UNIQUE & QUIRKY BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN BOSTON BY NEIGHBOURHOOD
Last Updated on 25th April 2024 by Bejal
If you’re heading to one of the oldest cities in the USA, and searching for a hotel with a little more individuality and unique characteristics, then you’re in luck as there are many quirky boutique hotels in Boston to choose from.
Boston is a rather small city but is steeped in over 400 years of history especially with it being one of the founding cities in the US and start line of the American Revolution. You’ll no doubt have heard of The Boston Tea Party, New England, Fenway Park the Boston Marathon, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Boston’s proximity to Cambridge and Harvard University.
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How to Find Quirky Boutique Hotels In Boston
Basing yourself correctly in the city is key to what activities you’d like to do with your time in the city. Boston has 23 neighbourhoods but there are six distinct areas that would make a good base to explore the city:
- Downtown
- South End
- Back Bay
- North End
- West End
- Waterfront
- Beacon Hill
- Seaport
- Fenway/Kenmore
If you’re visiting Boston for the first time, Back Bay is a fantastic option as a base. If those stunning three and four storey, brown stone buildings you see in the movies, don’t tempt you then nothing will! But if you love to walk everywhere, then Downtown which isn’t too far from Back Bay is a great choice too. Just be prepared for things to be a little busier as it’s where the tourist hang out!
Residential districts like South End and Beacon Hill, give you a more local-stay experience and community feel with cute bakeries, for breakfast, sought after restaurants and small parks.
The North End is where much of the Italian community settled when they arrived in Boston and is the place if you love Italian food and if you love sea views, head to The Waterfront which is pretty close to North End.
Insider Tips: Budget for Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston
Hotels in Boston seem to be a lot pricier than in other US locations, let alone the rest of the world. In general the cost of living is pretty high in Boston so it’s really important to budget well for your trip. Here are some Be-lavie insider tips which may help make your accommodation a little more economical.
Please note that all prices displayed for hotels is an estimate and not exact to the figure. It s based on High Season, (including more seasonal times) and low season (which generally includes winter).
- Decide which time of year you wish to visit and start your search a few months in advance to scope out when the prices are highest and when they can fit your budget.
- Avoid busy periods like school holiday and summer. Boston can look beautiful during the Autumn months and shoulder season.
- Use this guide to figure out what you’d like to do when you’re there and which area would best suit you.
- Decide on the length of your stay and if there is one knock out luxury hotel you prefer, why not have a splash out experience and spend all your time there, making the money well worth it by using all the hotel has to offer.
- Choose more conservatively/on-budget accommodation for the rest of your time in the city and spend your money on experiences and foodie spots, like the cool markets if thats your thing.
- Book flexible rates so you can track prices and if you see another hotel having a last minute offer such as stay three nights for the price of two, go for it.
- Ask the hotel if they have complimentary shuttles or bike hire, every little helps to keep further costs down.
- Boston has many cafes and brunch spots so you don’t have to opt for breakfast each morning, go and eat like a local Bostonian.
How Long to Stay In Boston
Boston is a great city break destination so four to five nights is absolutely perfect and you can see the city in a leisurely fashion. If you plan your itinerary right, you’ll get a lot done and can move onto one of the other less pricier locations in New England for the rest of your time in New England. The less time you spend the less hotel budget you’ll accumulate.
Quirky Boutique Hotels In Boston By Neighbourhood
South End Hotels
Close enough to walk to the fancy shops of Newbury Street, the South End is a winning choice to experience local life as well as do all the exploring you need! South End is where you’ll see young professionals, families and a big LGBTQiA+ community.
There’s a great foodie scene with lots of high-end restaurants, art and culture spots, as well rows upon rows of brownstone houses with flower boxes and endless gas lamp lit streets. It’s where you’d want to live if you decided to move to Boston!
Staypineapple : Hotel Spotlight
Welcome to a fresh, modern and contemporary style hotel, located a few minute’s walk from Back Bay and only ten minutes away from all the great posh shopping of Newbury Street and gourmet restaurant selections.
A very quirky choice, Staypineapple’s accent colours are yellow, as you can imagine. The rooms come in two categories, The Back Bay Room (accommodates two) and the South End Corner King (accommodates three and has partial city views). The rooms are bijoux and compact but perfectly formed with everything you could need.
The hotel is fun with references to ‘go naked’ and try out the fluffy dressing gowns and duvet selection.
On the ground floor, head to the Trophy Room which is an American Bistro and Bar serving food as well as draught beers, cocktails and a selection of wines amongst other beverages.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lots of fun with helpful staff. Rooms feature flat screen TV’s coffee pod machines, full size toiletry dispensers in the bathrooms and room servicing is your choice and not provided daily. A great nod to sustainability with conservation of linen and towel washing. The hotel is also pet friendly!
Be-lavie Highlights: complimentary Coffee and water are available all day in the reception. Rooms have a duvet and pillow menu so you can choose which type of Scandinavian bedding you’d like! You can also rent their signature yellow bikes by the day and do not miss their complimentary pineapple shaped sugar cookies which are available the afternoons at reception!
Location: Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 866-866-7977 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per night: £384 (High Season) £150 (Low Season)
The Revolution Hotel Boston
If. You’re looking for something a little more retro drawing inspiration from art, look no further than another South End pad, The Revolution Hotel. Each room here comes with modern touches but with a vintage undertone!
The rooms are designed to look like the brownstones that line the South End streets. Artists can get discounted stays here in recognition of their profession and what they did for the art scene in Boston. You can opt for a loft or suite, a bathroom down the hall room or bath room in room – the choice is totally yours.
Rooms come in a range of options from quirky doubles or bunk beds where the bathrooms are down the hall (don’t worry bathrobes and toiletry baskets are provided), as well as bathrooms in rooms for more privacy. These two room options are located in the main hotel and just over the road is the ‘Revolution Lofts’. Here you’ll find the loft suites complete with large beds, a table, fully equipped kitchenette and large bathroom. There are also a number of Loft terraces, which are a lot more spacious and includes a comfortable seating area and access to a private terrace with skyline views of Boston.
The Revolution is literally one of the coolest historical hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Great location, great room variety and pretty good price point too making this wonderful value for money. the lobby also features a 75 foot of spray paint artwork by Tristan Eaton.
Be-lavie Highlights: Vintage feel of the hotel and rooms. The Cósmica Mexican Eatery, serving the most delicious Mexican fair and Bar and Kohi Coffee Co for that morning and anytime coffee fix!
Location: 40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 617-848-9200 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per nIght: £320 (High Season) £134 (Low Season)
Back Bay Hotels
One of the cities most picture perfect areas, with stunning brownstone apartments lined right down Commonwealth Avenue, so full of charm and close to Boston’s very upscale shopping area of Newbury Street.
Close to the Charles River Esplanade space, which is great for kayaking, walking and hanging out at weekends, this really is a beautiful part of the city.
Many of the city’s wealthy reside here and don’t be too shocked to see rent reach well over $3,000.
The Lenox
Very much in keeping with the local façade of Back Bay is the Lennox Hotel, just a couple of blocks away from the Charles River. The 214 rooms and suites are glamorously designed but
If budget allows, opt for the Judy Garland Suite – she lived here back in 1968.
The Lennox is truly a stunning styled hotel in Boston. Classy yet understated.
It’s close to art galleries, cute cafes, Boston Public Library, Copley Square and truly is one of the most iconic and sought after neighbourhoods in Boston.
Be-lavie Highlights: The simplicity and location of this hotel make is a winner
Location: 61 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 617-536-5300 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per nIght: £600 (High Season) £237 (Low Season)
Downtown Hotels
Downtown is a major hub for many businesses and since the 1700s the epicentre of government affairs too. It’s main attractions include City Hall Plaza, a significant tourist attraction, The Freedom Trail as well as the Downtown Crossing, forming am intersection for pedestrians and the T (Boston’s underground network).
Revere Hotel
Conveniently located in Downtown, the Revere Boston is one stylish joint with a large swipe of hip. It’s close to Back Bay and it’s choice of boutiques and resraurants as well as the metro and one of the city theatres but less than a ten minute walk away from Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens.
This four star hotel also boasts unique personal touches such as a shoe shine, a pillow menu and for your sleep routine lovers, a turn-down service.
Rooms have ipad docks, free WIFI, flat-screen TVs and balconies with some great city views. Revere also has a restaurant, rustling up some delicious seasonal cuisine, a 24 hours fitness, should you love working out on your travels and a rooftop bar.
Be-lavie Highlight: The must-see rooftop bar boasting city views complete with swimming pool. Absorb the glistening Boston sights from the rooftop whilst sipping on a cocktail or two following a day of excursions or on ground sightseeing tours.
Location: 200 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116. I Tel. +1 617-482-1800 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £700-£350 (High Season) £207 (Low Season)
Kimpton Nine Zero
If you love a spot of cool and kitch décor then you’ve found your home in Boston. Its packed full of quirky and retro features and location wise you’re just a stones throw away from the upmarket Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall and all the downtown Boston hangouts which take a central location!
The bedrooms are designed to blend a retro style with contemporary modern conveniences like free WIFI in all rooms and cute but cosy accessories. Bathroom products area by atelier Bloem.
It’s all about the coolness and this includes a communal area where you can relax and treat it like a living room – it also has nice views out to the city. Feel free to accompany the general manager on a morning run or partake in the daily free happy hour where you can even do wine tasting.
Be-lavie Highlights: Kitch Highball Lounge for cocktails, craft beers, free yoga mats to loan, 24 hour gym included in your stay as well as pets can stay for free. If you love spa treatments in the comfort of your own room, it’ll be hard to tear you away.
Location: 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108 I Tel. +1 617-772-5800 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £400 (High Season) £320 (Low Season)
Beacon Hill Hotels
One of the most historic districts of Boston, walking down these cobbled-stone streets will transport you back in time. It’s a very charming area with red brick houses and apartments and as you can imagine is quite an affluent and pricey part of town. As you walk around you’ll see adorable flower gardens, seasonal holiday decorations, the cutest boutique shops and small independent restaurants. The Massachusetts State House sits on top of Beacon Hill
The Liberty
The Liberty Hotel is housed in the former Charles Street jail in the beautiful leafy and historic district of Beacon Hill. The four star Liberty Hotel’s façade is granite and located well so you can reach the independent boutiques, restaurants and shops in the vicinity.
It may have been a former prison and but now it’s the epitome of quirky luxury with an, awe-inspiring lobby, which will leave you speechless upon entering, with its red brick rotunda. The bedrooms are pretty snazzy and a far cry from the cell situations former residents would have faced. They offer floor to ceiling windows creating an airy feel with flat-panel HC-LCD TV’s and free WIFI.
The liberty has to be one of the most literal and truest examples of cool and quirky boutique hotels in Boston.
Be-lavie Highlights: Do not miss the Clink bar (fresh seafood, artisanal heirloomand five alternative places to drink and dine at The Liberty including, aptly named Alibi (late night cocktails and snacks), Liberty Bar (energetic social nightlife dwellers), Scampo (culinary destination by acclaimed local chef), The Yard (outdoor space for warmer weather affairs) and Catwalk (hotel-guests only retreat).
Location: 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 I Tel. +1 617-224-4000 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £700 (High Season) £320 (Low Season)
The Inn at St Botolph
Located a couple of minutes away from Prudential metro station and housed in a converted 19th century brownstone house, close to Back Bay is The Inn at St Botolph.
The rooms are full of typical New England décor and charm with four poster beds, bold yet stylish accessories and suites complete with kitchenettes so you can decide if you fancy a dine in kind of day or evening!
The suites are large and spacious and perfect for a long-term stay in Boston close to all the main attractions.
There’s a fitness as well as a washer and dryer in the basement so you don’t have to tend to your washing once home!
Be-lavie Highlights: Hang out in the lovely communal TV lounge. You also get a breakfast complimentary here each morning.
Location: 99 St Botolph Street. Boston. MA 02116 I Tel. +1 617 236 8099 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night:: £400 (High Season) £178 (Low Season)
North End Hotels
The North end is one of the most visited neighbourhoods in Boston due to its Italian-American culture. The first Italians settled here in 1806 coming from Genoa. You will see historical sites here such as the Paul Revere House, dine in the authentic Italian restaurants and ogle over the best cannoli shops of Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry! It’s vibrant, colourful and very European.
The Citizen M Boston North Station
One of the most tech-friendly and coolest hotels in Boston, The Citizen M North Station is super funky and perfectly located for a short walk to the main attractions, historic city and close to the TD Gardens arena.
The rooms may be small but they’re perfect and have had some clever oversight from a very capable design team who have made the best use of space.
There are great unexpected views, which have been incorporated into the design as well as beautiful colour palettes.
Be-lavie Highlight: Once in the room, the tech takes over and you can turn the lights on and off courtesy of the CitizenM app or the in-room MoodPad which will give you the perfect ambiance.
Location: 70 Causeway St, Boston, MA 02114 I Tel +1 617 861 4380 I Website
Fine On: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £370 (High Season) £200 (Low Season)
The Waterfront Hotels
Boston Harbour has always been a part of Boston’s culture and history and therefore it’s no surprise that many locals and tourists love to hang out here, especially in the warmer weather. The Boston HarborWalk is a network of continuous walkways along the water’s edge that connect the city’s neighbourhoods via cultural, art and historical attraction with outdoor spaces such a parks, restaurants, bars and fantastic views.
The waterfront is a popular spot to board a harbour cruise or even a whale-watching excursion.
The Inn at Boston Yacht Haven is a ten room boat hotel or Boat-ique hotel! Its located on Commercial Wharf in a very fancy marina which has even won awards for its unique sea themed styling.
You can expect your room here to have a private balcony, great spot for scoping out the Boston skyline and eye up the boats floating by! It’s a peaceful experience and still well-located to access many of the attractions, restaurants and shopping outlets.
Be-lavie Highlights: The complete unique and quirky nature of this small hotel. The complimentary continental breakfast served on site as well as the cheese and wine evenings. Love that if you have a boat, you can dock it here too. Total dream world stay!
Location: 87 Commercial Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 I Tel. +1 617-367-5050 I Website
Find On: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £650-700 (High Season) £250-350 (low season)
West End Hotels
This used to be Boston’s most densely populated neighbourhood but from the mid 1800s to mid 20th century, the wealthy would consider the area a slum. The 1958 Urban Renewal Programme, many families were displaced and over 400 high rises were built here with pretty high rental tags. A few notable famous residents used to live here too, one of which is actor Leonard Nimoy.
The area is in close distance to the TD Gardens arena as well as the NBA’s Boston Celtic Franchise so it you love your events then this is a great spot for you!
The Boxer Hotel
Located in the Boston’s vibrant West End, The Boxer stands out due to its ‘Flatiron’ building design. It dates back to 1904, and is a true testament to the industrial chic that suits this style of building.
The hotel itself reflects the history and architecture of Boston with beautiful warm and cosy spaces. The rooms are decorated in neutral, earthy tones but sophisticated décor with all the amenities you’d need.
The Boxer is perfectly located for access to the TD garden arena, Freedom Trail and Charles River Esplanade.
The Boxer also has an impressive sustainability policy including rentable cycles, refillable amenity dispensers, recycled content paper bags and key cards, guest room energy management to mention a few.
Be-lavie Highlights: The architecture of the hotel as well as their New England inspired Brasserie, Bulfinch Social, serving the most delicious locally sourced and inspired food.
Location: 107 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114 I Tel +1 617-624-0202 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Peer Night: £450 (High Season) £190 (Low Season)
Fenway/ Kenmore
Best known as the home of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, Fenway is also the epicentre of Boston’s colleges and culture spots such as the Isabella Gardner Stewart Museum and Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall.
Due to the high number of students you’ll see in the area, the vibe is vibrant and energetic with lively popular bars on Lansdowne Street
The Verb Hotel
A colourful and vibrant looking boutique hotel that fits right into the neighbourhood vibe, the verb is pretty unique. Rooms and public spaces are colourful and hip with all you’d need for your stay. The hotel also has a Japanese style tavern, HOJOKO, serving light and main meals.
Be-lavie Highlights: The verb has a big vinyl collection which guests can also enjoy! Also there’s a fantastic pool and outdoor space to relax in.
Location: 1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 I Tel. +1 617-566-4500 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £400 (High Season) £236 (Low Season)
Seaport Hotels
Seaport is part of the Port of Boston on Boston harbour and is seriously the fastest developed neighbourhoods in the city.
This is where you’ll find the Boston Convention Centre as well as the Exhibition Centre. You’ll also find the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Centre here. For culture lovers, note the Institute of Contemporary Art.
If you’re at a conference in this area, you won’t be pushed for new restaurants and shopping locations close by as well as the big venues to accommodate international business meetings.
The Envoy Hotel Boston
The Envoy hotel is part of the luxury Autograph collection of hotels and its no wonder why. They have some of the best views across the harbour out to the waterfront.
The rooms have a clean and kitsch vibe with a touch of class, blend well with the water surrounding the hotel, and come with balconies that look out to Boston harbour, Boston Common and the gold dome of the States House. The Envoy is design conscious with service to match at this four star hangout.
There are also two great places to eat; the Outlook Kitchen and Bar as well as the Emerald Lounge where you can grab a pizza or freshly made sandwiches.
Be-lavie Highlight: Head to the rooftop bar for very very cool views and drinks.
Location: 70 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210 I Tel. +1 617-338-3030 I Website
Find on: Maps
Average Price Per Night: £540 (High Season) £230 (Low Season)
Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston for tighter Budgets
Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston For First Time Visitors
Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston with a view
Boston Harbour Hotel at Lowes Wharf
Related Reading
A Guide to the Best Photo Spots in Boston
The Best cafes & Brunch Spots in Boston Now
Read more about hotels in destinations around the world
Quirky Boutique Hotels in Boston Round-Up
Boston has a wonderful array of quirky and fun boutique hotels to stay in, from decadent luxury to more affordable, places with stunning views and vibrant decor. Although Boston does have much higher priced hotels in the US than any other destination, the city is beautiful and well worth a visit for its history and charm. It may be. a small city but there are boutique hotels located in whichever location suits you best for your visit. Flexibility in terms of dates and seasons as well as booking ahead is the key to selecting your perfect Boston hotel.
Boston Hotel Locations on Downloadable Google Map
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