HOTEL REVIEW • NORTH AMERICA • UNITED STATES • BOSTON

The Liberty – Boston’s Historic Jail Turned Luxury Hotel

A soaring prison rotunda, theatrical dining, and Beacon Hill access make this one of Boston’s most memorable adaptive-reuse stays.

Why it works

In historic Beacon Hill, The Liberty Hotel transforms the former Charles Street Jail into a luxury stay that preserves its past without feeling trapped by it.

The 90-foot lobby rotunda remains the dramatic centerpiece. Original cells survive inside CLINK, wrought-iron details frame the windows, and the former drunk tank now houses Alibi, a cocktail lounge decorated with celebrity mug shots.

Scampo takes its name from the Italian word for escape and serves bold Italian dishes influenced by the Mediterranean and Middle East. A tiled wood-fired oven, crime-inspired artwork, and crowd-pleasing pasta keep the room lively.

The hotel’s reception desk, crewel-inspired carpets, exposed brick, and wrought-iron chandelier balance structural history with modern comfort, while the social calendar keeps the property connected to Boston nightlife.

Top Takeaways

Location: Beacon Hill, Boston

Address: 215 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114

Rating: Four-star

The vibe: A storied former jail reborn as a spirited social hub for travelers and locals.

Food + Drink: CLINK serves New England cuisine; Scampo offers Italian and Mediterranean flavors; The Liberty Bar and Alibi handle cocktails.

Our favorite thing: Seasonal Yappier Hour brings hotel guests and Boston dog owners together for drinks and live music.

Amenities: Terrace, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, three restaurants, bar, and parking

What’s nearby? Charles River Esplanade, Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, Old State House, and the Hatch Shell

Rooms: 298 rooms and suites

Pricing: Nightly rates begin at $711

Closest Airport: Boston Logan International Airport

Gallery

A closer look