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 2022 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:  Courtesy of Sayamindu Dasgupta; July 4th fireworks photographed from Cambridge side of Charles River

Watch from a Roof Deck or Rooftop Terrace or Bar

Thanks to the current trendiness of rooftop terraces, decks, and bars, they're sprouting up on top of some of Boston's most popular hotels.  Here are the ones offering the best July 4th fireworks views:

Fifteen Beacon Hotel

Fifteen Beacon's roof top terrace
Fifteen Beacon's roof top terrace

Luxury boutique hotel Fifteen Beacon boasts a lovely roof 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 fabulous views from its private rooftop. 

You should expect high rates on the 4th - but your experience here will be priceless.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza's huge 3,000 foot rooftop deck next to their top-floor fitness room offers spectacular views of the July 4th fireworks - as well as sweeping views of Copley Square and Back Bay. 

While you can't hear the concert from the deck, the Copley Plaza streams it onto a big screen so that you can watch the performance and hear the music - in fact, you probably have a better view and sound quality that you would if you were watching from the Esplanade where the concert takes place in person.   

The following two hotels, the Envoy and YOTEL, have wonderful rooftop decks and although you'll need to to see walk over to the waterfront side of the Moakley Court House to see the full display of July 4th fireworks, they're the perfect spot for celebrating the rest of the holiday.

The Envoy Hotel

The Envoy's Rooftop Bar overlooking Boston Harbor
The Envoy's Rooftop Bar overlooking Boston Harbor

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 fireworks launched over the 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.

YOTEL Boston

The Envoy's Rooftop Bar overlooking Boston Harbor
YOTEL Boston's rooftop

YOTEL Boston's 11th floor Sky Lounge Rooftop + Terrace, also in the Seaport District, offers panoramic views of the city as well as partial views of the fireworks over the river.  Or, for better views, walk down to the waterfront.

Plenty of seating gives you room to spread out as you celebrate July 4th in Boston.

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, you can easily walk to the river, only 5-10 minutes away on foot. 

Liberty Hotel

Liberty Hotel view of fireworks area

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!

Whitney Hotel Hotel

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 a short distance 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 just a few minutes?  The Whitney is one of the closest hotels to both the Hatch Shell, where the Boston Pops concert takes place, and the banks of the river within ideal viewing distance.

Sheraton Boston Hotel

Sheraton Boston room with view of Charles River from window

The Sheraton Boston Hotel has the advantage of being tall and well-positioned to see 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 positioned to take advantage of the views - but you can still enjoy them during your stay in this upscale business hotel. 

Marriott Hotel Copley Place - Boston

View from Marriott Hotel Boston at Copley Place

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, try out the pool - it's one of the best in the city.  

Marriott Hotel in Cambridge

Marriott Hotel near Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA

Marriott Hotel near Kendall Square near MIT offers sweeping views of the Charles River from many of its 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

Nine Zero Hotel - Boston

View from corner room at Nine Zero Hotel in Boston

Corner rooms on higher floors at Nine Zero Hotel 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 Nine Zero's location near many of Boston's historic sites in the oldest part of the city puts it close to many of the HarborFest activities going on in early July. 

Hotels within Close Walking Distance of the Fireworks

The Lenox

Boston July 4th fireworks
You can see the Lenox Hotel (look for the red sign, lower left corner) in this photo of July 4th fireworks over the Charles River
Photo courtesy of Merritt Boyd

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. 

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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.


Boston July 4th fireworks
Fireworks photographed from Cambridge
Photo courtesy of Sayamindu Dasgupta

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

See the panoramic river view at the Westin Copley Place in Boston - perfect for July 4 fireworks

The Westin Copley Place Hotel located near the Marriott Hotel Copley Place shares similar views and is a great choice. 

As you can see in the photo, the best Charles River views are from corner rooms on high floors. 

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

See the river view from upper floors of the Boston Hilton Back Bay Hotel

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.

This photo shows the view from an upper floor. 

How to get this 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

Find out about July 4th Boston fireworks views from Hotel Marlowe in 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

Best rooms for viewing July 4th Boston fireworks at Hyatt Regency Cambridge MA hotel

The hotel does not guarantee that the fireworks can be seen from a river view room, and in fact the hotel is too far away to provide the best unobstructed views.

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 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.


Q & A about Hotels for Viewing Boston's Fireworks

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