
Raffles Boston
Best for five-star Back Bay polish, a dedicated Guerlain Spa, and a 20-meter indoor lap pool.
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Raffles Boston is a five-star Back Bay hotel for travelers who want polished luxury, a destination spa, and skyline dining. Hotel Commonwealth is a popular upscale Kenmore Square property suited to visitors who want easy access to Fenway Park and a lively neighborhood scene.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for five-star Back Bay polish, a dedicated Guerlain Spa, and a 20-meter indoor lap pool.

Best for easy Fenway Park access, a broad selection of room types, and a lively Kenmore Square location.
When Raffles Boston wins: choose Raffles if you want a refined Back Bay base with signature butler service, a prominent Guerlain Spa, an indoor lap pool, and rooftop-style cocktail venues.
When Hotel Commonwealth wins: pick Hotel Commonwealth if you want to be steps from Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, prefer an established neighborhood hotel with larger room inventory and convenient on-site dining options like Blue Ribbon Sushi.
Bottom line: both are stylish Boston bases; Raffles is the five-star, spa-forward option in Back Bay, while Hotel Commonwealth is an upscale, more familiar Kenmore/Fenway pick for game days and neighborhood walks.
| Category | Raffles Boston | Hotel Commonwealth |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star, formal-luxury Back Bay hotel with signature butler service. | Popular upscale Kenmore Square hotel with a neighborhood, sports-friendly feel. |
| Location | Back Bay — steps from Copley Square, Newbury Street and cultural landmarks. | Kenmore Square — steps from Boston University and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Fenway Park. |
| Size | 147 guestrooms in a 35-story tower (hotel occupies lower floors). | 245 individually decorated guestrooms. |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; family-friendly amenities and babysitting available (surcharge). | |
| Pools | 20-meter indoor lap pool and oversized hot tub (guest access). | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues incl. La Padrona (Italian), Long Bar & Terrace, The Blind Duck, Café Pastel. | Two restaurants including Blue Ribbon Sushi, plus a bar/lounge and room service. |
| Spa & wellness | Guerlain Spa with treatment rooms, saunas, steam, signature 'Boston Energy' treatment and fitness centre. | Not published |
| Known for | Luxury service, butler service, skyline cocktail venues, wellness floor. | Proximity to Fenway Park and Kenmore Square; large event/ballroom capacity. |
| Event space | Multiple sky-level ballrooms and meeting rooms (wedding/event capacities listed). | 16446 sq ft of conference/meeting space and a ballroom; wedding services available. |
| Parking & transport notes | On-site valet parking, EV charging; steps from Back Bay/rail connections. | Valet parking (surcharge); close to MBTA Green Line/kenmore and nearby universities. |
Raffles Boston sits in Back Bay near Copley Square and Newbury Street — a compact, walkable neighborhood of shops and cultural sites.
Choose Raffles for a central shopping and culture-oriented Back Bay location.
Hotel Commonwealth is in Kenmore Square, in the Fenway–BU corridor and within comfortable walking distance of Fenway Park.
Choose Hotel Commonwealth if proximity to Fenway Park or Kenmore's neighborhood energy matters.
Raffles Boston has 147 guestrooms and suites with signature Raffles Butler Service included.
Raffles is for travelers seeking a compact, high-service luxury room offering.
Hotel Commonwealth offers 245 individually decorated guestrooms across many room types and accessible options.
Hotel Commonwealth fits travelers wanting a wider choice of room styles and accessibility options.
Raffles positions multiple signature venues — fine Italian, rooftop-style cocktail bar, and a European café.
Raffles is a good choice if on-site, upscale dining and cocktail destinations are a priority.
Hotel Commonwealth offers two restaurants and a bar/lounge with a focus on neighborhood dining and convenient service.
Hotel Commonwealth works well for guests who want solid on-site dining and quick access to Kenmore’s restaurant scene.
Raffles Boston's wellness floor groups the Guerlain Spa, a 20-meter indoor lap pool, hot tub, and fitness facilities.
Raffles is the clear choice for guests prioritizing an on-site spa and pool program.
Hotel Commonwealth highlights on-site fitness and neighborhood recreation but does not publish an on-site pool or a full spa in its listing.
Hotel Commonwealth is better for guests who value neighborhood access and fitness rather than an on-site spa and pool.
Raffles concentrates on a curated wellness and nightlife program anchored by Guerlain Spa and rooftop cocktail venues.
Choose Raffles for a wellness-led stay with elevated evening cocktail options.
Hotel Commonwealth's nightlife and entertainment value come from its Kenmore location and proximity to Fenway events.
Hotel Commonwealth is a practical pick for concert- and game-oriented stays.

Raffles Boston — Guerlain Spa, 20-meter indoor lap pool and dedicated wellness floor.

Hotel Commonwealth — steps from Kenmore Square and about 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Fenway Park.

Raffles Boston — multiple signature venues including La Padrona and The Blind Duck.

Hotel Commonwealth — larger room inventory (245 rooms) and significant conference/ballroom space.
Hotel Commonwealth — it's in Kenmore Square and about 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Fenway Park, making it the easier walk for game days.
Raffles Boston — it has the Guerlain Spa, a 20-meter indoor lap pool, hot tub, saunas and steam rooms.
No — both properties welcome guests of all ages; neither is marketed as adults-only.
Raffles Boston — located in Back Bay near Copley Square, Newbury Street and several cultural sites.
Explore how Raffles Boston stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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