The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
4.3(3.6K)google
3.5(779)yelp
LuxuryHistoric BuildingNight-FriendlyDate SpotCity Landmark
Overview
The Liberty Hotel stands proudly as a spectacular, internationally celebrated architectural marvel that brilliantly transformed the historic 1851 Charles Street Jail into a world-class luxury boutique hotel. Situated at the base of Beacon Hill, the building retains its grand, 90-foot-tall central granite rotunda and original historic iron cell windows, seamlessly pairing grim historic enforcement grit with opulent modern luxury. Travelers and stylish locals flock to its bustling atrium lounges and award-winning prison-cell restaurants.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeThe absolute best window is a Friday or Saturday night from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This historic 19th-century jail transformed into a luxury hotel comes alive at night; the grand central atrium bar glows, weaving a chic social scene within the preserved historic iron catwalks.
Getting ThereLocated directly at 215 Charles St near the riverbank, simply take the MBTA Subway Red Line directly to Charles/MGH Station. The towering, majestic granite building is situated right outside the station doors. Paid valet services are available.
Travel Tips
- To photograph the iconic four-story historic brick rotunda without paying for a room, book a table at CLINK restaurant or grab a drink at Alibi bar. Tourists loitering purely for photos without spending will be asked to leave.
- Alibi bar occupies the historic jail cells and attracts massive crowds on Friday and Saturday nights after 9 PM. The lounge enforces a strict 21+ age limit and a smart casual dress code; gym shorts, tanks, and flip-flops are banned.
- Avoid the hotel's exorbitant valet parking fees which regularly exceed $60/night. The premium budget hack is to park across the street at the Museum of Science garage or use the Charles Circle metered street spaces.
Reviews
Positive
- A luxury hotel flawlessly converted from the famous 19th-century Charles Street Jail, preserving the authentic rotunda atrium, granite masonry, and iron cell bars; visual architectural shock is unmatched.
Heads up
- Due to its fame, the internal nightlife bars get extremely crowded and noisy on weekend nights; lower-floor rooms near the atrium suffer from heavy vibrations and noise.