The Chic Traveler’s Guide to Boston Hotels

Explore the best hospitality Boston has to offer

By Josephine Hale

Melissa Lemieux

I am not going to lie, Boston is not a city known for its hotels. 

When booking a trip to come visit, reserving a room comes as an afterthought compared to the various activities and sights this city has to offer. However, I am obsessed with everything about hotels — the interiors, the amenities, the scents. 

In my opinion, picking a hotel that is both chic and reflects the history and style of your destination is imperative to making sure you get the most out of your trip. For those who like to be fully immersed, here is my brief yet informative list of Boston hotels that draw inspiration from our city’s uniquely Northeastern American design with Western European influences.

The Newbury Boston 

Located just off the Boston Common, this hotel features opulent rooms designed by one of the world’s most influential interior designers, Alexandra Champalimaud. This hotel features neutral tones with a sophisticated, Old-World finish, complimented by wood-stocked fireplace suites and marble bathrooms. 

The hotel is also home to the popular restaurant Contessa, serving Northern Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Farouk Bazoune. It’s located right next to Boston’s most prominent shopping street at 1 Newbury.

The Verb Hotel

This pick is one of the city’s top-rated boutique hotels. Styled in a rock and roll theme, each room features its own vinyl record player as well as access to an extensive vinyl library. Located a close walk from Fenway Park and The House of Blues, the hotel is ideal for music lovers and Red Sox Fans alike. 

Adorned with vintage posters, mid-century upholstery and multicolored glass windows, you can enjoy a laid-back vibe while being the perfect distance away to muffle the noise. The Verb Hotel also features a Japanese izikaya called Hojoko by the same team behind the popular restaurants Bianca and O Ya.

The Whitney Hotel

Originally built in 1909, this Beacon Street hotel was transformed from a specialty hospital into a space that feels like a luxurious townhouse. Through its sleek, minimalist style, guests enjoy top-notch amenities ranging from world-famous Frette linens to the newly renovated Mediterranean restaurant Peregrine. 

Its close proximity to Charles Street provides easy access for shopping lovers and those who want to explore the area. The hotel is known for its excellent and unobtrusive service as well as its overall vibe of soft luxury.

Raffles Boston

This hotel is my favorite one in the city. Owned by the iconic Raffles hospitality group, this hotel features sophisticated dark wood, lush greenery, and the aromatherapy-driven Guerlain spa. It also features multiple restaurants and bars like La Padrona and Amar, as well as an indoor pool. 

The hotel’s lobby is located on the 17th floor of a 35-story building in the Back Bay neighborhood, and guests may also enjoy in-room personal shopping, a dry-cleaning service, and even a butler service if you really want to drop a bag. All in all, this hotel is unbeatable, specifically thanks to its view of the Boston skyline in its lobby.