Best Hotel in Boston for Families

A Great Staycation Location

After looking at the airline prices for a getaway during school vacation week, I went into major sticker shock. Realizing that a good vacation doesn’t require a flight or a train (and with less impact on the wallet) it was easy to realize that Boston itself is a great vacation spot, even for us locals. The next issue is ‘Where to Stay’, and I wanted to highly recommend The Bostonian Boston Hotel for your next Boston Staycation as one of the Best Hotel in Boston for Families.

While it would be easy enough to take the commuter rail or car into the city for daily trips during school vacation week, it is more fun to stay in the city itself – whether for one night (like we did that to a complimentary stay) or up to the whole vacation week.

The Bostonian Location

The location of The Bostonian can’t be beat for families staying in the city. It is right across the street from Quincy Market so there is lots of shopping for tweens and teens, easy access to family friendly restaurants (including quick bites from breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner), and is near the fun street performances on the steps of Fanueil Hall.

The Friday and Saturday Haymarket Farmers Market is right outside the door of the Bostonian hotel for access to fruit for snacks (and for some fresh veggies to take home).

The Bostonian is also across from the Greenway for swings, play spaces, people watching, splash zones and more.

If you have a stroller or the kids are old enough to walk, a few steps more (just across the Greenway) takes you to the North End for gelato and sweet treats or a great Italian Dinner. It took us about 7 minutes (or slow walking) to get to Mikes Pastries! Walk a bit east and you’ll get to The New England Aquarium, and Rose Wharf for boat watching.

The Bostonian Hotel is also right on the Freedom Trail. They have self-guided maps at the front desk so you can pick up the trail right from the hotel’s front door.

The Bostonian Transportation

Alternatively, The Bostonian Hotel is less than a five minute walk to the Orange Line, Green Line and Blue line making it a quick subway ride to the Aquarium, Boston Common, Museum of Science, Copley Square and more. Take the orange line a few stops and visit the new Somerville Square and the Lego Discovery Center Boston. A quick transfer from the Green line to the Red Line brings you to the Children’s Museum. The Bostonian’s location is really an ideal spot to reach all of the kid friendly places and spaces in Boston.

There is no onsite parking, which is expected for a hotel in the city. You can valet it for a cost, or take advantage of the garages in the city. But it does mean you probably will want all the things with you as it will be harder to access the items in your car (e.g. stroller).

The Bostonian Kids Amenities

There is a restaurant onsite at the Bostonian Hotel called North 26, which makes it convenient at times, rather than hunting for a restaurant in the city (and doesn’t require a lot of planning or packing up for a quick bite.) If you forget something, it is a quick elevator trip right up to the room.

While the restaurant mostly caters to business travelers and business people at lunch, they are family friendly with high chairs and coloring books for the kids, and a family friendly menu of kid staples like hot dogs and grilled cheese, with a side, beverage and ice cream for around $9.

There is a 24 hour fitness center on the property and 24 hour room service. There is no ice machines on property, but you can request a bucket of ice to be sent to your room. You can also rent mini-fridges and microwaves.

In the lobby, there is also a fireplace, that my kids loved sitting next to, and there was a kids corner with books, a few games and puzzles that you can play with sitting there by the fire, or take up to your room.

There is also a special feature for the kids called Ask Alfred Children’s Concierge, and part of the proceeds go to support the Dream Factory. For a small price (around $12 or so), kids get some activities and a handmade Teddy Bear made by Keel Toys.

There were even kids size robes in the room! Our kids thought that was a fun treat!

The Bostonian Rooms

The Bostonian rooms are pretty spacious from the rooms I got to see. There are one bedroom suites, rooms with balconies and rooms with a view. The only issue I had was with the double bed room I stayed in – it had two double beds and it was a tight squeeze on the mattress with the kids (who are only 3 and 6). There was plenty of room in the room, so it would be nice to see the hotel slowly upgrade to queen beds for more family-friendly elbow room. The bathrooms were good size with a tub and shower combination. The sink and bathroom were combined so families have to stagger getting ready, with only one sink (though plenty of counterspace.) We did wish there were more clothing hooks on the walls – there was only one so it was hard to hang up towels and clothing with the four of us.

All in all, we loved staying on site at the hotel and it was easy to navigate all of our family actives due to the great location of the hotel. The staff was very family friendly and helpful for answering any city related questions. It was a perfect base for us as we spent the night going to the Big Apple Circus, which was across the street from the hotel! (Another fun activity to do during your staycation.)

So if you are looking for a local family-friendly getaway in Boston, definitely put The Millennium’s The Bostonian Hotel on your list!

P.S. And if you are looking for local getaway with your partner, you can’t beat The Bostonian location for a romantic walk to the North End for a candlelight dinner, dessert, and a night without the kids!