
Raffles Boston
Best for spa-focused stays, newer design, and rooftop city views in Back Bay.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Raffles Boston is a newer five-star hotel in Back Bay with 147 rooms, a Guerlain Spa and a 20-meter indoor lap pool—good for travelers who want a contemporary luxury base near Copley Square. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston is an established, internationally recognized five-star hotel steps from Boston Common—best for guests prioritizing a central, traditional luxury address and event/meeting facilities.
Updated · about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) apart

Best for spa-focused stays, newer design, and rooftop city views in Back Bay.

Best for a central Boston Common location, large meeting and event capacity, and a traditional luxury hotel experience.
When Raffles Boston wins: choose Raffles if you want a newer property with a dedicated wellness floor (Guerlain Spa), an indoor 20-meter lap pool and contemporary Back Bay nightlife and dining within easy walking distance.
When The Ritz-Carlton, Boston wins: choose The Ritz-Carlton if you need a downtown location literally steps from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail, larger meeting/conference space, and a long-established luxury brand presence in that neighborhood.
Bottom line: both are five-star Boston hotels; pick Raffles for a modern wellness-forward Back Bay stay, pick The Ritz-Carlton for a classic luxury stay closest to Boston Common and the historic downtown attractions.
| Category | Raffles Boston | The Ritz-Carlton, Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary Back Bay luxury with a wellness focus and rooftop bars | Traditional downtown five-star hotel anchored to Boston Common |
| Location | 40 Trinity Place, Back Bay — steps from Copley Square and Newbury Street | 10 Avery St — steps from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail |
| Size (guestrooms) | 147 guestrooms | 193 guestrooms |
| Age / style | Newer, contemporary 35-story tower with modern design | Established, classic luxury hotel in a historic downtown setting |
| Pools | 20-meter indoor lap pool + oversized hot tub (wellness floor) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | La Padrona, Long Bar & Terrace, The Blind Duck, Café Pastel (multiple venues) | 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge listed (on-site dining and 24-hour room service) |
| Spa & wellness | Guerlain Spa with treatment rooms, saunas, steam room, signature 'Boston Energy' treatment | Spa services on site (details not fully published in supplier listing) |
| Meetings & events | Multiple event rooms including a 2,800 sq ft Raffles Ballroom and skyline terrace venues | 12296 sq ft of conference space across 9 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family policy | Welcomes children of any age; babysitting available; not adults-only | |
| Typical guests | Families, couples, wellness-focused travelers, event guests | Business and leisure travelers seeking a central downtown address and event attendees |
Raffles Boston sits in Back Bay at 40 Trinity Place, minutes from Copley Square and Newbury Street.
Choose Raffles for a hotel that places you in the shopping and dining heart of Back Bay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston is centrally located at 10 Avery St, directly adjacent to Boston Common and the Freedom Trail.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton for the most central downtown location near Boston's historic core.
Raffles Boston offers 147 guestrooms and suites with included Raffles Butler Service.
Expect modern rooms and included butler service at Raffles, tailored for a contemporary luxury stay.
The Ritz-Carlton lists 193 guestrooms ranging from city- and park-view rooms to multiple suite levels.
The Ritz-Carlton provides a larger range of traditional luxury room types with established standards.
Raffles Boston features several dining venues spanning casual to fine dining.
Raffles is a local dining destination with distinct venues for different moods.
The Ritz-Carlton offers on-site dining with 24-hour room service and at least one restaurant and bar/lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton provides classic on-site dining and easy access to downtown restaurant choices.
Raffles Boston centers its wellness offering on a dedicated floor with a 20-meter indoor lap pool.
If a pool and a full-service spa matter most, Raffles' dedicated wellness floor is a major draw.
The Ritz-Carlton lists spa services and fitness options as part of its on-site amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton provides spa and fitness amenities, but the supplier listing does not publish a pool.
Raffles mixes wellness services with nightlife options like rooftop bars and a speakeasy.
Raffles pairs a clear spa schedule with nightlife venues that keep the hotel lively after dark.
The Ritz-Carlton supports wellness and evenings with on-site spa services and a bar/lounge.
Ritz-Carlton covers the essentials for wellness and evening plans, with downtown nightlife nearby.

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

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston — steps from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston — 12,296 sq ft of conference space and 9 meeting rooms.

Raffles Boston — multiple on-site venues including La Padrona, Long Bar & Terrace, The Blind Duck and Café Pastel.
The Ritz-Carlton is steps from Boston Common; Raffles is about a 0.6-mile walk from the Common.
Raffles Boston publishes a 20-meter indoor lap pool and oversized hot tub. The Ritz-Carlton supplier listing notes a health club and spa services but does not publish pool details.
No — both properties welcome guests of all ages; both list policies that allow children to stay (Raffles explicitly notes children of any age are welcome).
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston has larger published conference capacity (about 12,296 sq ft across 9 meeting rooms). Raffles also offers extensive event spaces, including a large ballroom and several sky-level venues—choose based on the room type and view you prefer.
Explore how Raffles Boston stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·