Seaport Hotel® Boston ★★★★

A harbor-front hotel that answers to no chain

The Seaport Hotel stands at 1 Seaport Lane, on the water beside the Seaport World Trade Center, and it is one of the few large hotels in Boston that is independently owned and run. That independence shows in the details: an AAA Four Diamond rating, a house pillowtop mattress in every one of the 428 rooms and suites, and a residential decor of soft neutrals and pale wood rather than a brand template. Harbor View rooms and the corner suites look straight across the water toward the airport and the harbor islands, while the city-side rooms take in the Seaport towers. The hotel also runs Seaport Saves, its own environmental program, and presents itself as one of the greenest hotels in North America.

Wave, the pool and fitness club

Wave Health and Fitness is the amenity that sets the Seaport apart from its neighbors. More than 11,000 square feet, open twenty-four hours a day, it combines a heated indoor pool under a skylight with cardio and weight rooms, classes, personal trainers and a steam room, and it sells memberships to local residents, which keeps it lively rather than empty. For families and for anyone who trains while traveling, it is the deciding factor.

TAMO and the harbor view

TAMO Bistro and Bar occupies the harbor side of the ground floor and serves New England fare, with a weekend brunch that regulars book ahead. The Seaport Cafe covers coffee and quick meals, and the hotel operates a third restaurant, Aura, for a more formal dinner. The bar at TAMO is the natural place to end the day with the water in view.

Service that comes included

The Seaport works on a service-inclusive basis: tipping is not expected, staff are paid accordingly, and guests receive a pre-arrival message asking what the room should be ready with. Bicycles for adults and children are lent free of charge, with a Bluebikes station outside for longer rides along the Harborwalk. The Seaport Sailors program keeps children busy with games and books, dogs under twenty-five pounds are welcome in dedicated rooms with a grassy area outside, and both valet and self-parking are available.

The Seaport on foot and by Silver Line

The Harborwalk passes the front door, the Institute of Contemporary Art is under ten minutes away along the water, and the restaurants of the Seaport District begin across the street. Boston Children's Museum and the Tea Party Ships are about fifteen minutes on foot, the Financial District a little more. The World Trade Center Silver Line stop next door reaches Logan Airport in about fifteen minutes and South Station in two stops, and the cruise terminal is a short walk or taxi ride away. Check-in is at 3 pm and check-out at noon.

Why we selected it

A heated pool, a serious fitness club, a harbor at the window and a no-tipping culture make the Seaport the most complete of the waterfront hotels for a longer stay. We recommend it to families, to cruise passengers arriving or departing from Boston, and to travelers who want a resort-style base within a short ride of the airport and the historic center.