The Bostonian vs Fairmont Copley Plaza: Best Boston Hotel for Families with Kids

Boston is one of our favorite cities. There is so much good food, historic charm (especially for my history buff hubby!), it’s so walkable and there are tons of kid-friendly attractions. 

Boston Harbor

Choosing the right hotel is an important part of any trip for us, especially now that we have a little kid. The location needs to be great, we love having certain on-site amenities and it’s really important that the hotel is a blend of family-friendly with a little bit of luxury. 

We've been to Boston twice and have stayed at The Bostonian and Fairmont Copley Plaza. So, which one is better for families traveling with kids — The Bostonian or the Fairmont Copley Plaza?

My answer: I think both are great options for families that are traveling to Boston, but provide a very different experience. 

Whether you’re looking for walkable access to historic sites or a luxurious stay with room to spread out, this guide breaks down the pros and cons of each hotel for families so you can decide which one’s the best fit for your next Boston family vacation.

Overview

Room Options

Location & Walkability

On-Site Dining

Noise & Comfort

Price & Value

Pros & Cons Summary

Overview of Each Hotel

The Bostonian

Location: Across the street from Faneuil Hall, near the Freedom Trail

Atmosphere: More boutique-style, city energy, historic setting

Quick take: Great for families who want to be close to tons of attractions and explore the heart of Boston

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Location: Copley Square in Back Bay

Atmosphere: Grand, elegant, classic Boston luxury

Quick take: Ideal for families who want comfort, amenities, and easy access to indoor attractions and shopping

Room Options & Family Comfort

Rooms: At both hotels, we stayed in a standard room, although both offer the option for a suite. While the standard rooms at both were a good size and are large enough for two adults and one or two kids, the rooms at the Fairmont were a bit larger. 

The rooms we stayed at in both hotels also had large closets with plenty of room to store car seats, strollers, etc. We stayed at the Fairmont when my son was a baby, so I can confirm they provided a nice crib, but stayed at The Bostonian when he was older and we didn’t need a crib during that stay. Our rooms in both also had a tub, which was helpful for baths during our stay. 

Kid-friendly perks: The Fairmont Copley Plaza had one very special kid-friendly perk, their concierge dog, Cori. She sits in the lobby and we all loved being greeted by her! Both also have on-site restaurants with options for kids

The Bostonian

Location & Walkability for Families

The Bostonian

• Literally steps away from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, about a 5-10 minute walk to the harbor, New England Aquarium, pick up location for tours and Boston City Market. Approximately 15 minute walk to North train station

• Nearby parks/playgrounds: Christopher Columbus Playground, The Plaza Playscape, Boston City Hall Playground

Fairmont Copley Plaza

• Close to Prudential Center for shopping and Back Bay train station, about a 5-10 minute walk to Public Garden and Boston Common. 

• Nearby parks/playgrounds: Carleton St. playground, Frieda Garcia Park, Titus Sparrow Park

Fairmont Copley Plaza

On-Site Dining

The Bostonian

• The North 26 on-site restaurant was great for a quick bite or evening beverage. They had kid-friendly options and the vibe was cozy and comfortable. They also had a room service menu. 

Fairmont Copley Plaza

• Oak Long Bar + Kitchen is great for American fare and cocktails for mom and dad. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu. The hotel also offers room service (we ordered a delicious dessert on our last night!).

The Bostonian

Noise and Comfort

I truly thought both hotels were very quiet, however our rooms at both were definitely a distance away from elevators. Even in the city, I also didn’t notice a lot of street noise at either hotel! Both hotels had blackout shades and temperature control so we could set the room to our preferences. 

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Price & Value for Families

Generally, the Fairmont is a bit more expensive than The Bostonian. We love hotels from the Fairmont chain, so understand that some families want to pay a little more for extra comfort and luxury at the hotel. If you like having luxury touches, Fairmont is definitely the way to go. 

I think The Bostonian is a fantastic price for its location. It’s truly steps away from so many attractions and great restaurants. If you want to be in the center of the action, The Bostonian is the way to go. 

Pros and Cons for Families Summary

The Bostonian

✅ Central location near historic sites

✅ Walkable to attractions

🚫 Smaller rooms

🚫 Limited on-site amenities

Fairmont Copley Plaza

✅ Spacious rooms and luxurious comfort

✅ Great service and amenities

🚫 More expensive

🚫 Less central to historic district

Final Verdict: Which Boston Hotel Is Best for Families with Kids?

Honestly, I would stay at both of these hotels again. It just depends on what you’re looking for! If your family loves history and exploring on foot, The Bostonian is perfect. But if you value luxury, extra space, and top-notch service, Fairmont Copley Plaza is worth the splurge.

Make sure to check out my full Boston with Kids Travel Guide that has all of my hotel, restaurant and activity recommendations. 

The links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you book through them. That commission helps me run my blog and continue to produce content, and I only ever recommend hotels that we’ve stayed at and loved.