5 Good Neighborhoods and Well-Located Hotels

The task of choosing where to stay in Boston is not very difficult. With well-organized public transport and attractions concentrated in the central region, there is not much mystery.

In this post, I put together a small guide to the best areas of Boston to stay in and some hotel tips that suit all budgets and travel styles.

Traveling to the Boston area? Then read also:
What to do in Boston: 1 to 3 day itinerary
Day trip to Salem, the city of witches

Old State House. Foto: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

It is not a good idea to travel to the United States without international health insurance, as hospital costs there are very high. Read here how to find cost-effective insurance (and with a discount!)

What is the average daily price in Boston?

Keep in mind that the prices indicated above are an average. You can find cheaper or more expensive accommodation depending on the time of your trip or the location of your hotel.

Where to stay in Boston: which neighborhood to stay in?

• Back Bay
• Financial District e Downtown Crossing
• Chinatown e Theater District
• Beacon Hill e West End
• Fenway Kenmore

The neighborhoods listed above are the best accommodation options in Boston, but if you want to save money, you can also look for other neighborhoods outside the center, which we indicate below in the text.

Back Bay: Boston’s most classic area

Back Bay is the best area to stay in Boston. South of Boston Common, the city park, are the best-preserved examples of 19th-century Victorian buildings in the United States. Newbury and Boylston streets are famous for luxury brands and interesting storefronts.

Photo: Jorge Salcedo / Shutterstock.com

The tallest building in the city, as well as the Public Library, are also located there. Although the description seems a bit snobbish, this is an area that has options for both budget and economical travelers – the ideal is to avoid large events and commemorative dates.

Back Bay hotel tips

See all hotel options in Back Bay on a map

Financial District and Downtown Crossing: for those looking for luxury hotels in Boston

This region is very close to the Waterfront, you can walk there. The Freedom Trail begins there, the trail through Boston’s historic landmarks. The region has some closed streets full of stores to get lost in shopping. Next door is the municipal park, Boston Common.

And the red line of the Metro, which goes to Cambridge (where the universities are located), passes through there too. During the weekend you can get better accommodation prices. But take into account that it is not a very friendly region for budget travelers: most hotels are 4 or 5 stars.

Hotel tips in Financial District and Downtown Crossing

Options with good cost/benefit are:

See all hotel options in this region on the map

Photo: Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock.com

Chinatown and Theater District: for those who want to enjoy the night

This was the region where I stayed in Boston, at the HI Boston Hostel (3 stars, rating 8.3, $). This is one of the few hostels available in the city. From there, you can walk to both Downtown and Back Bay. The area is full of young people, lively nightlife and excellent access to public transportation.

The best thing is that it is one of the cheapest areas in the city, probably because it is not as beautiful and charming as the neighboring neighborhoods. Still, it’s very safe.

Tip on hotels in Chinatown and Theater District

Good hotel options in the region – which also have good prices – are:

See all hotel options in the area on the map

Beacon Hill and West End: for those looking to save money

This area is more residential, with small red brick buildings and narrow streets. It is known as the most expensive area to live in Boston, but, on the contrary, the accommodation options are more cost-effective.

Access to public transport there is great, especially for those who want to go to or get to other cities, as North Station is there. On Charles Street there are several antique stores. Some museums are in the region, the main one being the Science Museum.

Tip on hotels in Beacon Hill and West End

See all hotel options in the region on the map

Fenway Kenmore: for those who like sports

This area, outside the center and further south of the city, is full of great restaurants and has an interesting nightlife. There is Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox baseball team’s stadium is located, as well as some museums.

Despite not being so close to other tourist attractions, this region is well served by subway and buses. This can be a good option for those who need to save money.

Fenway Kenmore hotel tips

Some of the excellent hotel options there, with lower prices than in the rest of the city, are The Verb Hotel (3 stars, rating 9.1 – $$$) and the Residence Inn by Marriott (3 stars, rating 8.8 – $ $$) considered “fabulous” by former guests.

See all hotel options in the region on the map

Other options for where to stay in Boston, Massachusetts

Cambridge is not a neighborhood in Boston, it is a city in the metropolitan region. But it’s so close, on the other side of the Charles River, that staying there might be a good idea. Access to the region is via the red metro line.

This is where Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are located. It’s a very beautiful area, full of students and teachers, but it has few cheap options. It’s a good idea to avoid graduation season (May to June). See accommodation options there

Didn’t like any of the regions? Search Boston hotels and accommodations by price, guest rating, or number of stars.

Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock.com

If you are a budget traveler and found the options listed outside your budget, also check out all the options and cheap hostels and accommodations in Boston.

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