Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the United States. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial monuments, and revolutionary history, it’s a destination that seamlessly blends the past and present. For travelers looking to experience the city’s charm firsthand, staying in one of Boston’s historic hotels is an unforgettable way to connect with its heritage. These hotels combine architectural grandeur with modern luxury, offering guests a stay steeped in history and comfort.
1. The Omni Parker House
Location: 60 School Street, Boston, MA
The Omni Parker House is Boston’s most iconic historic hotel, founded in 1855 by Harvey D. Parker. It is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States and has hosted illustrious figures such as Charles Dickens, John F. Kennedy, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The hotel’s Victorian decor, polished mahogany walls, and antique chandeliers evoke 19th-century elegance. Guests can dine at Parker’s Restaurant, where the Boston cream pie was invented. Its location near Boston Common and the Freedom Trail makes it the ideal spot for history buffs.
Historical Highlight: John F. Kennedy gave his first public speech here and announced his candidacy for Congress in 1946.
2. The Fairmont Copley Plaza
Location: 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA
Opened in 1912, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is a magnificent hotel that reflects the opulence of Boston’s Gilded Age. Located in the heart of Copley Square, it’s adjacent to historic sites like Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
The hotel’s magnificent lobby, with its gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and marble columns, creates the perfect ambiance for an elegant stay. Its rooftop gym offers panoramic views of the city, and OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is one of Boston’s best restaurants.
Historical Highlight: The hotel once hosted royalty and celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, and remains a favorite with visiting dignitaries.
3. The Liberty Hotel
Location: 215 Charles Street, Boston, MA
Few hotels can boast a history as unique as The Liberty Hotel, formerly the Charles Street Jail. Built in 1851, the granite structure has been transformed into a luxury property that retains its architectural integrity while offering modern sophistication.
Guests can admire the preserved 27-meter rotunda and prison bars, combined with a contemporary design. The hotel’s restaurant, CLINK, creatively evokes its past with dishes served in an elegant open-kitchen setting. Its location near Beacon Hill and the Charles River esplanade makes it perfect for both leisure and tourism.
Historical Highlight: The hotel retains much of the prison’s original design, including cell doors and stonework, creating a fascinating blend of history and hospitality.
4. The Lenox Hotel
Location: 61 Exeter Street, Boston, MA
Built in 1900, the Hotel Lenox in the Back Bay area offers timeless elegance and luxurious comfort. Known as “The Grande Dame of Boston,” the Lenox has hosted celebrities such as Judy Garland and Tony Bennett.
Its traditional architecture is highlighted by marble fireplaces, brass accents, and exquisite woodwork. Many rooms offer stunning views of the Boston skyline or the Charles River. The hotel’s City Table and Solás Irish Pub offer fine dining options in an intimate setting.
Historical Highlight: The Lenox was one of the first hotels in the U.S. to install telephones in every room, a luxury at the time.
5. The Hotel Eliot
Location: 370 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA
Opened in 1925, the Hotel Eliot is a landmark of Boston’s Back Bay. With its French Renaissance architecture, the hotel reflects the sophistication of early 20th-century Boston. This family-friendly hotel is known for its personalized service and luxurious amenities.
Each suite features elegant furnishings, high-quality fabrics, and views of the historic Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, UNI, offers award-winning Japanese cuisine that blends old-world charm with contemporary culinary flair.
Historic Highlight: The Eliot’s imposing facade and vintage interiors make it a living homage to Boston’s Roaring Twenties.
6. Boston Harbor Hotel
Location: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA
Although newer than others on this list, the Boston Harbor Hotel captures the spirit of the city’s maritime history. Opened in 1987 on Rowes Wharf, it draws inspiration from Boston’s 18th-century harbor heritage.
The hotel’s distinctive archway frames spectacular views of Boston Harbor, while the rooms reflect classic New England elegance. Guests can enjoy the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille or take a harbor cruise directly from the hotel’s marina.
Historic Highlight: The site was a major shipping hub during Boston’s colonial era, and the hotel pays homage to that legacy with nautical design and waterfront events.
7. The Hotel Kendall
Location: 350 Main Street, Cambridge, MA (just across the river from Boston)
Housed in a restored 1890s firehouse, the Hotel Kendall offers a charming and history-filled stay in the Cambridge area near MIT. This boutique hotel retains its original red brick exterior and features vintage firehouse memorabilia.
Its warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with period furnishings, makes it a favorite with travelers seeking authenticity. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Black Sheep Restaurant, located in the former firehouse stables.
Historic Highlight: The building served as the Unit 7 Firehouse for over 100 years before being transformed into a hotel.
Conclusion
Staying in one of Boston’s historic hotels is much more than booking a room: it’s immersing yourself in the city’s living history. Each property tells a story, from the revolutionary spirit of the Omni Parker House to the renovated charm of The Liberty Hotel. Whether you’re drawn to colonial architecture, Gilded Age glamour, or the repurposing of historic landmarks, Boston’s hotels offer a stay as memorable as the city itself.
