
InterContinental Boston
Best for travelers who want waterfront views, a full-service spa with a heated indoor lap pool, and larger modern ballrooms for weddings and conferences.
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InterContinental Boston is a contemporary 5-star waterfront hotel on Fort Point Channel; read this if you want modern rooms, waterfront event spaces, and a hotel spa with a lap pool. Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston is a grand historic 4.5-star landmark in Copley Square; read this if you prefer classical architecture, central Back Bay location, and a long-established luxury hotel experience.
Updated · about 2.3 km apart

Best for travelers who want waterfront views, a full-service spa with a heated indoor lap pool, and larger modern ballrooms for weddings and conferences.

Best for travelers who want a landmark hotel in the heart of Back Bay steps from Newbury Street, Copley Square, and the Boston Public Library.
When InterContinental Boston wins: choose it for contemporary waterfront rooms, a Spa InterContinental with a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool and steam rooms, and larger modern ballrooms and event capacities for big weddings or conferences.
When Fairmont Copley Plaza wins: pick it for a central Copley Square address, historic character, classic public rooms, and proximity to Newbury Street, Boston Public Library, and shopping/arts in Back Bay.
Bottom line: both are upscale Boston hotels with event appeal — InterContinental leans contemporary with waterfront facilities and spa amenities, while Fairmont Copley Plaza offers a landmark Back Bay experience with classic rooms and immediate access to Copley Square.
| Category | InterContinental Boston | Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary 5-star waterfront hotel with modern public spaces | Grand historic 4.5-star luxury hotel and Boston landmark |
| Location | Fort Point Channel / Seaport edge (waterfront) | Copley Square, Back Bay (steps from Newbury Street & Boston Public Library) |
| Size | 424 rooms | 383 rooms |
| Age / style | Built 2006; modern architecture and contemporary design | Historic landmark hotel with classic early-20th-century character |
| Pools | 45-foot heated indoor lap pool (complimentary for guests) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Matria, Bar Fellini, Loyall Counting Room, Five-10 Waterfront (Italian, speakeasy, waterfront dining) | OAK Long Bar + Kitchen (American cuisine); 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge listed |
| Spa & wellness | Spa InterContinental — ~6,600 sq ft, 6 treatment rooms, steam rooms, 24-hour fitness | Not published |
| Meeting & event space | About 32,000 sq ft across 11 function rooms; two grand ballrooms (Rose Kennedy, Abigail Adams) | Approximately 25,000 sq ft of conference and banquet space across 14 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family policy | General-audience hotel; minimum check-in age 18; wheelchair-accessible pool and public spaces | All-ages property (not adults-only); accessible meeting spaces; connecting rooms available on request |
| Nearby highlights | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, South Station, Harborwalk, Boston Harbor | Copley Square, Newbury Street, Boston Public Library, Prudential Center |
InterContinental Boston sits on the Fort Point Channel waterfront between the Financial District and Seaport.
Choose InterContinental for waterfront access and Seaport/harbor activity.
Fairmont Copley Plaza is in the heart of Back Bay at Copley Square.
Choose Fairmont Copley Plaza for a central Back Bay location and proximity to shopping and cultural venues.
InterContinental Boston has 424 contemporary rooms and suites with many water- or city-view options.
InterContinental fits travelers who want modern rooms with water views and a club lounge option.
Fairmont Copley Plaza offers 383 air-conditioned rooms in a historic setting with classic furnishings.
Fairmont Copley Plaza suits guests who want classic, traditionally furnished rooms in a landmark property.
InterContinental offers multiple on-site venues with waterfront and Italian-focused options.
InterContinental provides a wider contemporary dining program with waterfront and speakeasy options.
Fairmont Copley Plaza's on-site dining centers on OAK Long Bar + Kitchen and in-room service.
Fairmont focuses on a single signature restaurant and classic hotel dining service in Back Bay.
InterContinental’s signature amenity is Spa InterContinental and its indoor heated lap pool.
InterContinental is the choice for guests who prioritize an on-site pool and a modern spa.
Fairmont Copley Plaza’s standouts are its historic public rooms and large meeting/banquet facilities in Copley Square.
Fairmont is ideal if the historic ballroom setting and Back Bay ceremony locations matter more than on-site pools.
InterContinental offers 24-hour fitness, a full spa and late-night cocktail venues.
InterContinental serves guests who want a full spa, late-night bars, and a 24-hour gym.
Fairmont Copley Plaza provides classic hotel services, concierge help and traditional bar/lounge hours.
Fairmont works well for travelers who plan to spend evenings exploring Back Bay restaurants and cultural venues.

InterContinental Boston — direct Fort Point Channel location, water taxi access, and waterfront dining.

Fairmont Copley Plaza — steps from Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Boston Public Library.

InterContinental Boston — Spa InterContinental with a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool and steam rooms.

Fairmont Copley Plaza — a long-standing Boston landmark with classic public rooms and Fairmont Gold offerings.
InterContinental Boston has larger modern ballrooms and meeting capacities (up to ~1,200 guests across event spaces), while Fairmont Copley Plaza has substantial historic banquet space (about 25,000 sq ft). Choose InterContinental for larger contemporary events and Fairmont for a historic ballroom setting.
Fairmont Copley Plaza — it sits at Copley Square, within steps of Newbury Street, the Boston Public Library, and Prudential Center.
Yes — InterContinental Boston has a Spa InterContinental and a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool that guests can use. Fairmont Copley Plaza's supplier listing does not publish a pool or spa detail.
Both properties accept guests of all ages. InterContinental Boston explicitly lists family-friendly amenities; Fairmont Copley Plaza is not adults-only and notes services such as babysitting (surcharge).
Explore how InterContinental Boston stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·