Boston's most iconic luxury hotel occupies a stunning 1851 Charles Street Jail. Original jail architecture — including 90-foot ceilings, catwalks, and the original granite facade — is transformed into a sophisticated retreat with 298 rooms, multiple restaurants, and a chic bar scene.
The Liberty Hotel occupies the storied 1851 Charles Street Jail on Beacon Hill, one of Boston's most imaginative adaptive-reuse projects in Massachusetts. Originally designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant in a stern granite Romanesque Revival style, the building served as the Suffolk County Jail for over 130 years before closing in 1990. A meticulous renovation retained the original 90-foot octagonal lantern tower, soaring catwalks, and barrel-vaulted granite corridors, transforming them into theatrical public spaces that are now among Boston's most photographed interiors. The hotel's 298 guest rooms and suites are distributed between the landmarked jail house and a contemporary tower addition, offering a range of configurations from cozy Superior Rooms to expansive corner suites with views of the Charles River and the Beacon Hill roofline. Rooms feature sophisticated furnishings, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Dining at the Liberty centers on the acclaimed Clink restaurant, whose bar operates inside the original cellblock beneath the catwalks, and the Alibi bar housed in the former drunk tank — one of Boston's most distinctive drinking venues. A state-of-the-art fitness center and concierge team complete the service offering. The hotel's Beacon Hill address on Charles Street places guests steps from the MBTA Red Line at Charles/MGH, the Esplanade along the Charles River, and Massachusetts General Hospital, with the Public Garden a short walk away. Valet parking is available. The Liberty attracts leisure travelers, visiting academics, and corporate guests seeking a stay that blends genuine Boston history with contemporary luxury. It is one of the most-booked luxury properties in Massachusetts, consistently earning five-star recognition for its singular sense of place.
Amenities
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Multiple restaurants
- Bar
- Concierge
- Valet parking
Location
215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Highlights
- Unique jail-to-hotel conversion
- outstanding Beacon Hill location
Tips for visiting
- Book rooms in the jail house section for the most dramatic historic character — catwalk views from upper-floor rooms are spectacular.
- Alibi bar in the former drunk tank is a must for at least one evening drink; it fills quickly on weekend nights.
- Valet parking is available but expensive; the Charles/MGH Red Line stop is a 2-minute walk for car-free arrivals.
- Beacon Hill fills during the Boston Marathon in April and fall foliage season — book 3–4 months ahead.
- Request a Charles River-facing room for some of the most serene views in Boston, especially at sunrise.
Accessibility
The Liberty Hotel offers ADA-compliant guest rooms with roll-in showers, accessible common areas, and elevator access throughout the historic and tower wings. Guests requiring mobility accommodations should request accessible rooms when booking; the concierge team can advise on specific requirements. Valet parking is available for guests who cannot use the nearby public transit stop.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is parking available at The Liberty Hotel?
Valet parking is available at the hotel for a nightly fee. Street parking on Beacon Hill is extremely limited; guests arriving by car are strongly advised to use the valet. The Charles/MGH Red Line MBTA stop is a two-minute walk for those arriving by public transit.
Does The Liberty Hotel have a restaurant on-site?
Yes. Clink restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine beneath the original cellblock catwalks. The Alibi bar, located in the former drunk tank, is celebrated as one of Boston's most atmospheric cocktail venues.
What makes The Liberty Hotel historically significant?
The hotel occupies the 1851 Charles Street Jail, designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant. The original granite facade, octagonal lantern tower, and soaring catwalks have been preserved, giving the property its distinctive character and making it a listed landmark on Beacon Hill.
How close is The Liberty Hotel to public transportation?
The Charles/MGH Red Line MBTA stop is approximately a 2-minute walk. The Green Line at Arlington and multiple bus routes are also within easy walking distance of the Beacon Hill location.