
InterContinental Boston
Best for travelers who prioritize a luxury waterfront hotel with a full-service spa, a heated lap pool, and large wedding/conference ballrooms.
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InterContinental Boston is a 5-star waterfront hotel on Fort Point Channel with a full-service spa, a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool, and large ballrooms — good for travelers who want a higher-end stay, on-site wellness, or event space. Boston Marriott Long Wharf is a 4-star, harborfront Marriott beside Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium — a practical choice for guests who want a recognizable brand, easy harbor access, and conference facilities.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for travelers who prioritize a luxury waterfront hotel with a full-service spa, a heated lap pool, and large wedding/conference ballrooms.

Best for guests who want a reliable Marriott stay directly on the harbor, steps from the Aquarium and Faneuil Hall area with many meeting rooms.
When InterContinental Boston wins: choose InterContinental for a more upscale, full-service waterfront experience — spa treatments, a heated indoor lap pool included for guests, and larger, more formal ballrooms for weddings or big meetings.
When Boston Marriott Long Wharf wins: pick the Marriott for a practical harborfront base next to Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium, with extensive meeting space, an indoor pool, and direct access to Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall.
Bottom line: both hotels put you on Boston’s waterfront; InterContinental is the higher-end option with spa facilities and stronger event capabilities, while Marriott Long Wharf is a well-located, large-brand choice for families and groups looking to be near the Aquarium and downtown attractions.
| Category | InterContinental Boston | Boston Marriott Long Wharf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Luxury, business-and-event focused with spa and refined dining | Mainstream upscale, practical harborfront hotel |
| Location | Fort Point Channel waterfront between Financial District and Seaport | Long Wharf / Boston Harbor near New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall |
| Size (rooms) | 424 rooms | 412 guestrooms |
| Star rating | 5-star | 4-star |
| Pools | 45-foot heated indoor lap pool (complimentary for guests) | Indoor pool (listed) |
| Spa & fitness | Spa InterContinental (≈6,600 sq ft), treatment rooms, steam rooms, 24-hour fitness | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Matria (Northern Italian), Bar Fellini, Loyall Counting Room speakeasy, Five-10 Waterfront | Waterline (American) plus a bar/lounge and room service |
| Event space | About 32,000 sq ft across 11 function rooms including two grand ballrooms | Conference space ~8,200 sq ft with 17 meeting rooms |
| Nearby highlights | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Harborwalk, South Station, Freedom Trail | New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market |
| Accessibility & family policy | All-ages hotel (minimum check-in age 18 for registering adult); family-friendly amenities documented | All-ages hotel (children 18 and younger stay free with existing bedding) |
InterContinental sits on Fort Point Channel between the Financial District and Seaport.
Choose InterContinental for a slightly more Seaport/Financial District–adjacent waterfront position.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf faces the harbor at Long Wharf beside the New England Aquarium.
Pick Marriott Long Wharf if you want immediate access to the Aquarium, Quincy Market, and harbor boat services.
InterContinental offers 424 rooms with a range of channel- and water-view options plus club lounge access for a fee.
InterContinental focuses on larger, well-appointed rooms and suite options with club/lounge upgrades.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf lists a broad set of room types across 412 guestrooms, including harbor-view suites and accessible options.
Marriott Long Wharf provides a wide practical selection of rooms including harbor-view suites and accessible rooms.
InterContinental features multiple on-site venues centered on Italian and waterfront dining.
InterContinental offers a tighter group of higher-end dining and specialty bars within the hotel.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf serves American cuisine at Waterline plus a bar and limited room service.
Marriott is a straightforward option for American-style hotel dining with immediate access to many nearby restaurants.
InterContinental’s signature wellness feature is Spa InterContinental and its 45-foot heated indoor lap pool.
InterContinental is the stronger pick if an on-site spa and lap pool matter to you.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf lists an indoor pool and fitness facilities among its recreational amenities.
Marriott provides an indoor pool and fitness options but does not publish a full-service spa in its listing.
InterContinental’s on-site spa and specialty bars shape its after-hours and wellness offerings.
InterContinental suits guests who want on-site spa treatments and cocktail-focused nightlife within the hotel.
Marriott Long Wharf focuses on practical wellness and easy access to downtown nightlife.
Choose Marriott when you want easy access to Boston’s harborfront nightlife and tourist dining, with basic on-site wellness.

InterContinental Boston — Spa InterContinental and the 45-foot heated lap pool make it the better wellness choice.

Boston Marriott Long Wharf — immediate proximity to the New England Aquarium and Long Wharf sightseeing.

InterContinental Boston — roughly 32,000 sq ft of meeting space and two grand ballrooms for large functions.

Boston Marriott Long Wharf — 17 meeting rooms and established Marriott meeting operations for groups.
InterContinental Boston — Spa InterContinental (≈6,600 sq ft) publishes treatment menus, steam rooms, and guest pool access.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf — it sits steps from the New England Aquarium and Long Wharf departures.
InterContinental’s 45-foot indoor lap pool is complimentary for guests; Boston Marriott Long Wharf lists an indoor pool for guests in its amenities.
InterContinental Boston — larger overall event space and two grand ballrooms suited to weddings and big conferences.
Explore how InterContinental Boston stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·