Top 12 cool and unusual hotels in Boston

For upon |This formidable force of a city is actually one of America’s oldest having being founded in 1634. The coastal-based Massachusetts capital has a proud past built on colonial roots and such fiercely defiant residents such as the Boston Tea Party (who wilfully and successfully protested against British rule). Today the city is a heady mix of the old and the new and its cobblestone streets, historic sights galore and characterful Boston Brownstones are juxtaposed with forward-thinking ideals and barrier-breaking ideas. A hip city which has way more to offer than just a place where Cheers was based, its streets are chock full of vibrant neighbourhoods, grand boulevards, cool cafés, excellent museums and beautiful landscaped public spaces just waiting to be explored. And that’s not forgetting its famously sports-obsessed locals who also equally thrive on the arts, music and culture. Its increasingly progressive vibe also ensures that it has a vast collection of unique, hip and interesting places to stay, here are 15 of the best cool and unusual hotels in Boston (in no particular order)…

Liberty Hotel – former jail turned chic upscale hotel

The 4-star highly rated Liberty Hotel tops many a prestigious hotel list. Set in the former Charles Street Jail in the vibrant Beacon Hill neighbourhood, this chic upscale hotel in Boston gives visitors the chance to, quite literally, spend the night in the slammer! A striking granite building at the foot of Beacon Hill, this hotel won’t leave you on lockdown as you will want to explore the hustle and bustle of Charles Street’s boutique shops and restaurants close by. The unique Boston hotel is incredibly well designed and offers far more luxurious accommodation than its previous residents would have encountered. A truly breathtaking lobby with a towering red brick rotunda welcomes guests, while the stylish bedrooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-panel HD-LCD television and free WiFi. Where the hip hang out, the Clink bar (or the other five sophisticated bars and restaurants) is perfect for enjoying a libation to celebrate your own liberty in Boston!

• Prices from ¢200 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Liberty Hotel Boston

The Verb Hotel – funky, colourful and fun

The very highly rated Verb Hotelis a boutique hotel in the heart of Fenway (it’s located across the road from baseball games at the central Fenway Park) that offers an unusual retro vibe with music-themed touches throughout. The perfect place to stay for music lovers of all ages, the fun, colourful and hip Boston accommodation even houses an extensive vinyl library for their visitors listening pleasure. The funky bedrooms entice you to sleep soundly whilst being immersed in rock history are adorned with rock and roll artwork and quirky accoutrements, whilst still being stylish, sleek and incredibly comfortable. Some have balconies or patios, views of the pool or the park, and/or colourful glass windows. The cool Boston hotel also offers its very own outdoor pool, a sun deck and a trendy Japanese tavern called HOJOKO that serves both light bites and main meals – not bad at all!

• Prices from $100 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Verb Hotel

Yotel Boston – funky Japanese inspired chic

Jumping firmly on the home-away-from-home bandwagon is the highly rated Yotel Boston which offers smartly designed spaces for a fraction of the price of luxury hotel accommodation. With a heavy focus on the technically savvy traveller, and those looking for both form and function, the ultra-trendy Boston abode offers super-fast WiFi, SmartBeds and enough power points to re-charge every single one of your devices. The bedrooms are called “cabins” and are small but perfectly formed, while the decor is dead tech modern with pops of colour and design quirks throughout. Upgraded rooms offer more space, floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views of the city and there’s also a hip rooftop restaurant/bar a contemporary bar serving weekend brunch and a 24-hour fitness room. Located right in the heart of the funky Seaport district, guests are just moments away from some of the coolest restaurants, bars and nightclubs the city has to offer – a great choice for trendy gadget-obsessed travellers everywhere!

• Prices from $130 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Yotel Boston

Kimpton Onyx Hotel – hip and stylish boutique

The 4-star exceptionally rated Onyx Hotel is one of three Kimpton hotels in the city of Boston and this hip boutique hotel is centrally located in the chic West End neighbourhood close to TD Garden. The Ruby Lounge is the centrepiece of the hotel and is lavishly furnished with plush velvet chairs and a dazzling chandelier. Step inside your stylish and comfortable room and you will find lots of leather accents, luxury linens and quirky artwork featuring excerpts from books and famous historical characters as well as all mod cons such WiFi, flat-screen TVs and even yoga mats. Join your fellow hotel guests for complimentary wine, get fit in the 24-hour gym, make use of the loaner bikes or just enjoy American and Mexican fare or cocktails in the sumptuous Ruby Lounge. A highly regarded urban Boston hotel where pets can even stay for free!

• Prices from $130 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Onyx Hotel

W Hotel Boston – ultra hip contemporary hotel

Centrally situated in the heart of Boston’s historic central theatre district and set in a super swish glass high-rise building, the 4-star exceptionally rated W Hotel offers vibrant boutique hotel accommodation and innovative interiors. As a hotel that focuses on the social aspect of staying in the city, you are more than welcome to mingle in the W Lounge with a cocktail or two, whilst soaking up sounds from the resident DJ, or dine in comfort in the onsite Gallery restaurant. The trendy rooms feature Bose mini speakers, pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, ergonomic chairs and very cool floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. Suites are truly sumptuous with living space, soaking tubs and even fitness equipment. The trendsetting Boston accommodation also offers an award-winning spa facility to help you unwind after a busy day exploring the city as well as a sleek restaurant crossed with an art gallery, a glam cocktail bar and a modern 24-hour fitness centre – nice! 

• Prices from $170 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel Boston

The Inn At St Botolph – chic and stylish New England charm

This converted 19th-century Brownstone house offers contemporary all-suite boutique accommodation in a quiet residential area close to Back Bay (a 2-minute walk from Prudential Station). Bright and stylish bedrooms offer New England charm with chic four-poster beds and sumptuous accessories, as well as offering complete kitchenettes for your own eat-in convenience. Catering for self-sufficient visitors, the exceptionally rated Inn at St Botolph also offers a beautiful communal lounge with a TV, complimentary breakfast, a fitness room, as well as a washer and dryer in the basement. Massachusetts charm at its finest can be found in The Inn At St Botolph.

• Prices from $150 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Inn at St Botolph

The Envoy Hotel – sleek, unique and stylish

Part of the prestigious Autograph collection, this 4-star exceptionally rated luxury hotel is set directly on the Boston waterfront and offers unrivalled views out across the harbour. Authentic New England interiors are infused with mid-century accents to create sleek, yet charming communal spaces at The Envoy Hotel and design-conscious bedrooms that focus on the water around them. At this chic and contemporary Boston hotel, you can enjoy first-class cuisine at the Outlook Kitchen and Bar whilst you drink in those oh-so-wonderful views out across the water. Nestled in the heart of the cool and vibrant Seaport district, visitors can easily navigate their way around the city of Boston. With an upbeat vibe and sleek, stylish and unique interiors, the gorgeous polished bedrooms have a cosy and kitsch feel to them and all offer private balconies overlooking Boston Harbor, Boston Common, and the State House’s gleaming golden dome. Feeling peckish? You can grab tacos and pizza in the Emerald Lounge, or freshly made speciality sandwiches at the fabulously trendy Rooftop bar!

• Prices from $190 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Envoy Hotel

Copley Square Hotel – upscale unique boutique

A fine example of an inner city Boston hotel, the 4-star highly rated Copley Square is housed in a historic building is surrounded by quintessentially Bostonian red brick buildings and tree-lined streets. The chic interiors, as well as fine dining and bars will make your stay the perfect mix of sophistication and relaxation. Located in the iconic Back Bay neighbourhood (across the street from Boston Public Library), the stylishly hip Boston hotel is close to many of the city’s main attractions. The rooms and swish and comfortable with fabulous city views and all mod cons including Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. The onsite XHALE restaurant offers flavour sensations from across the city, whilst the Mini Bar is a cool Boston lounge serving cocktails, craft beers and snacks. The hotel also has its very own fitness centre for those looking to keep on track whilst on holiday – not a bad choice at all for a sleek Boston city break!

• Prices from $120 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Copley Square Hotel

‪Aloft Boston Seaport District – sassy, smart and reasonably priced

Smart, sassy and slap bang in the middle of the trendy Seaport District, the highly rated Aloft Boston is a lively hotel perfect for hip urbanites from everywhere. With plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, clubs and attractions right on the doorstep this funky Boston hotel is designed to attract visitors looking to experience everything the city has to offer. Bedrooms are cute and full of unusual soft furnishings and plenty of colour, and you can even choose a voice-activated room where the temperature, lighting and television are controlled by a custom-made Aloft App. There is also a 24/7 fitness centre, an indoor pool and the popular WXYZ Bar that pumps out tunes and serves cocktails late into the evening – a very cool Boston hotel indeed!

• Prices from $100 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Boston Seaport District

 

Kimpton Nine Zero – mixes style with cute kitsch

This lively, upscale 4-star and exceptionally rated hotel has a cool retro bar, amples of quirky features and is close enough to Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall and Downtown Boston to be considered central. All Kimpton properties offer something a little different and the Hotel Nine Zero is no exception. Partake in the daily free happy hour, join the general manager for a morning run, or just kick back and enjoy the communal living area with views out across the city. The stylish and contemporary bedrooms are beautifully designed and mix retro furnishings with modern conveniences including free WiFi. The kitsch looking vintage-style  Highball Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail, craft beer or a light snack and other hotel highlights include a feature bars with gourmet treats, free loaner yoga mats, a 24-hour gym, pets stay for free and a variety of spa services offered in-room – you probably won’t want to leave! 

• Prices from $150 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Nine Zero 

Beacon Hill Hotel – sleek Bostonian charm

Located in the heart of the historic and upscale Beacon Hill district of the city, the highly rated Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro sits comfortably in the narrow, gas-lit streets and brick sidewalks that are so quintessentially Bostonian. The modern guest rooms offer simple yet sleek New England interiors with cute plantation shutters and all mod cons, whilst the hotel itself is almost as famous for its bistro as it is for its upmarket accommodation. Guests can dine out on carefully crafted plates of contemporary cuisine, sip cocktails at the bar or relax on the cool roof terrace. The hip Boston hotel is also close to Boston Park and Common, so you will feel fully ensconced in one of the most sought-after and upmarket areas of the city! Nice!

• Prices from $130 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro

The Alise Boston Staypineapple – quirky cool

This new and already highly rated Alise Hotel Boston to the city is so focused on offering spotlessly clean accommodation, it even invites its visitors to “dare to bare”. We kid you not! Take them up on their offer and enjoy Scandinavian duvets atop of sumptuously soft beds, in small but well laid out bedrooms. If you would like to reclothe and join your fellow guests, you can fill your boots in The Trophy Room – an American bistro that also offers craft cocktails, draught beer and a selection of wines. Located in the city’s historic South End, the European-style boutique hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Back Bay area in Boston, while the shops and gourmet restaurants of Newbury Street are just a 10-minute walk away – a cool and funky choice!

• Prices from $130 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Alise Boston

Boston Harbor View – contemporary luxury suites

With views out across the Seaport District, this self-catering accommodation offers comfort and style in the heart of this vibrant neighbourhood. All of the suites at Boston Harbor View Luxury Suites are clean and contemporary throughout and come equipped with all the major appliances and conveniences any visitor would need. The lounge areas are bright and spacious, whilst the bedrooms offer ensuite facilities and cool, calm decor. With a fitness centre onsite and a rooftop deck overlooking the harbour itself, these luxury suites make a great base from which to explore the city.

• Prices from $200 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Boston Harbor View Luxury Suites

Kimpton Marlowe – modern canalside boutique

Located in a great central position overlooking Charles River and Lechemere Canal, this is a fun and funky 4-star exceptionally rated Kimpton Marlowe Hotel that offers a relaxed vibe and interiors that are designed to celebrate a city that is synonymous with science and technology. From the giant steampunk-themed celestial sculpture in the courtyard outside the hotel to telescopes and globes in the rooms, there are references to the nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology at every turn. The polished rooms with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi and some have canal views, suites offer separate living rooms, telescopes and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Bambara Kitchen & Bar offers modern Mediterranean cuisine and if you are worried about missing your work out, there is a 24 fitness centre, yoga mats in every room and you can even hire bikes or kayaks to burn off those delightful dishes or a cocktail too many!

• Prices from $100 per night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Marlowe Boston

The article was originally published here.