The Godfrey Hotel Boston stands on Washington Street at Downtown Crossing, in the middle of the city between Boston Common, the Theater District and the Financial District. It opened in the mid-2010s inside a pair of restored early-twentieth-century commercial buildings, keeping their tall windows and street presence while adding a modern, design-led interior. For visitors who want to walk everywhere, the location is the main attraction.
The location
Few hotels in Boston are as central. From the front door:
- Boston Common and the start of the Freedom Trail are about five minutes' walk.
- The Theater District is a few minutes south, with the big touring-show theaters and the Boston Ballet.
- Chinatown, with its restaurants and bakeries, is next door.
- Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the North End are fifteen to twenty minutes on foot.
- Downtown Crossing station, on the Red and Orange Lines, is around the corner, with quick connections to the airport, Cambridge and the South Station rail terminal.
Downtown Crossing itself is a pedestrian shopping area, busy by day with office workers and shoppers. It is quieter at night than the Back Bay or the North End.
What to expect
The hotel is known for a contemporary look: neutral colors, large windows and modern bathrooms, in rooms that range from compact city rooms to suites. Like many downtown hotels in older buildings, room sizes and views vary, so read the room descriptions closely and ask for a higher floor if street noise concerns you. There is a café and a bar on site, and plenty of places to eat within a few blocks.
Amenities, policies and prices change, so check the current details directly before you book: whether parking is offered and what it costs, any nightly fees added to the room rate, check-in times and pet policies.
Who it suits
- Couples and city-break travelers who want style and a central location.
- Theatergoers, who can walk to and from shows.
- Visitors without a car, thanks to the subway on the doorstep.
- First-time visitors planning the Freedom Trail and the downtown sights.
Families wanting more space, or travelers who want leafy residential streets outside the door, may prefer Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Compare the options in where to stay in Boston.
A first day from the hotel
- Walk to the Common and pick up the red line of the Freedom Trail.
- Follow it past the State House, the Granary Burying Ground and the Old State House to Faneuil Hall.
- Lunch in the North End.
- Finish the trail at the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.
- Back to the hotel, then dinner in Chinatown and a show in the Theater District.
Booking tips
- Downtown rates are often lower at weekends, when business travelers leave.
- Prices rise sharply in the fall foliage season, at college graduation time in May, and around the Boston Marathon in April.
- Compare booking directly with the hotel and through booking sites; the cheapest rate is not always the most flexible.
- See how to book the right hotel for what to check before paying.
Frequently asked questions
Is Downtown Crossing a good area to stay?
Yes, for location and transit. It is busy by day and quieter at night; stay on the main streets late in the evening.
How do I get there from Logan Airport?
By the Silver Line bus to South Station and then the Red Line one stop, by a ride-hail car or taxi, or by the Blue Line with one change.
Can I walk to the Freedom Trail?
Yes. Its starting point on Boston Common is about five minutes away.