exclusive club members while staying in the city
      Great walks  -  The city's historic Public Garden & Boston Common are a minute away. They are the oldest park & botanical garden in the country
      Sights nearby  -  The city's famous Boston Public Library and Christian Science Church are walking distance
      Air conditioningTennisNo pets

      Step into another world with a stay at this slice of history in well-heeled Back Bay. The 1890 Victorian brownstone's 11 unique rooms (single & double) were each renovated by a different local designer; think high ceilings, decorative fireplaces & antique furniture. Low in tech, high in charm. See More

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    • Copley Square Hotel Boston (Back Bay) 143 rooms from £166

      Close to nightlife  -  Start your night with a wine happy hour in the lounge, head on to drinks at Minibar before ending in the property's nightclub
      Local exploring  -  Boston's shops, restaurants, sites and night-life are all within reach in this well-located and fun property
      Sights nearby  -  Boston Public Library, Prudential Tower, 200 Clarenden Street and Trinity Church are all nearby
      Lively  -  Hip and happening.
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

      The oldest hotel in Back Bay, this Italianate building dates from 1891. 143 bold rooms & suites benefit from high ceilings and Art Deco-style furniture, blending historic architecture with modern colours, prints and textiles. Enjoy the warm lobby lounge, bar & restaurant and an on-site nightclub. See More

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    • Lenox Hotel Boston (Back Bay) 214 rooms from £168

      Local exploring  -  The hotel is in the heart of Back Bay, the hip area of Boston, walk and explore the neighbourhood
      Sights nearby  -  Stroll the area and discover boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafes and cosy neighbourhoods
      Restaurant  -  City Table is a casual dining restaurant, serving delicious award-winning food
      Great walks  -  Stroll down the Freedom trail
      RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

      A historic hotel in Boston's hippest area, Back Bay. Rooms are warm and spacious with splashes of red, fireplaces, and panoramic views of the neighbourhood. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious creative fare and bars are perfect hang-out spots. Plus, there's an Irish Bar serving pub-grub. See More

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    • The Langham, Boston Boston 318 rooms from £155

      Sights nearby  -  Glide together across the iconic Frog Pond in America’s oldest public park, Boston Common.
      Spa  -  State of the art fitness centre plus whirlpool, indoor lap pool and saunas
      Swimming Pool  -  Indoor year round pool.
      Lively  -  Hip and happening.
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

      A five star luxury hotel, located in the former Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Boston. The elegant rooms exude old school opulence, with palatial beds, elegant drapes, marble bathrooms and plush linens. There are a range of high end restaurants and bars onsite. Explore Boston like a local! See More

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    • The Kendall Hotel Boston (Massachusetts) 77 rooms from £86

      Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Book the luxury suite for a whirlpool tub
      Sights nearby  -  The Freedom Trail and trolley tours
      Great walks  -  The Charles River.
      Full of character
      RestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

      A welcoming and cheerful hotel with lots of character, located in an old 19th-century brick fire station. Bedrooms are homely, with large hand-made quilts and a charming New England feel. The restaurant serves home-style American dishes. Enjoy beers from local breweries at the hotel bar. See More

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    • Mary Prentiss Inn Boston (Cambridge) 20 rooms from £97

      Local exploring  -  Use as a base to explore this university town; browse boutiques, visit museums or easily head into central Boston
      Local markets  -  Peruse the many bookshops, eclectic boutiques, antique stores and cafes of nearby Harvard and Porter squares
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful Longfellow, a historic home and National Monument
      Full of character
      Air conditioningGardenViewsParking

      B&B situated in a beautifully restored historic Greek-revival building. Located walking distance from Harvard Square & the university, a stay at the townhouse feels like staying with friends; the homely and colourful rooms are all individually decorated. Spend summer days in the lovely garden. See More

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    • Samuel Sewall Inn Boston (Brookline) 21 rooms from £156

      Local exploring  -  A nearby subway station takes guests into central Boston and the neighbourhood is known for independent boutiques and theatre
      Great walks  -  Be sure to make the effort to walk up Corey Hill Park, you'll be rewarded with excellent views over Boston and Cambridge
      Sights nearby  -  It's a short walk to the JFK National Historic Site; birthplace and home of the famous president
      Boutique
      Air conditioningPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

      A homely B&B situated in an 1886 Queen-Anne style Victorian home in Boston's Brookline district. 21 unique and atmospheric rooms have high ceilings, antique furniture, Turkish rugs and period details; many have working fireplaces. Comfy shared lounges and space to work make this an ideal base. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Monday, 26th October 2020