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The 10 Best Historic Hotels in Boston

The 10 Best Historic Hotels in 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

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

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

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

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 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.

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 $244
  
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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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- Omni Parker House Boston (Downtown) 551 rooms from $187
  
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  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
  
  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 (Beacon Hill) 63 rooms from $325
  
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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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- The Liberty Hotel Boston (West End) 298 rooms from $695
  
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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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- The Boxer Boston (West End) 80 rooms from $167
  
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  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
  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 $114
  
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  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
  
  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 $213
  
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  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.
  
  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 $215
  
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  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
  
  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 (Downtown) 318 rooms from $199
  
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  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.
  
  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 (Kendall Square) 77 rooms from $110
  
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  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
  
  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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