The Boston Marathon is a little different when it comes to choosing where to stay. The race starts in Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street in Boston, so staying close to the start isn’t necessarily the most practical option.
For most runners, staying in central Boston makes more sense. Official race-morning buses transport participants from Boston Common to the start in Hopkinton, while after the race you’ll finish back in the city near Copley Square. If you’re still deciding which part of the city is most convenient, our Where to Stay for the Boston Marathon guide compares the main areas for runners.
We’ve selected six hotels for the 2027 Boston Marathon, looking beyond distance to the finish line. Our recommendations also consider access to the race-morning buses, the post-finish area and the practical details that matter during marathon weekend.
When : 19 April 2027
Which Hotel Is Right for You?
Not sure where to stay? Choose the hotel that best matches your travel style and marathon goals.
First Time-Runner
Best for an easier race weekend.
Recommended Area
Back Bay / Berkeley Street
Best Hotel
Hotel AKA Back Bay
Well placed for both race morning and the post-finish area.
Easy Start Access
Stay close to the official buses to Hopkinton.
Recommended Area
Boston Common / Back Bay
Best Hotel
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
Convenient for the B.A.A. buses to Hopkinton on race morning.
Luxury Runner
Five-star comfort in Copley Square.
Recommended Area
Copley Square
Best Hotel
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Luxury stay close to the finish and post-race area.
Best Value
Lower-cost stay in a practical location.
Recommended Area
South End
Best Hotel
The Revolution Hotel
A more affordable option within walking distance of the marathon area.
Apartment Stay
More space and self-catering facilities.
Recommended Area
Back Bay
Best Hotel
Copley House
Apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities for a longer stay.
Mid-Range Runner
Comfort without choosing a luxury hotel.
Recommended Area
Copley Square / Back Bay
Best Hotel
Courtyard Boston Copley Square
A straightforward hotel choice close to the marathon finish area.
How We Selected These Hotels
We selected these hotels with a Boston Marathon weekend in mind. Rather than simply choosing the hotels closest to the finish line, we looked at the practical details that can make race morning and the hours after the marathon easier.
RACE-MORNING ACCESS
The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, but most runners staying in the city use the official B.A.A. buses from Boston Common. We considered how practical each hotel is for reaching the morning bus loading area.
POST-FINISH LOCATION
Crossing the finish line isn’t the end of your walk. Runners continue through the finish area towards Gear Check and the runner exits, so we also considered where each hotel is located in relation to the post-race flow.
LOCATION & TRANSPORT
We looked for hotels in practical parts of central Boston, with useful public transport and easy access to restaurants and other race-weekend essentials.
DIFFERENT BUDGET & STAY STYLES
Not every runner wants the same type of hotel. Our selection includes luxury, mid-range and better-value options, as well as apartment-style accommodation for runners who prefer more space or self-catering facilities.
Our Recommended Hotels for the Boston Marathon
The hotels below each offer a different advantage for marathon weekend, from easy access to the official buses at Boston Common to a convenient location after the finish.
We’ve also included options for different budgets and travel styles, so you can choose what matters most for your stay.
BEST ALL-ROUND MARATHON STAY
Hotel AKA Back Bay ★★★★
Hotel AKA Back Bay is a strong all-round choice for Boston Marathon runners. Located on Berkeley Street in Back Bay, it combines convenient access to Boston Common on race morning with a particularly useful location after the race, when runners make their way east from the finish area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Well positioned for the post-finish area
- Walkable to the official B.A.A. buses at Boston Common
- Central Back Bay location with restaurants and public transport nearby
Good to know: The hotel isn’t the closest option to the finish line itself, but its location on Berkeley Street becomes particularly convenient once runners have moved through the post-finish area.
Race morning: 10 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading at Boston Common
After the finish: 5 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
Back Bay / Berkeley Street · €€€
BEST FOR EASY START ACCESS
Hilton Boston Park Plaza ★★★★
Hilton Boston Park Plaza is particularly well located for race morning. The hotel sits close to Boston Common and the Public Garden, making it a convenient choice for reaching the official B.A.A. buses to Hopkinton. Its location also works well after the race, with the hotel on the eastern side of the finish area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Short walk to the official B.A.A. bus loading area
- Convenient location for returning after the race
- Central location close to restaurants and public transport
Good to know: You won’t be staying directly beside the finish line, but for runners the location can actually be more practical because it combines easy access to the morning buses with a convenient position after leaving the finish area.
Race morning: 5 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading at Boston Common
After the finish: 5 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
Boston Common / Back Bay · €€€
BEST LUXURY MARATHON STAY
Fairmont Copley Plaza ★★★★★
Fairmont Copley Plaza is our luxury choice for the Boston Marathon, combining a historic five-star stay with a prime location at Copley Square. The hotel is just beyond the finish line area and is also well positioned for the post-race route, making it a particularly convenient option if you want to combine comfort with marathon-weekend logistics.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Luxury hotel in the heart of the marathon finish area
- Convenient location for returning after the race
- Close to restaurants, public transport and everything in Back Bay
Good to know: The hotel is extremely close to the finish line, but runners cannot simply turn around and return to the hotel after finishing. You’ll first continue through the secured finish area before exiting.
Race morning: 15 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading at Boston Common
After the finish: 5-8 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
Copley Square / Back Bay · €€€€
BEST VALUE MARATHON STAY
The Revolution Hotel ★★★
The Revolution Hotel is a good option for runners looking for a more affordable stay without moving too far away from the main Boston Marathon areas. Located on Berkeley Street in the South End, it is farther from the finish than the Back Bay hotels on our list, but its position becomes more convenient once runners have moved through the post-finish area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Better-value alternative to many Back Bay hotels
- Berkeley Street location works well for the post-race side of the marathon area
- Walkable to Boston Common for the official B.A.A. buses
Good to know: Some of the hotel’s lower-priced rooms have shared bathrooms, so check the room type carefully before booking. Rooms with private bathrooms are also available.
Race morning: 14 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading on Charles Street
After the finish: 10 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
South End / Berkeley Street · €€
BEST APARTMENT-STYLE STAY
Copley House ★★
Copley House is a practical choice for runners who prefer an apartment-style stay during Boston Marathon weekend. Located in Back Bay, its studios offer more independence than a traditional hotel room, with kitchen facilities that make it easier to prepare your own breakfast or familiar pre-race meals.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Studios with kitchen facilities for preparing your own meals
- Back Bay location within walking distance of the marathon area
- Useful for runners staying several nights in Boston
Good to know: Copley House is spread across several historic brownstone buildings rather than one traditional hotel building. Room layouts, facilities and stairs can therefore vary, so check the details of your specific room before booking.
Race morning: 24 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading on Charles Street
After the finish: 15 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
Back Bay / South End · €€
BEST MID-RANGE MARATHON STAY
Courtyard Boston Copley Square ★★★
Courtyard Boston Copley Square is a straightforward choice for runners who want a comfortable hotel in Back Bay without choosing one of the luxury properties around Copley Square. Its location on Exeter Street puts you close to the final stretch of the marathon and within easy reach of the main race-weekend areas.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Central Back Bay location close to the marathon finish area
- On-site breakfast and fitness centre
- Good choice for runners who prefer a traditional full-service hotel
Good to know: The hotel is west of the post-finish area, so after crossing the finish line you’ll first continue east through the secured runner area before making your way back towards Copley Square.
Race morning: 16 min walk to B.A.A. bus loading on Charles Street
After the finish: 10 min walk from the runner exit/post-race area
Copley Square / Back Bay · €€€
How Early Should You Book?
Hotels in Back Bay and around Copley Square can fill quickly for Boston Marathon weekend, especially properties close to the finish and the main race-day areas. If you already know you’ll be running, it makes sense to start looking for accommodation well in advance.
Booking early also gives you more choice between hotels near the race-morning buses, the post-finish area and different price categories. If your plans aren’t completely fixed yet, a flexible or refundable rate can be worth considering.
OUR TIP
Don’t book near Hopkinton just to be close to the start. For most runners, staying in central Boston and using the official B.A.A. buses from Boston Common is the more practical option.
What to Look for in a Marathon Hotel
Choosing a marathon hotel is a little different from booking a normal city break. Location matters, but a few practical details can make Boston Marathon weekend much easier.
Early breakfast
Race morning starts early, especially when you need to reach the official buses to Hopkinton. Check whether your hotel offers an early breakfast or takeaway option, or plan ahead if the regular breakfast starts too late for your bus loading time.
Flexible cancellation
Boston Marathon weekend is a busy time for hotels, and many runners book well in advance. A flexible or free-cancellation rate gives you more freedom if your travel plans change. Always check the cancellation deadline before booking.
A quiet room
A good night’s sleep before Marathon Monday is worth planning for. Consider requesting a room away from lifts, bars, busy streets or other potentially noisy areas.
Luggage storage & late checkout
A standard checkout time can be inconvenient when you’re running the marathon. Check whether the hotel can store your luggage after checkout and whether late checkout is available, although this may be limited during such a busy weekend.
Kitchen facilities
A room or apartment with kitchen facilities can be useful if you prefer to prepare your own familiar pre-race breakfast or meals. This can be especially convenient when staying several nights or travelling with family.
Location on race day
Don’t judge a Boston Marathon hotel by its distance to the finish line alone. Runners first need to reach the official buses to Hopkinton in the morning and, after finishing on Boylston Street, continue through the secured finish area before exiting. Consider both parts of race day when comparing hotel locations.
Which Part of Boston Should You Stay In?
For many Boston Marathon runners, Back Bay is one of the most practical areas to consider, especially if you want to stay close to the finish and post-race area. But it isn’t the only option. Staying closer to Boston Common can make race morning easier, while the South End can be worth considering if you prefer to stay slightly away from the busiest part of Back Bay.
Our Where to Stay for the Boston Marathon guide compares the most useful areas for runners, including race-morning access, the post-finish location, transport and the overall feel of each neighbourhood.
Common Hotel Booking Mistakes
A hotel that works well for a normal Boston city break isn’t always the best choice for marathon weekend. These are a few things worth checking before you book.
Choosing a hotel near Hopkinton just because the race starts there
The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, but that doesn’t mean runners need to stay near the start. Most participants staying in Boston use the official B.A.A. transportation to Hopkinton on race morning. For the full marathon weekend, a hotel in central Boston is usually more practical.
Choosing the hotel closest to the finish line
The finish is on Boylston Street, but runners don’t simply cross the line and walk straight back to their hotel. You’ll continue through the secured finish area before exiting, so consider the post-finish route as well as the distance to the finish line.
Forgetting about breakfast times
Breakfast may be included with your room, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it starts early enough for your assigned bus loading time. Check the serving hours or have your own pre-race breakfast plan.
Booking a non-refundable rate too early
Boston Marathon hotels are often booked well in advance, but your travel plans may not yet be final. Check the cancellation conditions carefully before choosing a cheaper non-refundable rate.
Relying on taxis or rideshares on race morning
Marathon Monday brings road closures, crowds and changes to normal traffic patterns. If you plan to use the official buses to Hopkinton, choosing a hotel from which you can comfortably reach the bus loading area on foot can make race morning simpler.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we believe are a good fit for Boston Marathon runners based on location, race access and our research.
Boston Marathon Hotel FAQ
Should I stay near the Boston Marathon start in Hopkinton?
For most runners, staying in central Boston is more practical than staying near the start in Hopkinton. Official B.A.A. buses transport runners from Boston to Hopkinton on race morning, while the marathon finishes back in the city.
Where do the buses to the Boston Marathon start leave from?
The official B.A.A. buses to Hopkinton load on Charles Street between Boston Common and the Public Garden. Recommended loading times depend on your assigned wave, so check the latest B.A.A. race instructions before Marathon Monday.
Is it better to stay near Boston Common or the finish area?
Both can work well. Boston Common is convenient for the buses to Hopkinton, while Back Bay and Copley Square are more convenient after the race. Our Where to Stay for the Boston Marathon guide compares the different areas in more detail.
Do I need a car for Boston Marathon weekend?
For runners staying in central Boston, a car is generally unnecessary for race day. The B.A.A. provides transportation from Boston to the start in Hopkinton, and many of the main marathon locations in central Boston can be reached on foot or by public transport.
How far is the Boston Marathon finish from Boston Common?
The finish on Boylston Street is relatively close to Boston Common, which is one reason central Boston works so well for marathon weekend. Keep in mind that runners must continue through the secured finish area before they can leave and return to their hotel.
