Boutique Hotels in Boston

Commonly characterized by their small number of rooms, boutique hotels offer travelers a wide variety of amenities and features from upscale or trendy atmosphere and décor, to a high-degree of personalized service, to simple peace and quiet. This, however, is only a short list of the things to love about the boutique hotel experience, and really that may be the best reason to give them a try: uniqueness. Every boutique hotel is an individual experience, and one that can be as memorable a part of your next trip as any of the sights, sounds and smells you might experience along the way.

Luckily, since the mid-1980’s the prevalence of these private or small-chain owned hotels has exploded in major cities across the U.S. and the world, and Boston is no exception. In this city of history, class and culture boutique hotels abound, many right in the heart of some of Boston’s most popular districts and attractions, from Faneuil Hall to Beacon Hill. Hotel accommodations in these parts of Bean Town can be notoriously pricey, but not to worry, you can sometimes have the comfort of the boutique hotel experience for only a little more, if not the same price as many major hotel chains.

Amongst boutique hotels, the Kimpton Hotel chain, sometimes credited for beginning the boutique hotel trend, is popular and has locations in many major cities, including two fine locations in Boston—Nine Zero and the Onyx Hotel—featuring contemporary décor and a soothing atmosphere. Even better, both have ideal locations for tourists and business travelers alike, with Nine Zero located on Tremont St., a mere block off the East end of Boston Common, and the Onyx Hotel on Portland St. only a few minutes walk from Faneuil Hall. I stayed at the Onyx Hotel a year ago during my vacation in Boston, and was delighted by how centrally located it was, with the North End and Boston Common also within short walking distance.

For accommodations with a more classic setting, check out The Lenox, located on Boylston St., just a few blocks south of the beautiful Commonwealth Avenue Mall, as well as the famous shopping of Newbury St. If you love high fashion, this may just be the perfect hotel for you, and if you have an equal appreciation for the high class this is one hotel not to be missed. Decorated in the style of many small European hotels, and with such classy amenities as marble bathrooms and fireplaces in corner rooms, the Lenox will definitely not leave you wanting for luxury as part of your boutique hotel experience.

Of course, sometimes location is everything, and if you’re a Red Sox fan, the Hotel Commonwealth is ideal. Not only does this hotel’s old-fashioned feeling décor, two fine restaurants, retail shops and stylish lounge make for a comfortable stay, it overlooks Fenway Park! Go Sox!

These are just a small handful of the boutique hotels available in Boston, and with others located all around the city’s many colorful neighborhoods and attractions, you’ll be sure to find the right one for you, no matter what your wants and needs. So when making plans for your next trip, do a little research into your hotel options beyond the large chains. You may just be glad you did.

Useful Resources
Boston Travel Guide
Boston Hotels
Boston Attractions
Boston Travel Blogs

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