The best hotels for viewing Boston fireworks from guestrooms on July 4th overlook the Charles River from the Cambridge side - but many Boston hotels also offer excellent views from guestrooms and rooftop terraces and bars.
Still others are within easy walking distance of prime viewing spots long the Esplanade next to the Charles River.
If watching the 2024 July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular will be the highlight of your Boston stay, consider staying in one of the hotels in Boston and Cambridge where you can watch the display over the Charles River from the comfort of your room or the hotel's rooftop.
In addition, the big 45-minute Harborfest Fireworks celebration takes place on July 2 this year from Long Wharf in Boston's Inner Harbor.
This exciting display will be visible from most areas around the Harbor, so consider staying in a hotel overlooking the water and watching from your room (if you request one with a view), or walking a short distance to the waterfront.
Here are Boston Discovery Guide's recommendations for hotels for watching Boston's July 2nd and July 4th fireworks, organized by viewing location.
Find out about Boston's July 4th fireworks
Top photo: July 4th fireworks photographed from Cambridge side of Charles River - Photo credit: iStock.com/3dan3
Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Learn more
Watch from Hotel Rooftop Decks
Thanks to the appeal of rooftop terraces, decks, and bars, they're sprouting up on top of some of Boston's most newest and popular hotels.
Unfortunately, they're limited only to hotel guests, and in one case, only to a subset of the hotel's guests.
Here are two Boston hotels offering the July 4th fireworks views from rooftop decks:
Fifteen Beacon Hotel
Luxury boutique hotel Fifteen Beacon boasts a lovely private rooftop deck above its 10th floor where guests can watch the July 4th fireworks in comfort and seclusion.
Located at the foot of Beacon Hill and one of the best Boston luxury hotels, the XV Beacon gives you wonderful views of the city skyline as well.
You should expect high rates on the 4th - but your experience here will be priceless.
Find more Downtown Boston hotels
Fairmont Copley Plaza
The Fairmont Copley Plaza's rooftop deck next to their fitness room offers views of the July 4th fireworks - as well as sweeping views of Copley Square and Back Bay.
On July 4th, the hotel provides access to the deck to their Fairmont Gold guests only.
Check out other recommended Back Bay hotels
Boston Fireworks from Some Hotel Guest Rooms
Enjoy spectacular views of Boston's Independence Day fireworks from your room at this hotel.
Some of these hotels are a little farther from the river, and may not have quite as many rooms with views of the July 4th fireworks - but if you can reserve a room with a view, it should be terrific.
If all of the rooms with fireworks views are booked, don't worry - you can easily walk from the hotel to the river, only 5-10 minutes away on foot.
Liberty Hotel
Super hotel for viewing Boston fireworks - views from guestrooms in the 16th floor tower overlooking the fireworks site cannot be beat!
For the ultimate viewing experience, splurge on a suite with a private terrace overlooking the Charles River.
Expect a terrific experience at the Liberty, starting with a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival.
Be sure to ask for a room with fireworks views when you make your reservation!
Find best rates and make your reservation
Whitney Hotel Boston
Some river-facing rooms on upper floors at the Whitney Hotel on Charles Street in Beacon Hill may have excellent views of the fireworks, as the hotel is just across Storrow Drive from the Esplanade and the section of the river where barges used for launching the fireworks are located.
Trees may partially block the views from rooms on lower floors. Call the hotel to get their recommendation before booking.
But why watch from the hotel when you can walk to the Esplanade along the river in about two minutes?
The Whitney (which is across the street from the Liberty Hotel, above) is one of the closest hotels to both the Hatch Shell, where the Boston Pops concert takes place, and the river banks where you'll find ideal viewing.
Find out more about the Whitney Hotel and other Beacon Hill hotels
Sheraton Boston Hotel
The Sheraton Boston Hotel has the advantage of being tall and well-positioned for seeing the fireworks over the river - so lots of rooms here offer terrific views, as do many of the hotel's the public spaces.
Unfortunately, the rooftop indoor/outdoor pool and surrounding deck are not in the right locationto take advantage of the views - but you can still enjoy them during your stay in this upscale business hotel.
- Find best rates and reviews, and check availability
- Similar height hotel to consider nearby: Boston Hilton
Marriott Hotel Copley Place - Boston
The Marriott Hotel Copley Place's Back Bay location near Copley Square places it almost directly in line with the fireworks launch site, even though it is about a 10-minute walk from the river.
Its height provides excellent views from the higher floors on the river-facing side - so be sure to call the hotel and explain that you want a room with great fireworks views.
The Marriott's public spaces also provide good viewing options.
When you're not watching the fireworks, cool off in the pool, one of the best in the city.
Read reviews and get best rates
Marriott Hotel in Cambridge
Marriott Hotel Cambridge near Kendall Square near MIT offers sweeping views of the Charles River from many of its upper guest rooms.
Although height alone makes this Marriott one of the best hotels for Boston fireworks viewing, you can also easily walk to the river (5 minutes at the most), where you'll find plenty of good spots for viewing and slightly smaller crowds than on the Boston side.
Need more space? You can find reasonably priced suites at Marriott's Residence Inn Cambridge, practically next door.
Find best rates and check availability for the Marriott Hotel Cambridge
More information about the Residence Inn Cambridge
Hotel AKA Boston Common
Corner rooms on higher floors at Hotel AKA Boston Common offer spectactular views of the Boston fireworks on July 4th - although you'll enjoy the vistas from these rooms any day you happen to be there.
The Hotel AKA Boston Common's location near many of Boston's historic sites in the oldest part of the city also puts it close to many of the HarborFest activities going on in early July.
Read reviews and get best rates
Celebrate on Rooftop Decks (But Walk to the River to See the Fireworks)
The following two hotels, the Envoy and YOTEL, have wonderful rooftop decks for celebrating the 4th but offer, at best, only very obstructed glimpses of the top of the fireworks.
Although you'll need to to see walk over to the waterfront side of the Moakley Court House (or, much better, to the Boston or Cambridge side of the Charles River) to see the full display of July 4th fireworks, they're the perfect spot for celebrating under the stars during the rest of the holiday.
The Envoy Hotel
The Envoy Hotel's Lookout Rooftop bar and large wrap-around roof deck with comfy seating gives patrons a lot to love, even though the Moakley Courthouse blocks the view of the July 4th fireworks launched over the Charles River.
However, you can easily walk down to the Harbor, or even over to the river for a closer view. Then come back to the Envoy's rooftop terrace and enjoy the rest of the holiday. With, of course, the drink of your choice in your hand.
The Envoy is located in the Seaport District on the South Boston Waterfront overlooking the Harbor and Fort Point Channel.
Compare rates and read reviews
More about South Boston Waterfront hotels
YOTEL Boston
YOTEL Boston's 11th floor Sky Lounge Rooftop + Terrace, also in the Seaport District, offers panoramic views of the city as well as glimpses of the top of the fireworks over the river.
For better views of the full fireworks display, walk down to the nearby waterfront on the other side of the Moakley Courthouse.
Of course, the rooftop terrace provides an appealing spot to gather for the holiday even if you're not interested in the fireworks. Plenty of seating gives you room to spread out as you celebrate July 4th in Boston.
Compare rates and read reviews
Hotels within Close Walking Distance of the Fireworks
The Lenox
The independently-owned Lenox, an upscale boutique hotel known for its personalized service, features a wonderful location near Copley Square in the ritzy Back Bay neighborhood, and is within easy walking distance of the Esplanade for fireworks viewing.
Boston Hotel Map
Enter your travel dates to see hotels, available rooms, and get accurate rates.
Booking.comMore about how to save on Boston hotels
Boston Insider Tip: Which Side Is Best?
The best hotels for viewing the fireworks from the shore are actually on the Cambridge side of the river.
But keep in mind, the huge fireworks display feels like it fills the entire night sky.
As long as your room faces the river and isn't blocked by another building or trees, you should have a great view.
More Boston and Cambridge Hotels with Fireworks Views - or Near the River
A number of other Boston hotels, particularly in the Back Bay neighborhood and Cambridge, offer fireworks views from some of their rooms and public spaces, while others are close to the banks of the Charles River if you want to walk over for an outdoor view.
Some rooms, especially on lower floors, may have obstructed views while others may not be at the right angle to see the part of the river where the fireworks take place.
So if you want a view from your room, make sure you check directly with the hotel when you make your reservation.
Westin Copley Place - Boston
The Westin Copley Place Hotel located near the Marriott Hotel Copley Place shares similar views and is a great choice.
As you can perhaps guess from the above photo, the best Charles River views are from high floors. The panoramic views from corner rooms are especially thrilling.
You need to be on the river-side of the hotel - so be sure to verify your room location when you make reservations.
Boston Hilton in Back Bay
Located near the Boston Sheraton, the Boston Hilton Back Bay is another tall business hotel offering nice amenities and superb fireworks views from its upper floors facing the river.
How to get a great view: you must request it when you make your reservation, as only some of the rooms overlook this particular part of the river where the fireworks display takes place.
Boston Insider Tip
Keep in mind that rates at many Boston hotels soar almost as high as the fireworks for July 4th - so consider saving money by making reservations at a hotel within convenient walking distance of the river but not necessarily with a view from your room. Or, go to the other extreme and splurge on a room at the XV Beacon, the only Boston hotel with a roof deck where you can watch the fireworks.
Hotel Marlowe - Cambridge
Located across across Land Boulevard from the Royal Sonesta, the Marlowe ofters a convenient Cambridge location close to the Charles River.
Although you cannot see the fireworks from the hotel, you can easily walk to the river for a view.
The Marlowe is known for its cool vibe, and will be a fun place to stay for the holiday.
Hyatt Regency - Cambridge
Although you might think that the Hyatt Regency Cambridge might have fantastic views of the fireworks, the hotel does not guarantee that they can be seen, even from a river view room, because the hotel is too far away to provide the best unobstructed views.
Sometimes it feels like Boston and Cambridge have too many trees!
However, because of the hotel's location on the Charles River, you can easily walk to find a spot to watch the fireworks on the river embankment or on the nearby Mass Ave Bridge.
The Newbury Boston
Although you won't be able to see the fireworks from The Newbury Boston, located directly across from Boston's Public Garden, the hotel's location close to the Charles River launch site for the fireworks means that just a short 5-10 minute walk will bring you to excellent riverside viewing spots.
Essentials: Hotel Contact Information
Check reviews and rates on line to find best prices and possibly deals (if you start early enough) - but then call the hotels directly to make sure of getting a room with a view.
Use the local numbers shown below, ask to speak with the Front Desk Manager, and explain what you want.
- AKA Hotel Boston Common: 617-772-5800 - reviews and best rates
- Boston Hilton Back Bay: 617-236-1100 - reviews and best rates
- Envoy Hotel: 617-338-3030 - reviews & best rates
- Fairmont Copley Plaza: 617-267-5300 - reviews & best rates
- Fifteen Beacon: 617-670-1500 - reviews and best rates
- The Lenox Hotel: 617-536-5300 - reviews & best rates
- Liberty Hotel: 617-224-4000 - reviews and best rates
- Marlowe Hotel, Cambridge: 617-868-8000 - reviews and best rates
- The Newbury Boston: 617-536-5700 - reviews & best rates
- Marriott Hotel Copley Place: 617-236-5800 - reviews and best rates
- Marriott Hotel Cambridge, Kendall Square: 617-494-6600 - reviews and best rates
- Sheraton Boston: 617-236-2000 - reviews and best rates
- Westin Copley Place: 617-262-9600 - reviews and best rates
- Whitney Hotel: 617-367-1866 - reviews & best rates
- YOTEL Boston: 617-377-4747 - reviews & best rates
Q & A about Hotels for Viewing Boston's Fireworks
- Best Hotels for Fireworks & Boston Pops on July 4th
Can you recommend some hotels that are within walking distance of Boston's fireworks and the Pops Concert? - Why You Can't See & Hear Boston's July 4th Fireworks & Concert from Most Hotels
Is there a good Boston hotel to stay in where you can both hear the concert and see the fireworks on July 4th? - Hotel Rooftop Terraces for Viewing Boston's July 4th Fireworks
I have read of a hotel that offers rooftop seating for the Boston Pops 4th of July concert. Supposedly you can hear well and see the fireworks display. Do you know of such a hotel?
More Boston hotels: All Boston Hotels - Newest Hotels - Deals & Discounts - Theatre District Hotels - Boston Marathon - Hotels with Fireplaces - Seaport/CruisePort Hotels - New Year's Eve Packages - Inexpensive Hotels - Discount Hotels - Back Bay Hotels - Hotels near Fireworks - Hotels with Outdoor Pools - Faneuil Market Hotels - Valentine's Day Packages - Downtown Boston - Park & Fly - Airport Hotels - Waterfront - Seaport - Historic Downtown - Suburban Hotels - Fenway Park Hotels - TD Garden Hotels - Gillette Stadium Hotels - Financial District
