Boston Buzzes With New Hotel Openings

In a city renowned for its history and traditions, Boston can seem kind of stodgy in the new lodgings department. But with a slew of recent hotel openings — and many more slated to come in the next couple of years — there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit.

One of the best is the new Courtyard Marriott at TD Garden and North Station. Opened in March, this adds 220 rooms near the city’s main venue for Celtics and Bruins games, and easy proximity with multiple configurations for family stays near some of Beantown’s main attractions: Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail, and the North End (the city’s version of Little Italy). Not only does the Marriott have plenty of parking — a rarity in Boston — but its easy access to the commuter rail and the green and orange lines on the metro transit system means you can hop around all of the city’s spots easily or even head over to North Station and take a Downeaster Amtrak train and do a Maine daytrip if you’re really ambitious.

AC by Marriott in the South End brings contemporary cool to an area formerly owned by the Boston Herald newspaper. It’s why it’s called the Ink Block project, and in the area (both South End and South Boston), you’ll find a ton of hip, small, locally owned restaurants; a Whole Foods with a fun newspaper theme; and Underground at Ink Block, an urban art project with open spaces, a park, murals, seasonal food trucks and a beer garden. Plus, the project created more than 100 parking spots in an area renowned for circling a few times before finding success.

Say “yo” to YOTEL in the Seaport District, with a whopping 326 rooms. The bustling neighborhood brings the Jetsons to a city still stuck on the Flintstones in terms of modern furnishings, in the Innovation District. Want to find a rooftop bar, some of the city’s tastiest sushi, great shopping and opportunities to mingle or throw back a tipple or two? This is the place to stay. Or, families will enjoy proximity to the Children’s Museum, Boston Tea Party Museum and the New England Aquarium.

If you’re shooting for a local, intimate, unique experience, then Freepoint’s 121 rooms are for you. The new Cambridge addition is just a short Red Line train away from city center, but an entirely vibrant community of its own thanks to Harvard and some liberal leaners. You can also take advantage of a free two-mile-radius shuttle to any location of your choosing, but you might not want to leave thanks to some of the city’s more spacious accommodations, like 350-square-foot rooms. Double queens mean it’s just right for families and Mom will enjoy the Living Proof hair products created by local MIT scientists. All can partake in Kitchen & Cocktails by Matthew Gaudet, one of Cambridge’s favorite chefs.

Other hotel openings to watch out for:

Opening this summer, the Marriott Autograph Collection at Assembly Row in Somerville is a five-minute Orange Line ride into the city. The shopping center, movie theater and dining complex has plenty for families to enjoy, especially Legoland Discovery Center.

Hyatt Centric is set to open in the third quarter of 2018 with 163 rooms downtown. The “lifestyle brand” includes “eclectic” accommodations, health studios, common areas that encourage interaction and include local magazines, books and artifacts, and a modern health studio.

2019: Four Seasons at Christian Science Plaza; Marriott Moxy in the Theatre District; and Wynn Boston Harbor casino hotel.