Pros

  • Around the corner from TD Garden, near bars and casual eateries
  • Within walking distance of several major sites
  • Stylish rooms have lots of personality
  • In-room minibars, hairdryers, quality toiletries, and desks
  • Ruby Room serves casual fare and cocktails
  • Free nightly wine hours and morning coffee
  • Compact fitness center with cardio machines and free weights
  • 24-hour room service
  • Bikes available to borrow for free
  • Pets allowed for free, without size limit
  • Wi-Fi included in the amenity fee
See More Pros

Cons

  • Daily amenity fee
  • Pricey valet parking
  • Some rooms may be subject to street noise
  • Rooms and gym are on the small side
See More Cons

Bottom Line

A three-minute walk from TD Garden, the upper-middle-range Kimpton Onyx Hotel is a contemporary property with a great location for all types of travelers. Its 112 rooms can be a bit small, but they have bright pops of red, flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations, and well-stocked minibars. Nightly free wine hours and a pet-friendly policy create a pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, a daily amenity fee is charged to cover things such as Wi-Fi and access to a small fitness room, which are typically free at comparable hotels. Other key features include a lounge-like eatery off the lobby and a basement meeting room. If being close to TD Garden is a primary concern, it's worth comparing rates with the nearby Boxer. Kimpton devotees preferring to be near Boston Common can upgrade to the romantic Nine Zero, though it's pricier.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton Onyx Hotel

Scene

Stylish, pet-friendly property that's well-situated for sports fans

Wedged between its neighbors on a narrow side street, the Kimpton Onyx Hotel’s handsome 11-story facade combines classic brickwork with metal accents that fits in well with the Boston architecture. The lobby is more contemporary but a bit loud, due partly to speckled tile floors and brown-and-beige patterned carpet. It's largely brash because of the Ruby Room eatery and bar, which occupies a large portion of the lobby and is separated from reception by a chain curtain. Boasting a red leather bar under a sparkly chandelier and a mix of red and black bucket chairs, it’s touted as a full-service restaurant, though has the feel of a cocktail lounge. This vibrant style continues into the guest rooms. There's little else of interest on-site, aside from nightly free wine hours typical of the chain, but the crowd of mostly sports lovers or pet-touting tourists find the hotel acts as a good base. 

See More Scene

Location

In the West End, a quick walk from TD Garden

Set on a rather barren street, the Kimpton Onyx is ideal for spectators who’ve come to watch the Celtics or Bruins play at home in TD Garden, which is right around the corner. In the immediate area are several sports bars and fast-food joints, and this West End location is in close proximity to popular North End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods. Travelers are within a 20-minute walk of many top tourist sights. For those who prefer using Boston’s public transit system, the Haymarket T Station and North Station transportation hub are both five minutes away on foot. Boston Logan International Airport is about a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.

  • 10-minute walk to the Old North Church
  • 11-minute walk to Faneuil Hall Marketplace or Paul Revere House 
  • 15-minute walk to the Museum of Science
  • 17-minute walk to New England Aquarium
  • 19-minute walk to Public Garden Swan Boats
  • 20-minute walk to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
See More Location

Rooms

Contemporary rooms that are fun and functional

In a city that's chock full of hotels capitalizing on its colonial past, the Onyx distinguishes itself by providing contemporary accommodations with lots of personality. Done up in charcoal tones, they combine oversized wood headboards, leather-like wallpaper (complete with faux stitching), and zigzag carpeting, with bright pops of red in carved dresser/desk combos, bed skirts, and throw pillows. Playful pillows -- some in collegiate colors and others with the text “wicked smaht'’ -- add nods to Boston. Rooms are on the small side, but all have air-conditioning, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, yoga mats, and iHome docking stations, as well as plenty of plugs and USB ports. Bathrooms papered in a houndstooth pattern come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted bulk Atelier Bloem toiletries, and hooded fleece robes. 

Unfortunately, the short street the hotel sits on is home to two big bars, and noise on weekends may reach front-facing rooms.

See More Rooms

Features

Few amenities aside from an eatery and free wine hours

The biggest feature here is the Ruby Room, which is open for breakfast and dinner, and serves a variety drinks. Room service is available and food receives positive feedback, though many other dining options are within a short walk of the hotel. A standout offering of all Kimpton properties is the daily free evening wine hours that provide white and red wine and encourage mingling. Morning coffee is also offered. 

A conference room, business center, and gym are all located in the basement. The business center is essentially a desk with a pay-for-use computer. DThe 24-hour gym is tiny, outfitted with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and a stationary bike. Free morning papers and overnight shoe-shining are also available, as are add-ons like laundry services and valet parking. Consistent with brand policy, pets of all sizes and species stay free with advance notice. Loaner gear (think beds, cages, and bowls). Wi-Fi is also part of the daily amenity fee. 

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Kimpton Onyx Hotel

Also Known As

  • Onyx Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
  • Onyx Hotel Kimpton
  • Onyx Hotel
  • The Onyx Hotel

Room Types

  • Double/Double Deluxe Room
  • King Deluxe Room
  • King Premier Room
  • Parlor Suite with No Bed
  • Standard Room

Address

155 Portland St, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-1702, United States

Phone

(617) 557-9955

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton Onyx Hotel

Scene

Stylish, pet-friendly property that's well-situated for sports fans

Wedged between its neighbors on a narrow side street, the Kimpton Onyx Hotel’s handsome 11-story facade combines classic brickwork with metal accents that fits in well with the Boston architecture. The lobby is more contemporary but a bit loud, due partly to speckled tile floors and brown-and-beige patterned carpet. It's largely brash because of the Ruby Room eatery and bar, which occupies a large portion of the lobby and is separated from reception by a chain curtain. Boasting a red leather bar under a sparkly chandelier and a mix of red and black bucket chairs, it’s touted as a full-service restaurant, though has the feel of a cocktail lounge. This vibrant style continues into the guest rooms. There's little else of interest on-site, aside from nightly free wine hours typical of the chain, but the crowd of mostly sports lovers or pet-touting tourists find the hotel acts as a good base. 

See More Scene

Location

In the West End, a quick walk from TD Garden

Set on a rather barren street, the Kimpton Onyx is ideal for spectators who’ve come to watch the Celtics or Bruins play at home in TD Garden, which is right around the corner. In the immediate area are several sports bars and fast-food joints, and this West End location is in close proximity to popular North End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods. Travelers are within a 20-minute walk of many top tourist sights. For those who prefer using Boston’s public transit system, the Haymarket T Station and North Station transportation hub are both five minutes away on foot. Boston Logan International Airport is about a 15- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.

  • 10-minute walk to the Old North Church
  • 11-minute walk to Faneuil Hall Marketplace or Paul Revere House 
  • 15-minute walk to the Museum of Science
  • 17-minute walk to New England Aquarium
  • 19-minute walk to Public Garden Swan Boats
  • 20-minute walk to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
See More Location

Rooms

Contemporary rooms that are fun and functional

In a city that's chock full of hotels capitalizing on its colonial past, the Onyx distinguishes itself by providing contemporary accommodations with lots of personality. Done up in charcoal tones, they combine oversized wood headboards, leather-like wallpaper (complete with faux stitching), and zigzag carpeting, with bright pops of red in carved dresser/desk combos, bed skirts, and throw pillows. Playful pillows -- some in collegiate colors and others with the text “wicked smaht'’ -- add nods to Boston. Rooms are on the small side, but all have air-conditioning, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, yoga mats, and iHome docking stations, as well as plenty of plugs and USB ports. Bathrooms papered in a houndstooth pattern come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted bulk Atelier Bloem toiletries, and hooded fleece robes. 

Unfortunately, the short street the hotel sits on is home to two big bars, and noise on weekends may reach front-facing rooms.

See More Rooms

Features

Few amenities aside from an eatery and free wine hours

The biggest feature here is the Ruby Room, which is open for breakfast and dinner, and serves a variety drinks. Room service is available and food receives positive feedback, though many other dining options are within a short walk of the hotel. A standout offering of all Kimpton properties is the daily free evening wine hours that provide white and red wine and encourage mingling. Morning coffee is also offered. 

A conference room, business center, and gym are all located in the basement. The business center is essentially a desk with a pay-for-use computer. DThe 24-hour gym is tiny, outfitted with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and a stationary bike. Free morning papers and overnight shoe-shining are also available, as are add-ons like laundry services and valet parking. Consistent with brand policy, pets of all sizes and species stay free with advance notice. Loaner gear (think beds, cages, and bowls). Wi-Fi is also part of the daily amenity fee. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.