Credited with being one of the most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking cities in the United States, Boston is a popular destination. Besides its friendly vibe, the city also has some of the most historic sites in the country. From cobblestone streets to The Freedom Trail and the country’s oldest public park, plenty draws families to the city. As such, you won’t have to worry too much about finding a family-friendly hotel in Boston. You’ll find one in almost every district with the best family hotel in Boston offering amazing service and amenities.
While you’ll find plenty of things to do in Boston for families, many come here specifically for a ball game or the world-famous Boston Marathon. Home to the Red Sox and the Celtics, you’ll find some die-hard sports fans in the city. If you’re in town for a baseball game, you may want to check out the closest hotels to Fenway Park where the action happens. Not surprisingly, many family-friendly hotels in Boston are in the area.
Table of contents
- Hotel Commonwealth Kenmore Square
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf
- The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- Sheraton Boston
- The Westin Copley Place
- Fours Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
- The Colonnade Hotel
- Loews Boston
- The Godfrey Hotel Boston
- The Ritz Carlton
- Fairmont Copley Plaza
- Where to Stay in Boston
- Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Boston
- Recommended Family Activities in Boston
Hotel Commonwealth Kenmore Square
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Families visiting Boston for a ball game will love the Hotel Commonwealth at Kenmore Square. Just a few steps away from the home of the Red Sox, the hotel has long been a favored destination for fans and a favorite family hotel in Boston too. In fact, it’s proud to be the only official hotel of the Boston Red Sox. Apart from being close to Fenway Park, the hotel also gives you easy access to many of the city’s attractions. A 15-minute walk will also take you to the iconic Back Bay area.
While you won’t find a dedicated kids program at the hotel, kids will love everything about the hotel with its baseball memorabilia. You could book a signature suite for your young fan that features heaps of memorabilia. The standout suite is the Fenway Park Suite with its priceless collection. Families also love the generously sized rooms that come with a host of amenities such as luxury bathrobes, plush down-comforters, Malin+Goetz bath products, smart TVs, and in-room refrigerators. Ensuite bathrooms are modern and clean with spacious glass-enclosed showers or stark white tubs.
Authentic Japanese cuisine is served in artisanal, hand-crafted bowls at the TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie. The restaurant located just off the lobby is open from 12 p.m. till 10 p.m. Guests can choose to dine in-room for breakfast. To up the experience of staying here, check out the signature offers curated, especially for families, college parents, and couples. There are also special baseball packages available.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
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If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Boston that has a waterfront location, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf is ideal. The harbor-facing hotel is surrounded by three parks and the New England Aquarium. It also provides easy access to Long Wharf as well as the historic North End and Faneuil Hall. Besides families, the hotel also attracts business travelers, given its proximity to the airport.
The brick exterior of the hotel resembles a cruise ship with a magnolia-painted interior and arched portholes. In keeping with the maritime theme, guest rooms also feature a navy blue accent wall blending in with soft white walls. The spacious guest rooms, most with water views, are a big draw for families. If required, families can also request interconnecting rooms or a free rollaway bed.
Another plus for families is the small indoor pool and hot tub. Outside the pool, you’ll find a welcoming outdoor patio with lounge chairs. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center. For a healthy bite, head to the hotel’s on-site restaurant Waterline or grab a quick breakfast from Starbucks. You’ll also find a good range of restaurants in the vicinity.
The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel
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Imagine spending a few days in a former jail! Well, that is exactly what you will be doing if you book a room at The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel. The reason why this hotel makes an excellent family hotel in Boston is due to the novelty of staying in Boston’s former Charles Street Jail that dates back to 1851. While the hotel exudes luxury, remnants of its past are still clearly visible in some areas.
The hotel’s location in the heart of Beacon Hill also pushes it up as the best family hotel in Boston. Many of Boston’s famous attractions are close by. Additionally, the T line right across the street makes getting around easy. The interior of the hotel shines with its ornate architecture. Guest rooms are spacious with plenty of natural light and amenities for your comfort. Larger families may prefer a spacious suite, although complimentary cots are available. You can request a Jail Room if you want a small step back in time, but the City View rooms are quieter.
The Liberty is quite renowned for its food and drinks, with quite a few bars and restaurants on-site. If you crave Italian cuisine, you can satiate those cravings at Scampo that has a grand central bar. Clink, the lobby’s restaurant, maintains the original ‘jail’ look but serves up quite a feast. You definitely won’t be served prison food in here! Besides the numerous dining options, the hotel also has a number of events plus complimentary yoga classes. Did we mention your four-legged family member is also allowed? Dogs only though.
Sheraton Boston
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The Sheraton Boston stands out as the best family hotel in Boston in the historic Back Bay neighborhood. There is plenty for families to do in the area with shops, restaurants, and attractions all within easy walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is directly connected to the Prudential Center where you can go grab a bite or do some shopping. Fenway Park is also easily accessible from the hotel.
The hotel’s large year-round indoor/outdoor pool is a big hit with families too. The pool is heated in winter and has a retractable roof, that is perfect for enjoying the summer sunshine. When the hunger pangs start to kick in, the SideBar & Grille is a great place to enjoy fresh New American classics. Alternatively, you could pick up a selection of fresh grab-and-go items from the MARKET cafe.
Spacious guest rooms offer picturesque views of Back Bay or the Charles River through large windows. The rooms feel bright and airy although the decor isn’t much to write home about. When it comes to comfort, the Sheraton Sleep Experience Beds will lull you into a comfortable sleep. Reserving a club-level room gives guests access to the Club Lounge plus a host of extras.
The Westin Copley Place
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There’s plenty to do at The Westin Copley Place that may entice the family to stay in. However, given the hotel’s fantastic location in the Back Bay area, keeping you indoors will be near impossible. If you love shopping, the hotel’s location is an even bigger bonus with a sky bridge connecting the hotel to the Copley Place Mall.
The reason why the Westin is a big hit with families is the location and the family-friendly vibe. On arrival at the hotel, kids receive a Westin Kids Backpack that comes with activity books and other things to keep the kids busy. You can also rent a Nintendo by the hour. Children’s menus are also available. Families can choose interconnecting rooms or request a cot for no extra charge. Booking a spacious suite is also another good option for larger families. The newly remodeled suites are among the largest in the Back Bay area. An upgrade to the Westin Club Level rooms will bring more perks such as complimentary breakfast, snacks, drinks, and lounge access.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at the Westin, with multiple venues to choose from. Ranging from a Brazilian Steakhouse to an Asian hot pot and a grab-and-go cafe plus a bar, there’s something to cater to all tastebuds. Other amenities at the hotel include a full-service spa and fitness center.
Fours Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
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Boston’s newest skyscraper stands tall with 61 stories to boast of providing sweeping views of the area. The modern, stylish building that houses the Four Seasons Hotel may not look like a family-friendly hotel in Boston, but looks can be quite deceptive. As with most Four Seasons, this one too has a wide range of family specials. For one, there’s a Kids Concierge who can arrange excursions for the kids based on their interests and ages. Kids also get VIP treatment with in-room amenities such as child-sized bathrobes, slippers, and more.
On arrival, kids receive special treats that include a soft toy, goodies, and activities. There are board games, video games, and other fun activities for kids to look forward to. Kids can also glamp in style in stylish tents set up in the rooms. Guest rooms are sleek and modern with plenty of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer excellent views of the Back Bay area. Predictably, all rooms come with a wide range of amenities to suit the entire family.
The hotel has plenty to offer outside the rooms, beginning with its curved swimming pool bathed in natural light from a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll also find a sophisticated Wellness Floor with five treatment rooms and an energizing fitness center. Experience a new kind of urban chic when you stay at the Four Seasons with its Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant Zuma. The stunning cocktail lounge, Trifecta is another place where you can grab a quick bite.
The Colonnade Hotel
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The Colonnade Hotel is another hotel in the iconic Back Bay neighborhood that ticks all the right boxes for families. The hotel’s proximity to Fenway Park (a five-minute drive), Prudential Center Mall, and Hynes sit well with families. Copley Plaza and Newbury Street are also a stone’s throw from here.
The cold, concrete façade may seem a bit unwelcoming, but step inside, and you’ll understand why this stands out as the best family hotel in Boston near Fenway Park. Warm, inviting interiors with comfortable couches and armchairs adorn the tasteful lobby space. Another drawcard for families is the spacious rooms comparatively bigger than most hotel rooms in the area. Sleek furniture, bathtubs, and comfortable Sealy pillow-top mattresses can be found in all rooms. There are also plenty of amenities in the rooms for your comfort.
Families also love the rooftop pool, which stands out as one of the best hotel pools in Boston. In fact, this hotel boasts of the only rooftop pool in the city! Poolside dining and drinks are open from eight in the morning to eight at night. The private cabanas provide a good space to unwind poolside. Adjacent to the hotel, you’ll find LUCIE Drink & Dine where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal from an extensive menu. Service at this family-friendly hotel in Boston is top-notch.
Loews Boston
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From a former jail to reimagined police headquarters, the best family hotel in Boston does promise a novel stay. It’s hard to imagine the sleek Loews Boston Hotel, as police headquarters, but that’s what it once was. The historic hotel located in Back Bay, bordering the South End is anything but a drab hotel but one that shouts out luxury. The location, too, is good for families wanting a bit of peace. At this location, you’re well placed to explore two interesting neighborhoods. While Back Bay is pulsating with plenty of attractions and shopping, South End is quieter with a great dining scene.
As with most Loews hotels, Loews Boston Hotel ‘loves families’ too. From kids’ menus to family-friendly favorites, books, board games, and toys, you’ll find all this and more if you do decide to stay at this family-friendly hotel in Boston. And yes, your four-legged family member will be pampered too.
Families can also look forward to modern, spacious rooms that are tastefully decorated. However, a few rooms do border on the smaller side, given that this is a historic building, so families may prefer to book a suite. All rooms come equipped with a host of amenities such as mini-fridges, iPhone docking stations, and LED Smart TVs, to name a few.
Dining at Loews Boston is a delightful experience, especially at Precinct Kitchen + Bar. Here you can treat yourself to a modern take on classic American dishes in a modern setting with an open kitchen. Alternatively, you can grab a quick snack at the Sundry Shop or an ice cream pint from Little G’s Ice Cream. The Apothecary is a good place to relax with a cup of coffee. Complimentary coffee is served between 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. daily.
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
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From the moment you step into this family-friendly hotel in Boston, you’ll understand why The Godfrey Hotel Boston is one of the best hotels in Boston. This four-star hotel in the heart of Boston, Downtown Crossing, puts you in proximity to shopping, dining, and other attractions. Created from two derelict buildings, this family hotel in Boston exudes elegance and charm.
Families can expect a memorable stay at The Godfrey Hotel, especially with the family package. On arrival, kids are treated to milk and cookies while adults enjoy a bottle of wine. There are also connecting rooms and cots available to families and provisions for your four-legged family member too. The guest rooms are comfortable and inviting with a tranquil decor.
On the ground floor of the hotel, you’ll find Ruka, a locally owned Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. With its open kitchen plan and interesting decor, it’s an excellent place to tuck into delicious food. However, if it’s only coffee and sandwiches you prefer, George Howell Coffee brews some of the best coffee in town.
The Ritz Carlton
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Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the reimagined Ritz Carlton downtown impresses with its amenities and luxuries. For families looking for the best family hotel in Boston, Downtown Crossing is as good as it gets. As with most hotels of this brand, kids get special treatment here. Starting with an activity bag on check-in, soft toys, books, a scavenger hunt, and kids’ menus, families familiar with the brand know that they won’t find a more family-friendly hotel in Boston. If you’re traveling with older kids, they’ll have something to do too. Hotel guests have access to the facilities of the adjoining Equinox Sports Club for an additional fee.
Guest rooms offer stunning views of Boston’s skyline. The stylishly updated rooms and suites are quite impressive with cutting-edge technology. Ensuite bathrooms come with soaking tubs and walk-in showers, while large windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms. Rooms are designed with a motif that draws inspiration from the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and Ralph Waldo Emerson to create a unique story. In-room amenities are quite outstanding too.
When it comes to dining, the sophisticated Artisan Bistro and Avery Bar are both excellent. The bistro serves classic American cuisine with a bistro-inspired twist that ups the flavors. You’ll find the Avery Bar, a popular haunt for locals and guests, directly off the lobby.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
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Fairmont Copley Plaza is an unmistakable landmark in downtown Boston. Ever since it opened its doors in 1912, the luxurious hotel that is sister to Plaza Hotel, one of the best family hotels in NYC, the hotel has been a symbol of the city’s rich history. While the grand dame may appear a bit foreboding from the outside, its interiors are quite spectacular. It’s no wonder that it remains one of the favorite haunts of Boston’s elite.
That aside, the hotel is another outstanding family-friendly hotel in Boston with a number of perks for families. If you book the ‘Cori on the Shelf Family Package,’ that’s slated for the holidays, the kids will receive a special stuffed animal, a festive poem, and milk & cookies. They also get to take part in the hotel’s special version of the Christmas tradition, with everything they do being reported to Santa Paws. The package takes its name from the hotel’s beloved canine ambassador, Cori, the four-year-old labrador. It, therefore, goes without saying that your pooch will also get special treatment at the hotel.
Another offer targeted at families is the Boston Live Classroom Package that allows families to involve their kids in an experiential learning program. Modern-classic rooms offer the ultimate in luxurious comfort with a good range of in-room amenities. You can choose interconnecting rooms and also request a cot or a rollaway bed. Children’s menus are available for in-room dining. For more delicacies, you can try out the hotel’s OAK Long Bar + Kitchen.
Where to Stay in Boston
Stretching along the south bank of River Charles and overlooking the Boston Harbor, the city is made up of commercial and residential districts that have their own unique character.
One of the best places in Boston for families is the centrally located Back Bay neighborhood. The area is renowned for its historic brownstone buildings and provides easy access to the city’s attractions. You’ll find some of the best family-friendly hotels in Boston in the area.
Being the financial and commercial center of the city, Downtown is usually pulsating with life. It’s a good place to be if you don’t mind the crowds. There’s plenty to see and do in this area. One of the most popular sites is the Freedom Trail, one of the top 10 patriotic places in the United States.
If you love history, Beacon Hill is where you’ll be able to experience some of it. The historic neighborhoods feature brick row homes, gas lamps, and cobblestone streets. Apart from these areas, you’ll also find a good family hotel in Boston Harbor. This historic area has plenty for families with the New England Aquarium, the Tea Party Museum, and the famous North End all nearby.
Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Boston
- American Flatbread – Families visiting the Somerville can enjoy a few hours at Sacco’s Bowl Haven where the Flatbread Company has an outlet. It’s not just lip-smacking wood-fired pizzas that you’ll get to enjoy but desserts and a round of candlepin bowling.
- The Paramount – If you’re staying in one of the family friendly hotels in Beacon Hill or South Boston, you must head to this neighborhood favorite. The cafeteria style breakfast and the special kids dinner menu makes this a popular family destination.
- Legal Sea Food’s Harborside – With three floors of different dining experiences, this harborside restaurant pulls in quite a crowd. Families will enjoy dining on the first floor as there’s plenty of space for the kids to wander around. The restaurant also features a kids’ menu that also includes interesting sea food options.
Recommended Family Activities in Boston
- Boston Children’s Museum – Kids will have an excellent time at this museum in Fort Point Channel with enough to see and do here. The 3-story New Balance climbing sculpture is a big favorite with kids. Young toddlers will also enjoy the new Playspace at the museum.
- New England Aquarium – The marine world never fails to impress adults and children alike, so a visit to this aquarium will certainly score big with the whole family. Make sure to check out the daily activity schedule so you don’t miss out on any specials like the seal training session or live animal interactions.
- Boston Duck Tour – Enjoy Boston’s attractions on this 80 minute tour through land and water. Splash into Charles River aboard this WWII amphibious vehicle and later drive past Boston Common and other attractions.
