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Perched high above the city, the Boston University Observatory isn’t just a spot to gaze at stars—it’s where the universe leans in close. At night, the skyline glows like a constellation, and beyond the horizon, the cosmos whispers secrets. More than stargazing, it’s a soulful conversation with infinity.
Discover a perfect retreat in the heart of Boston! This luxury hotel is just steps away from Newbury Street and Prudential Center, with Copley Square and Northeastern University nearby. Enjoy the full-service SPA, featuring massages, body treatments, and facials, plus a fitness club and sauna to unwind. The on-site restaurant serves both local and international cuisine, while the bar/lounge is ideal for a relaxing drink. With a business center and event spaces, it’s perfect for work or special occasions. Family-friendly amenities, including childcare services, ensure a hassle-free stay for all!
This hotel is the perfect blend of family-friendly and business-ready! Located in Boston's West End, it's just a 15-minute walk to Charles River Esplanade and TD Garden. With childcare services and a fitness center, plus 2 restaurants and 4 bars, it's ideal for families or friends. The rooms are spacious and cozy, featuring luxury toiletries and separate tubs. Whether for meetings or vacations, the concierge service and event facilities will impress you.
This luxurious hotel in the heart of Boston is your perfect getaway! Just 5 minutes’ drive to Northeastern University and the Museum of Fine Arts, it couldn’t be more convenient. Enjoy top-notch amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, sauna, and spa services. Traveling with kids? They’ll love the playground and childcare services. Business travelers can take advantage of the 24-hour business center and meeting spaces. Unwind at the poolside bar or savor delicious meals at LUCIE drink + dine. Rooms are cozy and elegant, featuring Egyptian cotton linens and designer toiletries—making you feel right at home!
Located in the heart of Boston, this hotel is just steps away from Newbury Street and the Boston Marathon finish line! Perfect for both leisure and business travelers, it offers 24-hour fitness center, bike rentals, and is pet-friendly—bring your furry friend along! Rooms are cozy with luxury toiletries and 24-hour room service. Need to work? The 24-hour business center and meeting spaces have you covered. Unwind at the bar or enjoy the concierge service. Whether for family trips or corporate events, this hotel has it all!
This luxury hotel is simply amazing! Located in the heart of Boston, just a 6-minute walk to Copley Square and close to many attractions. Enjoy the 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, and attentive concierge services. The rooms are cozy with iPod docks and satellite TV, plus premium toiletries in the bathroom. Perfect for business or weddings, with a conference center and event services. Don’t miss the delicious meals at The Berkeley or drinks at the bar. Families will love the kids' meals and childcare services, making it ideal for family trips!
Everything you need to know about Boston University Observatory
Stay at Belmont Residence on BU campus, just a 5-minute walk from the observatory. With minimal light pollution and an outdoor observation deck, it’s perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. The hotel offers guided night tours and hosts weekly stargazing workshops where guests can learn celestial navigation and astrophotography techniques using professional-grade telescopes. It’s an immersive science experience blending comfort and discovery.
Take the Red Line subway to Boston University East Station, then walk 10 minutes to the observatory. Alternatively, board MBTA Bus 39 or 67 and get off at "BU Observatory" stop—about a 20-minute ride. For drivers, use GPS to locate "Boston University Observatory"; free parking is available nearby, though time-limited during weekends and academic terms.
The observatory hosts free weekly Star Parties every Friday night, featuring expert-led talks on constellations and planetary motion. Annually, it presents Space-Themed Exhibitions with vintage telescopes, lunar rock replicas, and VR space exploration stations. Student-led Astro-Photography Contests also showcase stunning global sky images, blending science, technology, and art in one unforgettable experience.
Yes! The observatory features an interactive planetarium designed for kids, with hands-on activities like simulated rocket launches, solar system explorations, and dynamic star map games. Parents can join children in mini science labs learning about spectroscopy and gravity. Family-friendly guided tours are offered every Saturday morning, using storytelling to teach astronomy concepts—free of charge, but require advance HopeGoo.
The observatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, with public stargazing events starting at 6:00 PM every Friday. Closed Monday and Tuesday for maintenance, and may temporarily close during major holidays like New Year’s Day or Thanksgiving. Check the official website for updated schedules and weather advisories, as visibility depends heavily on cloud cover.
No personal telescope rentals are available, but the observatory provides high-precision public telescopes during stargazing events, operated by trained staff for optimal safety and clarity. For deeper engagement, enroll in telescope operation workshops, which offer hands-on training and qualify participants for short-term equipment borrowing—ideal for campus research and community outreach programs.
Stay at BU's on-campus student housing apartments, some offering direct views of the Boston University Observatory and unobstructed night skies. Alternatively, The Liberty Hotel (1.5 km away) features a rooftop observatory with telescopes and hosts regular astronomy tours led by experts. The hotel also offers interactive sessions on planetary motion and celestial events. Easy access via walking or subway makes it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts seeking both comfort and scientific immersion.
Take the MBTA Red Line to BU Central Station, then walk 10 minutes along Commonwealth Avenue to reach the observatory. Alternatively, use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft—approximately 12 minutes from downtown. Walking offers scenic views of BU’s Gothic architecture and tree-lined avenues. The observatory is open weekdays in the evening; HopeGoo a guided tour in advance ensures entry and enhances the experience with expert insights.
Join the weekly public telescope viewing nights every Wednesday, led by professional astronomers using a large refractor telescope to observe Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and distant star clusters. The annual Night Sky Festival in spring features interactive exhibits, star-chart workshops, and meteor shower tracking. Multilingual guides are available for international visitors. Free admission but limited spots—book online in advance to secure your place.
The Loyalist Restaurant, just a 5-minute walk away, serves New England-Mediterranean fusion cuisine with an outdoor patio perfect for post-observatory dining. BU Bookstore Café offers light meals and coffee in a quiet setting ideal for families. Both accept student discounts and feature gluten-free and plant-based menu options. Visit during late afternoon to enjoy dinner while gazing at the observatory lights and the night sky.
The observatory is generally open to the public Monday to Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with extended hours until 10:00 PM during special events like star-viewing nights. Closed on weekends and holidays, but private tours can be booked. All visits require advance reservation via the official website, with some tours offering bilingual (English/Chinese) guides. Register at least 24 hours ahead to secure a spot. On-site amenities include a lounge area and information desk with star charts and observation guides.
Absolutely! The observatory’s nighttime lighting and architectural silhouette create stunning backdrops, especially during winter snow nights or summer stargazing seasons, perfect for capturing star trails and city-sky contrasts. Flash photography is prohibited—use a tripod and slow shutter speed for best results. Special photography workshops are occasionally offered by professional photographers, teaching techniques for long-exposure astrophotography. Bring warm clothing, as most sessions take place outdoors.
See what other travelers say about Boston University Observatory
Staying at Mandarin Oriental Boston again was an absolute pleasure. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from downtown, with fantastic access to shopping, dining, and local attractions. The room service was impeccable: cleaning was thorough, extra bed setup was seamless, and the turndown service added a lovely personal touch. The front desk staff were friendly and attentive, and I appreciated the complimentary coffee available in the lobby—perfect for starting the day right. The only minor disappointment was that my takeout order wasn’t delivered to the room, which was a bit frustrating. Overall, though, this stay exceeded expectations. From the elegant ambiance to the thoughtful details, every aspect of the experience was top-notch. It’s clear this hotel truly values guest comfort and satisfaction. I’ll definitely be back—this is one of the best stays I’ve had in Boston.
The room was absolutely fantastic—spacious, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable. The bed was plush and made for a restful night's sleep. I loved how close it was to the subway station; I could reach downtown or major attractions in just a few minutes. Staff were friendly and efficient throughout check-in and check-out. It’s rare to find such a perfect balance of luxury, convenience, and value. Definitely coming back.
I stayed at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston for four nights while attending the Boston Career Forum, and it was an excellent choice. Every day, my room was spotlessly clean, and I never heard any noise from neighboring rooms—perfect for rest and mental clarity during a stressful job-hunting period. The gym was well-maintained and never overcrowded, so I could work out comfortably whenever I wanted. One little detail that stood out: a cute duck-shaped bath toy placed in the bathroom. It brought a smile to my face and helped ease the tension of job-seeking stress. The location is convenient, the staff are friendly, and the overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming. For anyone attending career events in Boston, this hotel offers great value and a relaxing retreat. Definitely a place I’d return to.
Staying at The Lenox was an absolute delight. This classic hotel exudes charm with its refined elegance and well-maintained facilities—no signs of wear despite its heritage feel. The service is exceptional, especially the doormen who are not only handsome but also incredibly attentive. After just one day, they remembered my face and greeted me warmly every time I came or went—like a familiar friend. What truly stood out was when I forgot my toothbrush; instead of a basic disposable one, the housekeeping team delivered a high-quality Colgate-branded toothbrush. That little touch showed how much care goes into details. Even better, I received a small bag of Swiss chocolate upon check-in—my daughter absolutely loved it! It’s clear this hotel values guest experience beyond the basics. From warm hospitality to thoughtful gestures, everything felt personal and genuine. I’ll definitely be returning.
Staying at Hotel AKA Back Bay was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a 7- to 8-minute walk left from the hotel leads you straight into a vibrant, bustling area perfect for dining and shopping. All major attractions and theaters are within a 15-minute walk, making it incredibly convenient for exploring Boston. The room itself is spacious, clean, and stylish with a modern, minimalist design that feels both comfortable and inviting. The only minor downside is that the windows facing the street can get a bit noisy at night due to traffic, but it’s not enough to ruin the overall experience. For the price and location, this hotel offers exceptional value and a great base for any trip to Boston.
The location of Eurostars The Boxer is absolutely unbeatable—so convenient for getting around Boston that I ended up extending my stay by one night. The cleanliness and overall service were excellent, making the experience very comfortable. However, the restaurant left a lot to be desired. My burger was overcooked—both the patty and the buns were charred, almost burnt. The steak was similarly blackened, tasting more like jerky than a well-cooked meal. It's disappointing because everything else about the hotel was top-notch. If only the food quality could match the rest of the standard, this would be a perfect stay. Still, I’d definitely consider returning for future visits, especially given how central it is.
Staying at the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway was a great experience overall. The room was spacious and well-equipped with a full kitchen—fridge, dishwasher, oven, and basic cookware—perfect for preparing simple meals, especially if you're staying longer or prefer cooking your own food. The mattress was incredibly comfortable, and the hot water worked perfectly, making for a relaxing shower every time. The breakfast options were a bit limited, but I understand that American and Chinese tastes differ when it comes to food, so it’s not a dealbreaker. Housekeeping came every other day, which kept things tidy without being intrusive. The location is excellent—just steps from the subway, making it easy to get around Back Bay and Fenway. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this hotel offers great value and convenience. Highly recommend for travelers who want a home-like stay in Boston.
This hotel is absolutely fantastic! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Boston’s medical and academic district, surrounded by top hospitals and universities. It’s just a short walk to the Back Bay Fens, perfect for a peaceful stroll. On-site, there’s a cozy, retro-style dining spot reminiscent of an old-school cafeteria—great food, friendly service, and super convenient. Whether you're here for work, visiting family at the hospital, or exploring the city, this place hits all the right notes. Comfortable rooms, excellent value, and a real home-away-from-home vibe. I’ll definitely be back!
The Inn at St. Botolph offers an unbeatable location—just a short walk from downtown Boston and minutes away from subway access. Everything you need is within reach, from local cafes to shopping spots. The rooms are clean, cozy, and well-maintained, with friendly staff making the stay even more pleasant. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, and I’d definitely come back again.
This was our second stay at this hotel, and it was just as wonderful as the first. We brought our child along, and they had a peaceful, happy time exploring the quiet, well-maintained rooms and common areas. The staff were consistently friendly and attentive—every interaction felt personal and genuine. From check-in to room service, everything ran smoothly. The location is excellent: close to public transit, making it easy to explore downtown Boston and nearby attractions without hassle. The ambiance is calm and elegant, perfect for families or anyone seeking a relaxing retreat. With such high standards in comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality, this place truly stands out. We’ll definitely be back.
I’ll admit I was a bit nervous when I saw the other reviews on this site after booking—it was a last-minute decision, so I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The automated emails felt a little impersonal at first, and I worried whether someone was actually on the ground. But every time I reached out with a question, I got a quick and friendly response, which put me at ease. Once inside, everything was spotless and beautifully kept—so much better than I expected. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room, though compact, was exactly what we needed for a cozy stay. The front door was a bit stiff and required a firm pull to open, but that’s a minor detail. Our housekeeper was genuinely warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. I didn’t notice any thin walls since there were no other guests around during our visit. Overall, this place is perfect for a solo traveler or couple looking for a quiet, clean, and convenient base while exploring Boston. It’s not about luxury—it’s about comfort, value, and peace of mind. I’d absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for a reliable short-term stay without the hassle.
The location is decent, but getting in touch with the property was nearly impossible. I sent multiple emails and made several calls, but received absolutely no response—no confirmation, no updates, nothing. Several reviews already mentioned issues accessing the room, which makes the lack of communication even more concerning. There’s no on-site management, yet they claim to respond promptly. That promise rings hollow when you’re left waiting indefinitely just to book a room. It’s hard not to wonder if they’re still in business at all. If this is how guest service works, it’s a major red flag for anyone considering staying here.
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