Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Boston 2023

This formidable force of a city is actually one of America’s oldest having been founded in 1634. 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 mixed with forward-thinking ideals and barrier-breaking ideas.

A hip city that has way more to offer than just a place where Cheers was based, its streets are chock full of vibrant neighborhoods, grand boulevards, cool cafés, excellent museums, and beautifully 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. From gorgeous chic boutiques to grand, modern and opulent, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Boston (in no particular order, they’re all awesome)…

1. Liberty Hotel – a former jail turned into a unique, chic and Instagrammable themed 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 neighborhood, 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 hangs 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for Liberty Hotel Boston

2. Boston Yacht Haven – a gorgeous chic small boutique surrounded by water on three sides

Sometimes you need somewhere to moor the yacht and other times it’s more fun watching other people doing it – here you can do both.

The Inn at Boston Yacht Haven is a thoroughly delightful 10-room boat-ique hotel situated on Commercial Wharf, in the middle of an exclusive marina with award-winning architecture and unique nautical styling throughout.

Every room has a private balcony where you can take in the Boston skyline or watch ships float across the harbor. Delight in the peace and tranquillity of the harbor or take a short walk into the city to discover Boston’s restaurants, cafes, nightlife, and shopping.

There are very few hotels that can claim this genuine degree of unique, memorable, cool. It is an incredible place to stay – even if you didn’t bring your own yacht.

• To book, check prices or availability for Boston Yacht Haven

3. Moxy Boston Downtown – a hip, fun and unique Boston hotel perfect for fun-loving sociable Millennials and Gen Zs

There are trendy hotels, smart hotels, and cool hotels – and then there’s Moxy Boston Downtown. This place promotes itself as hip and party-loving because simply it is.

Set in a great location for the center of all the entertainment that Boston has to offer. It is near Fenway Park, Chinatown, Boston Common, the art galleries, theatres, restaurants of all shapes and sizes, and nightlife by the bucket full.

Before you hit the town, take a peek around the hotel and check out the night-club atmosphere of Bar Moxy in the lobby or head up to the Rooftop Bar for a slightly more sedate cocktail with stunning views of Boston.

Although the public spaces have been designed to feel clubby the rooms are more chilled, minimalistic, loft-inspired with ultra-modern furnishings and walk-in showers.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Boston Downtown

4. Yotel Boston – a futuristic, trendy and unique Japanese design-inspired hotel located in the heart of Boston’s emerging innovation district

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 traveler, and those looking for both form and function, the ultra-trendy Boston abode offers super-fast WiFi, SmartBeds, and enough power points to recharge 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 color 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 travelers everywhere!

• To book, check prices or availability for Yotel Boston

5. W Hotel Boston – a hip, sexy and very Instagrammable contemporary design hotel perfect for partying and a place to be seen

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 at this cool and sexy Boston hotel 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! 

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel Boston

6. The CitizenM Boston North Station – one of the coolest places to stay in Boston 

The CitizenM Boston North Station hotel may sound like a bit of a mouthful, but that’s where the trouble ends. This is a one-click cheeky, clever, funky-tech kind of place in the West End heart of Boston – perfectly located to walk to the landmarks and entertainments of this historic city, including the adjacent TD Gardens arena.

It has been cunningly designed to make the best use of the small spaces with clever views, colors, and angles that satisfy the eyes. Once you’re in your room you don’t get out of bed for anything; not even to turn on the lights.

There’s the citizenM app or the MoodPad to get the room ambiance just right, with only a swipe of your finger! 

• To book, check prices or availability for The citizenM Boston North Station

7. The Verb Hotel – a funky, colorful and fun place to stay in Boston perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

The very highly rated Verb Hotel is 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, colorful and hip Boston accommodation even houses an extensive vinyl library for their visitor’s 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 details, whilst still being stylish, sleek, and incredibly comfortable. Some have balconies or patios, views of the pool or the park, and/or colorful 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Verb Hotel

8. The Godfrey Hotel Boston – a beautiful modern boutique hotel designed by one of the area’s most celebrated architects in a great central location

The 1908 Gothic revival building in the Downtown Crossing district has an updated take on Boston patrician. From the marbled walls and ceiling medallions to the preppy checked headboards, you’ll recognize the trappings of quiet luxury across the ages.

The downtown location of The Godfrey Hotel Boston puts you close to all the fun and excitement, shopping, bars, theaters, the Boston Opera House and Boston Common.

In the rooms, fine Frette linens on the large beds, C.O. Bigelow bath & body products, plush bathrobe and slippers and a BOSE Bluetooth audio system set you up for a comfortable stay. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks the quiet inner courtyard or the bustle of Downtown Crossing.

Start your day with breakfast at George Howell Coffee and end it with the Peruvian-Japanese cuisine at the RUKA Restobar. The Lobby Bar will keep you fueled all day and you can get classic take-outs via RUKA ToGo.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Godfrey Hotel Boston

9. The Envoy Hotel – upbeat, trendy and stylish accommodation located in Boston’s most vibrant neighborhood

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Envoy Hotel

10. The Revolution Hotel Boston – a hip and modern industrial-chic style hotel located in the trendy South End neighborhood

When you’re sick of staying in identical-looking, minimalist, modern hotels, seek respite at The Revolution Hotel in Boston. Vibrant, retro-inspired art decorates the hotel, and every room comes with modern yet vintage touches.

The Revolution Hotel aims to make guests feel as if they are part of the community, not just visitors. The rooms are designed to mimic iconic local brownstones, and educators and artists get discounts to honor the professions that made Boston great.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Revolution Hotel Boston

12. Aloft Boston Seaport District – a funky, fun and reasonably priced hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs

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 color, 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 center, 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Boston Seaport District

15. The Inn At St Botolph – chic and stylish New England charm located in in Boston’s historic Back Bay

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Inn at St Botolph

16. Copley Square Hotel – a unique luxury boutique hotel nestled in Boston’s historical Back Bay neighborhood

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 neighborhood (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 flavor sensations from across the city, whilst the Mini Bar is a cool Boston lounge serving cocktails, craft beers, and snacks.

The hip hotel also has its very own fitness center for those looking to keep on track whilst on holiday – not a bad choice at all for a sleek Boston city break!

• To book, check prices or availability for Copley Square Hotel

17. The Boxer – a hip boutique with retro-chic decor housed in a historic landmark building dating from 1904

Nestled between the historic North End and storied cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, The Boxer Boston Hotel stands out for its distinct location in the unusual triangular Flatiron Building. Originally constructed in 1904 and now an industrial-chic aesthetic boutique hotel that oozes charm.

The Boxer reflects the story of Boston past and present through design, architecture, and comfort. Not fusty formal reproductions of early 20th-century hoteliana but warm, relaxing, modern evocations without a brass knob in sight.

The hotel’s central location in Bulfinch Triangle is perfect for exploring the city on foot, whether it’s a concert or game at TD Garden arena, a walking tour of the Freedom Trail, or a scenic run by Charles River. It’s also remarkably well located for the colleges and universities – should you get the sudden urge to learn something.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Boxer Boston

18. Kimpton Marlowe – a fun, funky and chic design boutique hotel which overlooks the Charles River and Lechemere Canal

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 workout, there is a 24 fitness center, yoga mats in every room and you can even hire bikes or kayaks to burn off those delightful dishes or a cocktail too many!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Marlowe Boston

19. The Alise Boston Staypineapple – a European-style boutique hotel with a quirky cool design hotel located in Boston’s historic South End

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Alise Boston

20. Sonder 907 Main – a trendy upscale aparthotel located in a historic building perfect for longer stays

This historic Boston Brownstone building is located right in the heart of Central Square at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue with Main Street.

At Sonder 907 Main you’ll be close to the cultural and educational center of the city, near Central Square Theatre, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Brattle Theatre, all the hip bars and restaurants, and the T stop.

The rooms have a restful decor, large windows, exposed brick walls, work desks, and wardrobes to hold your clothes and luggage. Some have large bay windows with comfortable seating.

The Blue Owl rooftop bar serves cocktails and street food, and the Dial restaurant has classic American fare and outdoor seating.

• To book, check prices or availability for Sonder 907 Main 

21. Kimpton Onyx Hotel – a hip and stylish eco-friendly boutique hotel located in the fashionable West End neighborhood

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 neighborhood close to TD Garden. The Ruby Lounge is the centerpiece 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 as 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Onyx Hotel 

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Becky Moore

My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.