Family-Friendly Boston Hotels that Make Stays Special for Kids

Whether you're planning a Boston staycation or are visiting Beantown on a trip, family-friendly hotels can make a getaway feel all the more special. There are plenty of places to stay in Boston, but some hotels are better than others at making families feel comfortable and catered to. From spectacular pools to scavenger hunts, check-in goodies to cooking classes, these hotels pull out all the stops to make sure tiny travelers have an unforgettable stay. 

While you may be tempted to hang out in your room all day, there are so many family-friendly Things To Do in Boston, so get out and explore! Hit some museums, walk the Freedom Trail, or head to one of the city's awesome parks. You'll take heart knowing that a comfy bed awaits you at the end of a fun-packed day.

 
Find family-friendly hotels near Boston's top attractions, like the aquarium and Faneuil Hall. Photo courtesy of Marriott

Family-Friendly Boston Hotels

1. Boston Marriott Long Wharf — Waterfront

If you're planning a trip to the New England Aquarium, this hotel couldn't get you any closer. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf is right on the harbor, so your little captains can watch the boats come and go right from your hotel room window. The hotel has an indoor pool for some water fun and an awesome breakfast buffet for your hungry travelers. For larger families, adjoining rooms can be requested, giving you a great-sized space.

2. Westin — Copley Place

While this hotel has a major focus on business travelers, they do not slouch on the kid amenities​ either. Your little travelers will get a Westin Kids Club backpack at check-in filled with crayons and an activity book, perfect busy work for a hotel stay. Cribs, bed rails, bottle warmers, strollers—even diapers and wipes—are all free! For kiddos looking for an additional activity, you can rent a Nintendo by the hour or go for a swim in their heated indoor pool. There's even a number you can dial for your little ones to listen to a pre-recorded bedtime story. The hotel offers suite options for larger families, and is in walking distance to the Public Garden, Boston Common, and Freedom Trail.

3. The Ritz Carlton — Boston Common

While this hotel is a definitely a splurge, they will make it worth your while! The Ritz is located across from the Boston Common and offers both rooms and suites. Your kids will feel like VIP the minute they arrive and get the "Red Wagon Welcome"—literally a red wagon filled with toys to pick from.  Along with cookies and a scavenger hunt through the hotel, your little ones will think this hotel was made for them. Other amenities​ include child-proofing kits, baby toiletries, strollers, high chairs, and cribs—all free of charge. The hotel can also arrange for babysitting if you're looking for a night out on the town.

4 The Colonnade Hotel — Back Bay

While this modern hotel attracts a hip crowd, it's also a big hit with families as it boasts the only rooftop pool in Boston. The rooftop and room service both offer a great kids menu, featuring favorites like PB&J's, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Rooms are on the smaller side but will accommodate a crib, which the hotel will provide. Steps from the hotel will take you to the Prudential Center and Fenway Park. 

5. Four Seasons — Back Bay

6. Omni Parker House — Theater District 

This historic hotel is directly on the Freedom Trail, making it a super choice if learning more about Boston's revolutionary history is on your family's agenda. The Omni Kids Crew gives their youngest guests a backpack filled with stickers, an activity book, crayons, binoculars, and a small tabletop game at check-in. But you're kids will really feel like V.I.P. when milk and cookies are delivered to your room the first night of your stay. If you want to up the fun factor, book the Freedom Trail Family Suite, complete with a children's sleeping nook that has bunk beds, an activity table, colonial style costumes to play dress up, and even an entire chalkboard wall.  The hotel will also give you a complimentary Nintendo Wii for the length of your stay if you request it. 

7. Fairmont Copley Plaza — Copley Place 

Located across from the Boston Public Library, this historical hotel may not seem like a family-friendly destination at first glance, but they definitely take special care of their younger guests. Start your trip by saying hello and giving a pet to the hotel's Canine Ambassador, Carly Copley, an adorable black lab that hangs out in the lobby. You can even take Carly for a walk around the city! Your kids can then embark on a scavenger hunt in the hotel and take a pizza making class at the iconic on-site restaurant, The Oak Room. And speaking of the Oak Room, kiddos under 5 eat for free at the restaurant if they order off the kids menu, and kids ages 6 to 12 get a 50% discount off of the adult menu.

8. Marriott Vacation Club at Custom House, Boston — Waterfront

The property is set in a historic 1847 building, but like most Marriott Vacation Club locations, all guest rooms are spacious one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes and pullout couches. The location is another highlight: The New England Aquarium, whale-watching boats, an IMAX theater, and over a hundred shops at Faneuil Hall are just across the street. In-house amenities include an arcade, staff-led historic walking tours or T-shirt-making workshops, complimentary access to the pool at Marriott Long Wharf across the street, free laundry machines (and detergent!), and freshly baked cookies in the lobby. Cribs and rollaway beds are also available at no extra charge.

 
Find family-friendly Boston and Cambridge hotels that cater to families. Sensory room package photo by Leonardo for the Marriott Residence Inn in Cambridge 

Family-Friendly Hotels in Cambridge, MA

9. Residence Inn by Marriott 

If you're all about having enough space, look no further than the the Residence Inn, where you can book a family-friendly apartment-style studio or one-bedroom suite. This means you can feel like you're living like a local with a full kitchen (dishwasher, stove, fridge, etc) and have all the great conveniences of a hotel (hello, housekeeping!). This hotel even offers same-day grocery delivery free of charge and a free nightly happy hour with kid-friendly snacks like chicken fingers and goldfish. Make sure to pack your swimsuits to take a dip in the indoor pool. 

10. Hotel Marlowe 

Located in historic Cambridge on the Charles River, this hotel is part of the Kimpton brand, meaning it's super pet-friendly, a big win if your kiddies love dogs and cats. Kids' menus, spacious guest rooms, and numerous freebies—such as welcome treats for kids, complimentary use of bikes and kayaks, a free lending library of books, free cribs and playpens, and free child-size bathrobes—make Hotel Marlowe an excellent choice for families. Additionally, hotel guests can enjoy free access to the telescopes at the Museum of Science observatory just across the street.

11. The Royal Sonesta

Ignite your family's imagination on your next trip to The Royal Sonesta Boston with their Little Scientists Package. This value-packed offer provides fun for the whole family and features a fantastic location just 0.1 miles from the Museum of Science. The package includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the Museum of Science for each hotel guest, and free breakfast for kids. This family-friendly hotel also offers seasonal perks such as Summerfest, with free bike rentals and ice cream in the lobby, and Autumnfest, with complimentary apple cider and cookies.