Choosing a Back Bay Boston hotel for your next trip gives you the experience of staying in Boston's most exclusive neighborhood.
Located only a 5-minute walk across Boston Common and the Public Garden from Downtown, Beacon Hill, and the Financial District, Back Bay puts you within easy reach of all the city's top attractions.
You'll find plenty to see and do in Back Bay as well - Copley Square, the Boston Marathon finish line, plenty of terrific restaurants and bars, and streets lined with elegant Victorian brownstone mansions.
Shoppers love Newbury Street boutiques and art galleries, Prudential Center, and Copley Place shopping malls.
Not surprisingly, you'll find almost half of Boston's hotels located in Back Bay.
Best of all, you can choose from a wide price range, from budget hotels to luxury palaces, without sacrificing location.
Top photo: Boutiques and bistros along Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
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Colonnade Hotel Boston
Located across the street from Prudential Center and just a few blocks from Copley Square and Newbury Street, the sleek and modern Colonnade Hotel offers terrific value and numerous luxury touches.
Even without its roof top pool, the Colonnade would rank as one of Boston's best hotels - but the outdoor swimming pool on the hotel's 11th-floor rooftop terrace sets it apart.
Spend the day relaxing with a good book on one of the lounge chairs, go for a swim in the pool, and order lunch or a frosty drink at one of the umbrella tables. Occasional pool-side concerts add to the fun. You'll also enjoy the roof top views of the city.
What to do when you're not at the pool: Shop in Prudential Center across the street, explore nearby Copley Square, or take the Green Line to the Museum of Fine Arts and spend the day in the new Art of the Americas Wing.
Boston Sightseeing Cruises
Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:
Popular Cruises
- Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
- Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience! Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar
- Schooner Adirondack Oyster Sail - Relax on this late-afternoon sail as you enjoy local oysters shucked on board and paired with mignonette, lemon, and hot sauce
- City Lights Ghost Tour Cruise on Northern Lights - As you cruise through Boston Harbor as night falls and the skyline lights up, you'll hear tales of ghosts, strange sightings, and eerie situations as you cruise past historic sights for a memorable evening of Boston, whether you're a visitor or a local
Sailing Cruises on the Adirondack III & IV:
- Adirondack Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 1
- Adirondack Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 1
Mothers Day Cruise
- Mother's Brunch Day Cruise with Live Jazz - Celebrate your mom while you enjoy a delicious brunch and live jazz on this relaxing Harbor cruise - May 11 (don't wait to book - this always sells out!)
Fun Book Your July 4th Cruises Now (because they sell out far in advance!)
- Northern Lights - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht - July 2
- Adirondack - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on an 80-foot schooner - July 2
- Adirondack - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with Continental breakfast- July 4
- Northern Lights - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with 3-course brunch - July 4
- Northern Lights - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 hour cruise from Boston featuring Winthrop's spectacular fireworks - July 4
- Adirondack - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 to 3.5 hour cruise from Boston to watch Winthrop's fireworks - July 4
Labor Day Cruise
- Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights - You'll love this crowd-free option for watching the brilliant Labor Day Fireworks over Boston Harbor after a leisurely cruise on this classic commuter yacht - Find out more
No. 284 - Luxurious Guest House in Boston's Back Bay Neighborhood
284 Commonwealth Avenue, Back Bay neighborhood
At No. 284, a small luxury guest house featuring original art in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion overlooking tree-filled Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the heart of Back Bay, you'll enjoy gracious public spaces such as a tranquil library and courtyard garden, personalized service, and luxurious accommodations.
Each of the 23 guestrooms and suites offers a special experience - or indulge yourself with a stay in the magnificent penthouse featuring an Andy Warhol lithograph.
Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel
40 Trinity Place, Back Bay neighborhood
Raffles Boston marks this exclusive brand's first location in North America, making it one of only 14 Raffles hotels worldwide.
The hotel's 35 floors feature 147 luxurious guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, an gorgeous indoor swimming pool, and a flower-filled rooftop terrace. A 3-story sky lobby overlooks historical Copley Square and even a slice of the Charles River. You can enjoy Raffles' trademark amenities, such as butler service and the onsite spa and fitness club.
In addition to all of the hotel's posh features, you'll lovethe location near Copley Square - perfect for enjoy all of the wonderful shopping and dining in this central neighborhood, and just a short walk to the Boston Marathon's finish line.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
A Back Bay jewel, the opulent Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston Hotel, built in 1912, caters to business and leisure travelers who love its mix of luxury, top-notch service, and comfort.
The hotel offers guestrooms and suites in a wide range of sizes, meaning you'll have a good chance of finding accommodations here to meet your budget and needs.
Luxurious fabrics and furnishings, commissioned sketches of Boston, and plenty of marble everywhere make staying here an unforgettable experience.
What's special: The Copley Plaza Boston's location overlooking Copley Square and Trinity Church, the Boston Marathon finish line, and the annual July 4th Fireworks display over the Charles River.
And of course, Carly Copley, the Copley Plaza's resident canine ambassador, who will accompany you on walks and runs around the city.
Hotel 140
140 Clarendon Street
The budget boutique Hotel 140 is in an excellent location close to Copley Square, the South End, Bay Village, and the Theatre District - very convenient for seeing all of Boston's attractions.
Boston's luxury Copley Place shopping complex, home to Neiman Marcus, is about a 2-minute walk from the hotel. Prudential Center and Newbury Street are only a couple more minutes away. You'll also enjoy the numerous restaurants, cafes, and coffee bars in the neighborhood.
What's special: Hotel 140 is well-known among savvy travelers who seek bargain rates in a top location where other nearby hotels charge much more. So if you want to stay here, you should make reservations as far in advance of your arrival date as possible, as the hotel is often completely booked.
What do you give up in return for cheap rates? Space and amenities. Most (although not all) of Hotel 140's 66 guestrooms are fairly small, and don't expect to find fancy shampoos.
But Hotel 140's cool ambiance appeals to travelers seeking savings and indie style, and you can't beat the location!
And, fun fact: Hotel 140's historical landmark 1929 building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Four Seasons Hotel at One Dalton Street
Four Season Hotel One Dalton Street is the famous 5-star luxury brand's second hotel in the ritzy Back Bay neighborhood, and one of Boston's newest hotels.
Stay here, and you're just a few steps from international designer boutiques and acclaimed restaurants along renowned Newbury Street, Fenway Park, and the city's top cultural attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall.
With 211 guest rooms topped by 160 ultra-luxury condos, the hotel's 61-story building is Boston's third tallest.
What's special: You'll enjoy the sweeping views, the onsite spa, restaurant, and bar, and of course Four Season's superb service. Plush contemporary furnishings are both elegant and supremely comfortable.
The Inn at Saint Botolph
With only 16 one- and two-bedroom suites, the upscale Inn at Saint Botolph is at the luxury end of the spectrum for Boston boutique hotels (not a surprise, as it has the same owner as the luxurious XV Beacon on Beacon Hill).
All the large apartment-style suites have kitchens, and all have fireplaces. You'll get private keyless entry, as there is no lobby or onsite 24x7 staff; however, continental breakfast is served daily.
What's special: The Saint Botolph is a hidden gem, occupying a gorgeous red-brick Victorian mansion tucked away on a quiet, charming residential street complete with little corner shops near the South End - but it's just 1 block away from glitzy Prudential Center and close to Symphony Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts, yet it feels far away from the hustle and bustle of busy Huntington Ave.
The St. Botolph is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience a bit of "real" Boston neighborhood life, but still have easy access to city attractions. You can even walk to Fenway Park!
Hotel AKA Back Bay
Hotel AKA Back Bay is located in an interesting spot near the edge of Back Bay, just a couple of blocks from Boston's Victorian-era Public Garden and convenient to the Theatre District, the South End, Beacon Hill, and Downtown.
Boston's least-known and tiniest neighborhood, Bay Village, is just 1 block away and well worth strolling through to see all the Federal-era brick townhouses and Art Deco-era former warehouses, now sought-after condos but once the site of Boston's now-defunct film industry.
What's special: The hotel itself, located in a handsome limestone building formerly home to Boston's police headquarters, offers comfortable public spaces such as the outdoor dining terrace, and luxurious guestrooms and suites. Nearby are several excellent places to eat, drink, and relax.
The Newbury Boston
The Newbury Boston overlooks the lovely Public Garden from its superb Newbury Street/Arlington Street location directly across from the park - perhaps the most desirable spot in Back Bay for beauty combined with shopping convenience.
With 286 guestrooms and (including 90 suites, some with wood-burning fireplaces), The Newbury exudes luxury at every turn, with antique furnishings, original art, and high-end linens and amenities.
If you book accommodations with a fireplace (available for use from October through April), a special Fireplace Butler tends to the fire, so all you have to do is relax in the plush upholstered chairs, and enjoy the soothing flames.
What's special: Floor to ceiling windows in the bar give you a superb view of the beautiful Public Garden as you sip your drink.
But there's a lot more to love here: afternoon tea service, crystal chandeliers everywhere, lovely antiques and art.
Don't miss the chance to dine at the hotel's Comtessa restaurant's rooftop terrace overlooking the Public Garden.
Four Seasons Boston near the Public Garden
The well-heeled guests who frequent the famed 5-star Four Seasons Boston appreciate how the 273 rooms and suites feel like home - a very luxurious home, filled with every comfort and amenity including gorgeous views of the loveliest spot in Boston, the Public Garden. Discerning guests who appreciate top-of-the-line amenities and richly-elegant furnishings
Address: 200 Boylston Street
Luxuries to enjoy at the Boston Harbor Hotel - Indoor swimming pool on the 8th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Public Garden, richly elegant furnishings in muted tones, many personalized touches, and unparalleled service
More luxury to celebrate at the Four Seasons Boston:
- Weekly cooking class for your kids plus other child-friendly amenities
- The grand piano and fireplace in the Presidential Suite - music stars (and previous guests) Elton John, Billy Joel, and Whitney Houston
Lenox Hotel
With a perfect location between Copley Square and Prudential Center, the luxury boutique Lenox Hotel is one of Boston's most revered Back Bay hotels.
In addition, the hotel is almost directly across from the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston Street. Book a street-side guest room to watch the famous race from your window.
The independently-owned Lenox offers fireplaces in many of its 214 guestrooms. Gracious furnishings such as brass chandeliers, crystal lamps, and comfortable chairs give you the perfect incentive to settle down in front of the fire, perhaps with a good book and glass of wine.
During your visit, visit the art-filled Boston Public Library localed almost next door.
What's special: Service here is top-notch - staying here is like being a guest in the private home of a very, very rich friend.
Copley Square Hotel
Built in 1891, this was the first hotel to open in Copley Square. Now a luxurious boutique hotel, the Copley Square Hotel offers personalized service.
The 143 guestrooms and suites sparkle after recent renovations, and feature luxurious fabrics and linens.
An 2-floor venue with a bar and supper club is part of Back Bay's dining and nightlife scene.
What you'll enjoy: On site guest laundry, a communal kitchen where you can enjoy coffee and a quick bite, valet parking with in-out privileges, and convenience to Copley Square and Newbury Street shopping.
The hotel is also only one block from Hynes Convention Center.
Midtown Hotel Boston
220 Huntington Ave, Back Bay
The Midtown Hotel offers one of Boston's sought-after rarities: comfortable budget-friendly accommodations in one of the city's poshest neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, the hotel's owner, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, has signed a 99-year lease with National Development, a real estate investment and development company which plans to demolish and replace the hotel with a 10-floor 325-unit luxury apartment building as soon as it can get approval (which is notoriously hard to get) from the City of Boston.
But for now, a night or more in one of the hotel's 159 recently-renovated guest rooms continues to be one of the best bargains in town.
What you'll enjoy: Cheap rates (for Boston), cool 1950's architecture, and a wonderful location near Prudential Center, Copley Square, Northeastern University, and the Hynes Convention Center.
More Hotels in Boston's Back Bay
Boston Marriott Copley Place
Part of the Copley Place shopping and dining complex, the Marriott Copley Place is popular with business travelers and conference attendees as well as leisure visitors.
What's to love here: You'll be staying right in the middle of one of Boston's nicest shopping arcades, surrounded by terrific restaurants.
Charlesmark Hotel
This small boutique hotel is one of the most popular Back Bay Boston Hotels because of its excellent location next to Copley Square.
Affordable rates make it a popular choice with savvy travellers.
What's special: The Charlesmark Hotel Boston is convenient to all the area's attractions and plus great Newbury Street shopping. Boston Marathon fans love that the Charlesmark is right at the finish line.
Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Ave, Back Bay
The nationally acclaimed Eliot Hotel, a small boutique jewel overlooking magnificent Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Back Bay, provides the perfect mix of elegance, comfort, and personalized service to provide you with everything from treats to your dog (yes, this is a pet-friendly property) to arranging for hard-to-get Red Sox tickets to booking you a table at any of Boston's top restaurants.
Soothing tones of silver, pale gold, and taupe make your guestroom or suite feel like a luxurious cocoon, yet you're just a quick walk away from boutiques and art galleries along Newbury Street, numerous top restaurants, and even Fenway Park.
More luxuries to enjoy at the Eliot Hotel: Superb location, and award-winning onsite UNI Restaurant.
Courtyard Boston Copley Square
This small hotel operated by Marriott is in an excellent location near the Boston Public Library, Copley Square, and Prudential Center, not to speak of all the great shopping on nearby Newbury and Boylston Streets.
Hilton Back Bay Boston
Popular with business travelers and conference attendees, the well-appointed Hilton Back Bay Boston Hotel is just across the street from the Hynes Convention Center and Prudential Center.
Stay here for super convenience when you attend a conference - or use the Back Bay Hilton as your home base for attending a Red Sox game, shopping along trendy Newbury Street, or visiting nearby Northeastern University, Boston University, and Colleges of the Fenway.
You'll also find the finish line for the Boston Marathon just a couple of blocks away.
Although rates usually reflect the Back Bay Hilton's status as a desirable business hotel, you can sometimes find attractive weekend rates.
What you'll enjoy: Down comforters, great views from the top floors, and a nice indoor swimming pool.
Mandarin Oriental Boston - Back Bay
The world-renowned Mandarin Oriental Boston is famous for its high level of luxury and service, and the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Boston fulfills this reputation.
Luxuries to enjoy at the Mandarin Oriental Boston - The 148 rooms and suites feature serene decor, soaking tubs in the marble bathrooms, and state of the art technology. If you're visiting for the Boston Marathon, you'll love that the finish line is right outside the hotel.
More luxury to love at the Mandarin Oriental Boston:
- 16,000 square foot Spa and Fitness Center with personalized services, hydrotherapy rooms, and vitality pools
- Direct connection to the Prudential Center
- For the ultimate luxury, reserve the 2,600 square foot Presidential Suite
Best choice for: Sophisticated travelers who crave luxurious comfort and top-flight service
Sheraton Boston
The Sheraton Hotel Boston boasts 1,215 guestrooms and suites, and connects directly to Prudential Center and to Hynes Convention Center in the heart of Boston's upscale Back Bay neighborhood.
If you stay in one of the upper floor rooms, you'll have spectacular views of Boston, the Charles River, and the surrounding area.
Whether you're visiting for business such as a conference in Hynes Convention Center or for a vacation, the Sheraton's location gives you for ultimate convenience.
If you plan to be in Boston during especially in cold or rainy winter weather or hot and humid summer weather, you'll appreciate the convenience of having all of Prudential Center at your fingertips without having to venture outside.
An enclosed skywalk connection to nearby Copley Plaza gives you even more choices.
For leisure travelers, the Sheraton Boston is a popular choice thanks to its wonderful indoor swimming pool (one of the biggest hotel pools in the city) with retractable roof and outdoor deck, as well as the hotel's superb Back Bay location.
And as a special bonus, you can sometimes find excellent deals and discounts here, especially on the weekends and during less-busy periods when no big events are booked at the Convention Center.
What else is special: Sought-after location - the hotel connects directly to the Hynes Convention Center and Prudential Center. Newbury Street shopping is just steps away.
Westin Copley Place
This large, glamorous hotel across from Copley Plaza is a favorite Back Bay Boston hotel due to its terrific location for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
What's special: The lovely indoor swimming pool.
Newbury Guest House
Created from 3 adjacent brownstone townhouses built in the early 1900s, this comfortable B&B's location in a relatively quiet section of Newbury Street is close to everything in Back Bay and also is only about a 10-minute walk to Fenway Park.
Rates are usually attractive - but with only 32 rooms, Newbury Guest House books up fast.
Commonwealth Court Guest House
Terrific location in a beautiful brownstone looking out onto Commonwealth Mall. Rooms are on the small side (true for many Boston hotel rooms) and no frills, but have small kitchenette areas.
You get a chance to stay in one of the best areas of the city at typically very attractive rates. Easy walk to Fenway Park and Newbury St shopping.
Copley House Hotel
These furnished studio and 1-bedroom apartments with kitchens on the southern edge of Back Bay offer an interesting alternative to Back Bay Boston hotels.
Short term rentals in Boston can be hard to find - and these are in a great location. The catch? Reservations here can be hard to get, so you should book as early as possible.
Boston Hotel Map
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