Hotels near the Boston Marathon route tend to fill up quickly, especially given the high demand.
For the best chances of getting a hotel near the start and finish lines, I recommend booking your accommodation up to a year ahead of the Marathon.
Some of the best and most popular places to stay are the Charlesmark Hotel, The Lenox Hotel, and the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
However, there are a few important details to consider.
Some hotels might ask for a minimum stay of a few nights. Also, staying in the prime areas of Boston can be a bit pricey, with most rooms in the city center ranging from $300 to $600 per night.
I’ve put together a list of hotels that are perfect for everyone running in the Boston Marathon. No matter if you’re trying to save some money or want to treat yourself a bit, there are options available to match what you’re looking for.
Before we get into the best spots to stay in Boston for the Marathon, let’s first check out how you can get to the starting line…
Transportation To The Start In Hopkinton On Race Morning
To get to the starting point in Hopkinton on race morning, the best option is to take the official B.A.A. buses. These buses will be picking up passengers on Charles Street, located between the Public Garden and Boston Common.
To ensure smooth loading and timely arrival at the start, it’s essential to follow the bus loading schedule.
The B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association) highly recommends using the transportation they offer to reach the starting line. If you require drop-off before reaching the Athletes’ Village, that will only be at 52 South Street in Hopkinton.
Afterward, you can board a B.A.A. shuttle that will take you to the Athletes’ Village area before the race begins.
Here’s what you should remember when getting on the bus:
- To ensure smooth loading, prevent delays, and reach the start on schedule, I highly advise you to follow your assigned bus loading time.
- The transportation to the start line is exclusively for registered runners.
- The B.A.A does not provide transportation for your family and friends.
- You must display your race number and wristband before boarding the bus.
- If you plan to check your gear on race morning, remember to do it BEFORE getting on the bus.
Related: Boston Marathon 2024: The Ultimate Training Guide
What Happens At The Athletes’ Village
Once the bus drops you off at Hopkinton High/Middle School, you’ll arrive at the Athletes’ Village.
While you’re there, make sure to take a moment to do some stretching and relax your nerves before the race.
For a smooth and well-organized transition, all runners will exit the Athletes’ Village based on their designated wave, bib number, and corral placement.
From there, you’ll follow the route down Grove Street to Main Street. This will lead you to the starting point, which is just a 0.7-mile (1.1 km) walk from the Athletes’ Village.
Now that you know what to expect before the race starts, let’s look at the best hotels to stay in during the Boston Marathon.
The best places to stay for the Boston Marathon are around two main spots:
- Finish Line & Expo/Packet Pick-up Area
- Bus Loading Area
What Are The Best Hotels Near The Finish Line & Expo/Packet Pick-up Area?
Here are my five picks for you, conveniently located near the finish line and the Expo
- Lenox Hotel (4-Star Hotel)
- Charlesmark Hotel (3-Star Hotel)
- Fairmont Copley Plaza (4-Star Hotel)
- Westin Copley Place (4-Star Hotel)
- Courtyard Boston Copley Square (3-Star Hotel)
- Hilton Boston Back Bay (4-Star Hotel)
Lenox Hotel (4-Star Hotel)
Located right before the Finish Line, the Lenox Hotel is in a perfect spot. It’s super convenient to both the Expo and Bus Loading areas, which are only 0.3 miles (500m) and 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away, respectively.
And the Finish Line itself is incredibly close, just 0.1 miles (161m) away from the hotel.
When arriving by air, you’ll find the hotel to be just a 17-minute drive from Logan International Airport (BOS). Additionally, Copley Station is just a brief 2-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient for getting around the city.
If you’re looking to start your day with a satisfying meal, you can enjoy a full breakfast. The cost typically ranges from USD 20 to USD 50 per person. These dining options are conveniently located within a 5-minute walk.
But make sure you stick to your tried-and-tested nutritional plan. NO TRYING NEW THINGS ON RACE DAY.
Charlesmark Hotel (3-Star Hotel)
The Charlesmark Hotel is a budget-friendly option conveniently located near the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street. If you’re looking for an affordable stay that puts you right at the finish line, this is the perfect choice for you.
The Expo is just a 0.3-mile (0.48 km) walk away, and if you need to catch the bus, it’s only 0.7 miles (1.13 km) away. You’ll be right at the Finish Line since it’s just a minute from the hotel.
You also have dining options conveniently located within a 5-minute walk.
Fairmont Copley Plaza (4-Star Hotel)
This hotel is situated right next to the John Hancock Tower, just one block behind Boylston St. It offers excellent proximity to key spots for Boston Marathon runners:
- To the Expo: 0.4 miles (approximately 0.6 km)
- To the Finish Line: 0.2 miles (approximately 0.3 km)
- To the Bus Loading Area: 0.5 miles (approximately 0.8 km)
If you’re interested in a hearty breakfast, you can enjoy a full breakfast at an additional cost. The price typically ranges from USD 10 to USD 30 for adults and USD 7 to USD 10 for children.
Internet access is available in all rooms with options for WiFi (USD 9.95 per 24-hour period) and free wired internet. Some public areas also offer free WiFi and wired internet.
For transportation, Copley Station is just a 2-minute walk away, while Back Bay Station is a short 3-minute walk. If you’re arriving by air, Logan International Airport (BOS) is an 18-minute drive.
Westin Copley Place (4-Star Hotel)
Just a minute away from the Fairmont Copley Plaza, the Westin Copley Place offers a convenient location just one block behind the Finish Line, right behind the Boston Public Library.
The Westin Copley Place puts you very close to important spots:
- To the Expo: 0.4 miles (approximately 0.6 km)
- To the Finish Line: 0.2 miles (approximately 0.3 km)
- To the Bus Loading Area: 0.6 miles (approximately 1 km)
For your morning needs, there’s a daily breakfast option available for an additional fee: USD 28.75 per person. The hotel offers a variety of dining options within a 5-minute walk, including 4 restaurants, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/cafe, and even coffee and tea available in common areas.
You can also find a snack bar/deli for your convenience.
In terms of getting around, Copley Station is just a short 2-minute walk away, while Back Bay Station is a 4-minute walk. If you’re flying in, Logan International Airport (BOS) is a 16-minute drive from the hotel.
Courtyard Boston Copley Square (3-Star Hotel)
This hotel is a block behind the Finish Line and just before the finish, which is a very short distance away. The Expo is 0.3 miles away (0.48 km), the Bus Loading area is 0.7 miles away (1.13 km), and the Finish Line is only 0.1 miles away (0.16km).
You’ll find convenient food and drink options here. They offer a daily full breakfast for a fee of USD 5–20 per person. There’s a restaurant, and you can also enjoy coffee and tea in common areas as well as a snack bar/deli.
When it comes to transportation, you’ll have easy access. Copley Station is just a 3-minute walk away, Back Bay Station is a 5-minute walk away, and Logan International Airport (BOS) can be reached in a 16-minute drive.
What Are The Best Hotels Near The Bus Loading Area (Boston Common)
The pickup location is on Charles Street, right between the Public Garden and Boston Common. You’ll find B.A.A. shuttle buses here to take you to the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton.
This pickup spot is about a 15-minute walk from the Boston finish line and the nearby hotels.
Now if you prefer to stay closer to the bus loading area so that you can sleep in a little bit on race day, here are my best picks for you:
- Boston Park Plaza
- Revere Hotel
- Four Seasons Hotel Boston
- Found Hotel Boston Common
Boston Park Plaza
The Boston Park Plaza is a special 4-star hotel that’s really close to Northeastern University. It’s right across from Arlington Station T, which is great for Boston Marathon runners.
You’ll find restaurants right at the hotel, and they are more than a 3-minute walk away.
Getting around is very easy because Arlington Station is only 2 minutes away on foot. Back Bay Station is also close by, just 9 minutes’ walk. If you’re flying in, Logan International Airport (BOS) is about a 14-minute drive.
Here’s some important info to note:
- The Expo is about 0.8 miles away (around 1.3 km)
- The Bus Loading area is just 0.2 miles away (around 0.3 km)
- And the Finish Line is about 0.5 miles away (around 0.8 km)
Before you head out, don’t forget to have breakfast like you’ve been practicing. The cost usually falls between USD 30 and USD 35 per person.
Revere Hotel
The Revere Hotel Boston Common is a cozy hotel found in downtown Boston’s Theatre District.
This boutique hotel offers excellent value with 356 rooms and is situated in a fantastic spot close to Boston Common, where you’ll catch the Hopkinton bus.
If you’re hungry, you can enjoy an A la Carte breakfast, but it comes with an extra charge.
The hotel is just a 6-minute walk from the bus loading area to the start line, and it’s only a 14-minute walk from the finish line.
Four Seasons Hotel Boston
The Boston Four Seasons Hotel is a luxurious 5-star choice for your stay. This is perfect if you want a comfortable stay close to Boston Common, where you’ll catch the bus to Hopkinton for the marathon.
You can treat yourself to an A la Carte breakfast for a small fee. The hotel is just a quick 6-minute walk from the bus loading area to the starting line and only a 14-minute walk from the Boston Marathon finish line.
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston is renowned for its 5-star luxury and exceptional service. Positioned near the buses at Charles Street, between the Public Garden and Boston Common, it’s incredibly convenient to access the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton.
Found Hotel Boston Common
Found Hotel Boston Common is the budget-friendly choice conveniently situated near the Boston Marathon pick-up point on Charles Street. If you’re seeking an affordable stay that doesn’t compromise on location, this is the perfect place for you.
The hotel is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the heart of the city and the vibrant theater district.
You’ll find it’s just a 5-minute walk from the buses at Charles Street and a 16-minute walk from the finish line.
What Are The Best Hotels Near The Start Line (Hopkinton Center)
If you prefer staying closer to the start line, these are my best picks for you:
- Holiday Inn Express Boston-Milford Hotel
- Hampton Inn Boston in Westborough
- DoubleTree by Hilton Boston
Holiday Inn Express Boston-Milford Hotel
This hotel embraces New England’s signature hospitality, offering guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
With amenities such as private parking and a fitness center gym, it’s an ideal choice for marathon runners. It is also a family-friendly environment.
On marathon race day, you can kick-start your day with a satisfying breakfast that includes energizing cereal, muffins, bars, and beverages.
In addition, every room comes with a microwave and fridge, which makes your stay even more convenient. If you have a dog with you, you’re in luck – this pet-friendly place has special rooms for pets on the first floor.
Distance from the Start Line: 4.9 miles (7.8 km)
It’s only an 8-minute drive from the South Street Parking lot, where shuttles to Athletes’ Village are available.
Hampton Inn Boston in Westborough
Hampton Inn Boston in Westborough is a conveniently situated 12-minute car ride from Hopkinton Center, where can get to the start line.
It’s one of the highly-rated and budget-friendly hotels in close proximity to the Boston Marathon’s starting point, making it a great choice if you’re driving to the event and want to stay near the start.
Be mindful that parking can be very limited during the race weekend.
Additionally, it’s just 10 minutes away from South Street Parking and the shuttle buses that transport runners to the start.
DoubleTree by Hilton Boston
DoubleTree by Hilton Boston is conveniently situated just 12 minutes away from the starting line in Hopkinton.
This elegant and well-appointed hotel boasts beautiful grounds, a dedicated staff, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool.
Furthermore, the hotel is located only a 10-minute drive from the South Street Parking lot.
Related: What You’ll Find at The Boston Marathon 2024 Aid Stations
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