Where Stay
Back Bay

Where to Stay in Back Bay, Boston

Back Bay captivates with its Victorian elegance and brownstones lining perfectly ordered avenues.

Safety score: 9/10luxurycouplesshoppingculturefamilies

Pros

  • Magnificent Victorian architecture
  • Newbury Street shopping
  • Safe and elegant neighbourhood

Cons

  • Very high prices
  • Less nightlife
  • Few budget options

The 5 best hotels in Back Bay

Inn at St. Botolph - Vue d'ensemble
1

Inn at St. Botolph

3-star hotel
8.8235 reviews
Top pick

This discreet Back Bay address occupies an elegant Victorian building on a peaceful residential street. The establishment cultivates an intimate atmosphere with personalised rooms and attentive service. Its privileged location allows walking to Newbury Street and its refined boutiques. A charming refuge for discovering Boston differently.

Centre de remise en formeWi-Fi disponible partoutConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~220EUR / night
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Charlesmark Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
2

Charlesmark Hotel

3-star hotel
8.21 049 reviews
Excellent

At the heart of Back Bay, this boutique hotel relies on sleek contemporary design in a preserved historic setting. Compact but ingeniously arranged rooms reflect the practical Bostonian spirit. The strategic location opposite Boston Common facilitates city exploration. An urban address prioritising essentials with elegance.

RestaurantParkingWi-Fi disponible partoutConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~323EUR / night
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Hotel AKA Back Bay - Vue d'ensemble
3

Hotel AKA Back Bay

4-star hotel
8.8762 reviews
Recommended

This modern hotel residence in Back Bay offers spacious suites ideal for extended stays. Contemporary architecture blends harmoniously into this iconic Boston neighbourhood. Comprehensive amenities include kitchenettes and dedicated workspaces. A flexible option appealing to discerning business travellers.

Centre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageRestaurantAnimaux domestiques admisConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~363EUR / night
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Boston Marriott Copley Place - Vue d'ensemble
4

Boston Marriott Copley Place

4-star hotel
8.81 195 reviews

Located in the Copley Place complex, this four-star establishment benefits from direct access to the shopping galleries and convention centre. Spacious rooms offer the comfort expected from a leading international chain. The indoor pool is a welcome asset in any season. A reliable choice in the heart of Back Bay.

1 piscineCentre de remise en formeÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesRestaurantParking sur placeWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~304EUR / night
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The Eliot Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
5

The Eliot Hotel

5-star hotel
9.11 504 reviews

An institution in Back Bay since 1925, this five-star hotel cultivates the art of Bostonian hospitality. Elegantly decorated suites blend tradition and modernity with discreet refinement. The renowned Uni restaurant attracts discerning city gourmets. A characterful address embodying New England hotel excellence.

Équipements pour les personnes handicapéesService d'étageRestaurantParkingWi-Fi disponible partoutAnimaux domestiques admis
From ~423EUR / night
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Complete guide

Atmosphere and Character

Back Bay epitomises Bostonian elegance at its peak, with magnificent Victorian brownstones aligned along geometrically perfect avenues. This upscale residential neighbourhood, built on former marshland in the 19th century, exudes aristocratic serenity contrasting Downtown's buzz. The uniform architecture creates striking visual harmony, especially photogenic at dawn.

Wide tree-lined pavements invite strolling, while pocket parks offer resident-favoured respite. The refined, understated atmosphere draws affluent crowds, fostering a sophisticated and serene vibe. The emblematic brownstone facades recount the tales of last century's Bostonian elite.

Where to Eat and Go Out

Back Bay's gastronomy matches the area's prestige, boasting exceptional starred restaurants and refined bistros. Newbury Street teems with European cafés and creative fusion spots, perfect for shopping breaks or business lunches. Venues often feature terraces overlooking lively shopping streets.

Nightlife centres on sophisticated lounges and intimate wine bars, patronised by wealthy locals. Hotel rooftops deliver spectacular views over the Charles River and Cambridge, especially coveted at sunset. The ambience stays generally hushed, far from student quarter energy.

Getting Around

The neighbourhood boasts excellent transport links via Copley and Back Bay stations on Orange and Green metro lines. These major hubs reach Downtown, Cambridge or Logan Airport swiftly. Back Bay station also serves Amtrak trains for regional trips.

The grid layout aids navigation, with numbered streets perpendicular to main avenues. Distances to Boston Common or Public Garden are short on foot. Bluebikes shared services are plentiful, perfect for Charles River bank explorations.

Who It's For

Back Bay appeals to travellers seeking elegant, refined surroundings, especially couples marking special occasions. High-end shoppers love immediate Newbury Street and luxury boutique access. Affluent families find secure settings and spacious lodgings.

Business travellers choose it for prestige and calm, ideal for unwinding post-meetings. However, tight budgets must look elsewhere, with rates among Boston's priciest. The subdued vibe may disappoint nightlife seekers.

Shopping and Markets

Newbury Street is Boston's most prestigious shopping artery, rivaling New York's Fifth Avenue. This eight-block avenue packs international designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries and avant-garde concept stores. The Victorian brownstones housing these shops add unique charm to the experience.

Art galleries abound, showcasing local and international artists. Copley Place and Prudential Center supplement with covered malls, welcome in harsh winters. Antique shops and independent bookshops dot adjacent streets, offering remarkable variety for browsers and bibliophiles.