Boston is often associated with red-brick streets, Revolutionary War landmarks, Fenway Park, and the brownstone neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and Back Bay. The city’s Seaport District presents a strikingly different version of Boston. Here, glass towers, renovated warehouses, cruise ships, restaurants, museums, and waterfront paths occupy an area that was once dominated by docks and industrial buildings.
I stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District during this summer’s Sail Boston festival, when tall ships drew crowds of tourists to the Seaport District. Summer is a great time to visit Boston.
Location in Boston’s Seaport District
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District is located on Summer Street in the eastern portion of the Seaport. It shares a building with the Hampton Inn to the extent that there are two different places in the elevators to tap in with your room key, one for each hotel.
If you are looking for a hotel right by the Commons or Quincy Market, this is not the hotel, but it is one of the closest hotels to the city’s cruise terminal port and a great place to stay when events are happening in the Seaport District.
The hotel is also about a mile from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and around the corner from the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Lobby and Public Spaces
The lobby and much of the hotel have a nautical theme, starting with the sign behind the front desk decorated with ship propellers that says “Welcome Aboard”. Again, the front desk is for either the Hampton or Homewood Suites.
There are large seating areas to the left and right of the front desk that can also be used for the included breakfast. It is a light, modern lobby, quite large given the size of the hotel.
There is a Suite Shop with a small selection of groceries and snacks for purchase. Since the Homewood Suites have kitchens, this includes frozen pizza, burritos, and lasagna, as well as small cartons of ice cream. This is not a residential neighborhood, and I was unable to find any grocery stores nearby.
The meeting rooms on the 3rd floor carry on the local and nautical theme with room names such as Captain, Admiral, Commander, Ensign, and Father Joseph T. O’Callahan. If you don’t know Father O’Callahan, then you are likely not from around here.
Father Joseph T. O’Callahan was a Jesuit priest, professor, and U.S. Navy chaplain during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for calmly directing firefighting, aiding the wounded, and administering last rites aboard the burning aircraft carrier USS Franklin after a devastating Japanese attack in March 1945. He was the first Navy chaplain awarded the Medal of Honor.
Rooms and Suites
The main reason to choose a Homewood Suites property is the additional living space. Every suite at this hotel includes a kitchen with a small stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and dishwasher (no oven). The cabinets hold glasses, flatware, pots, pans, plates, and bowls. There is also a small coffee maker.
My room was a studio layout with a desk and seating area, but 1-bedroom suites are also available.
Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, television, and streaming entertainment. Hilton Honors members can use digital check-in, select an available room before arrival, and use a Digital Key on compatible devices.
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The bed was comfortable, with outlets and USB-A ports on both sides.
The bathroom was comfortably large with a closet with a suitcase rack.
I did love the very Boston touch that the do-not-disturb sign on your door said: “Wicked Tired! Do Not Disturb.”
Breakfast and Dining
A complimentary hot breakfast is included with the stay. Breakfast is served buffet-style and includes eggs, sausage, potatoes, cereal, muffins, small scones, a waffle maker, coffee, oatmeal, fruit, and more. The only thing I did not find was tea, but they have a habit of throwing that in the harbor here.
If you find the breakfast room to the right of the front desk busy, check whether the second breakfast buffet to the left of the desk is open as well.
There is no restaurant in the hotel, but there are nearby restaurants in the Seaport District. I recommend Moxies, but you will want a reservation when the area is busy.
Pool, Fitness Center, and Other Amenities
The indoor pool is one of the hotel’s most appealing amenities for families. It is on the 3rd floor, next to the fitness center.
The hotel also has a large 24-hour fitness center, allowing guests to exercise early in the morning or after dinner.
The property is pet-friendly. Hilton currently lists a nonrefundable $75 pet fee, increasing to $125 for stays of five nights or longer. A maximum of two dogs or cats is permitted.
Getting to the Hotel
Boston Logan International Airport is about four miles from the hotel. Hilton does not provide an airport shuttle, so guests need to use a taxi, rideshare service, rental car, or public transportation.
The MBTA Silver Line (bus) is the most economical option. The free SL1 connects Logan Airport with the Seaport and South Station. Take the bus to the Silver Line Way stop, and it is about a 7-minute walk to the hotel from there.
Travelers carrying substantial luggage may prefer a taxi or rideshare from the airport. The distance is short, although travel time can increase considerably during rush hour or when traffic backs up in the tunnels.
Driving is possible, but parking should be considered when comparing the hotel’s total cost. The property does not offer self-parking. Hilton currently has limited valet parking at $62 per night, with in-and-out privileges. On-site electric vehicle charging is available, but space is limited.
Exploring the Seaport on Foot
In the Seaport District, warehouses and maritime facilities still survive among glass office towers, apartment buildings, hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
A walk toward Fan Pier leads to the Harborwalk, a public path that follows much of Boston’s waterfront. The route opens onto views of Boston Harbor, passing piers, parks, public art, restaurants, and marinas.
Families can continue toward the Boston Children’s Museum, located about a mile from the hotel. The museum occupies a prominent waterfront location near the giant Hood Milk Bottle and offers hands-on exhibits designed for children.
Nearby, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum interprets one of the defining events leading to the American Revolution. The attraction combines exhibits, costumed interpreters, replicas, and interactive storytelling.
Reaching Downtown Boston
The Silver Line connects the Seaport with South Station. From there, it is possible to walk to downtown attractions or transfer to the Red Line.
Final Thoughts
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District offers a practical combination of space, kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and recreational facilities in one of Boston’s fastest-changing neighborhoods.
For families, cruise passengers, convention visitors, and travelers planning an extended Boston stay, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District provides a comfortable and versatile base from which to explore it.
Room rates start at around $152 off-season or $357 in July.
Check rates for Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
My stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District was hosted (paid for) by Hilton. The opinions expressed are my own.
