
InterContinental Boston
Best for business travelers, meetings, and guests who want waterfront views, a full-service spa, and an indoor lap pool.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
InterContinental Boston is a 5-star waterfront hotel with polished business facilities, a full-service spa, and an indoor lap pool — read this if you want a refined, harbor-front stay or need event space. W Boston, a Marriott Hotel is a style-driven 4-star property in the Theater District — read this if you want a livelier, design-forward hotel near theaters, bars, and Boston Common.
Updated · about 1.0 km apart

Best for business travelers, meetings, and guests who want waterfront views, a full-service spa, and an indoor lap pool.

Best for travelers seeking a trendy, nightlife-oriented stay in the Theater District near Boston Common and local theaters.
When InterContinental Boston wins: choose InterContinental for waterfront views, larger meeting and event spaces, a full-service spa (Spa InterContinental) and a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool that’s complimentary for guests.
When W Boston wins: pick W Boston for a central Theater District location, a design-forward hotel with two bars and a livelier nightlife vibe steps from Emerson College, Wilbur Theatre, and Boston Common.
Bottom line: InterContinental is the more formal, waterfront option with stronger spa and event facilities; W Boston is the more energetic, style-focused choice for theatergoers and travelers who want to be in the downtown action.
| Category | InterContinental Boston | W Boston, a Marriott Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Polished waterfront luxury, business- and event-focused | Style-driven, energetic, nightlife-oriented |
| Location | Fort Point Channel waterfront between Financial District and Seaport | Boston’s Theater District, steps from Boston Common and local theaters |
| Size (rooms) | 424 rooms | 238 guestrooms |
| Stars / rating | 5-star / 4-Diamond (hotel marketing) | 4-star · guest rating 9.2 |
| Pool | 45-foot heated indoor lap pool (guest access complimentary) | Not published |
| Spa / wellness | Spa InterContinental (≈6,600 sq ft, 6 treatment rooms, steam rooms, 24-hour fitness) | Wheelchair-accessible spa listed; detailed spa facilities not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Matria, Bar Fellini, Loyall Counting Room, Five-10 Waterfront (waterfront dining & speakeasy) | The Gallery (American), 2 bars/lounges, room service (limited hours) |
| Meetings & events | About 32,000 sq ft of event space across 11 function rooms, two grand ballrooms (large capacity) | Conference space 950 sq ft, 7 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family policy | General-audience hotel; wheelchair-accessible pool and many accessibility features; minimum check-in age 18 for registering adult | |
| Nearby highlights | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, South Station, Harborwalk, Freedom Trail access | Boston Common, Wilbur Theatre, Copley Square, Freedom Trail nearby |
InterContinental Boston sits on Fort Point Channel with direct harborwalk access and immediate proximity to South Station.
Choose InterContinental if you want waterfront access and easy transit/harbor connections.
W Boston is in the Theater District, a short walk from Boston Common and many performance venues.
Choose W Boston if you want to be in the center of theater, nightlife, and downtown walking routes.
InterContinental offers 424 rooms and a range of suites with water-view options and a Club lounge add-on.
InterContinental focuses on roomy, polished accommodations with a waterside orientation.
W Boston has 238 guestrooms with a mix of Standard, Superior, Premier, studios, and multiple suites including penthouse and presidential options.
W Boston leans toward modern, design-forward rooms with a range of accessible room types.
InterContinental provides formal and waterfront dining options plus an intimate speakeasy bar.
InterContinental emphasizes refined waterfront dining and multiple distinct bar concepts.
W Boston offers on-site casual American dining and two bars for a more social evening scene.
W Boston caters to guests who want accessible, social dining and bar options near theaters.
InterContinental’s standout amenity is its 45-foot heated indoor lap pool within the Spa InterContinental complex.
InterContinental is the clear choice if an indoor lap pool and integrated spa access matter.
W Boston’s supplier listing does not publish a pool; spa facilities are mentioned but details are limited.
If a pool is essential, rely on InterContinental; W Boston’s pool status is not published.
InterContinental combines a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness with a quieter, refined evening scene.
InterContinental suits guests looking for structured spa treatments and a calmer evening environment.
W Boston positions itself around nightlife and theater access, with two bars and proximity to late-night venues.
Pick W Boston for theatre nights, bars, and a more social hotel scene.

InterContinental Boston — waterfront rooms, Spa InterContinental, and a guest-access indoor lap pool.

W Boston — located in the Theater District near Wilbur Theatre and Boston Common with an energetic bar scene.

InterContinental Boston — roughly 32,000 sq ft of event space and two grand ballrooms for large conferences or weddings.

W Boston — design-forward rooms, penthouse and presidential suite options, and a buzzy downtown location.
InterContinental Boston: it has far larger and more numerous event spaces (about 32,000 sq ft across 11 function rooms, including two grand ballrooms).
W Boston: it’s in the Theater District, a short walk from Wilbur Theatre, Colonial Theatre, and other performance venues.
InterContinental Boston has a 45-foot heated indoor lap pool that’s complimentary for hotel guests. W Boston’s supplier listing does not publish a pool.
InterContinental Boston generally offers a more formal, business-polished environment with waterfront dining and an intimate speakeasy bar.
Explore how InterContinental Boston stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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