Forbes' annual Star Awards reveal the top hotels in Boston and Cape Cod, with a mix of familiar luxury brands and hidden gems. This year's list showcases properties committed to delivering consistent, world-class experiences, as judged by Forbes' anonymous inspectors.
The Forbes Travel Guide's 68-year legacy relies on inspectors experiencing hotels, restaurants, and spas as ordinary guests. The ratings are a blend of 30% facility quality and 70% staff performance.
Amanda Frasier, Forbes Travel Guide's president of Standards & Ratings, emphasizes the commitment to excellence: "The 2026 list highlights properties dedicated to providing consistent, reliable world-class experiences."
Forbes' ratings are categorized as follows:
- Five-star: Outstanding properties offering exceptional experiences, meticulous service, and luxurious amenities.
- Four-star: Exceptional properties with high-quality service and amenities, strong attention to detail.
- Recommended: Properties meeting Forbes' high standards but not yet achieving four- or five-star status.
Boston's Best
Five-star:
- Boston Harbor Hotel
- Encore Boston Harbor
- Four Seasons Hotel Boston
- Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
- Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Four-star:
- The Inn at Hastings Park
- The Newbury Boston
- The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
Recommended:
- Fairmont Copley Plaza
- InterContinental Boston
- The Langham Boston
- The Liberty Hotel
- Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center
- XV Beacon
Cape Cod's Coastal Charm
Five-star:
- Chatham Bars Inn
- Chatham Inn
- Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Four-star:
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth
Recommended:
- The Mansion at Ocean Edge
Rhode Island's Rising Stars
Several Rhode Island hotels and resorts also made the Forbes Travel Guide's list:
Five-star:
- The Chandler Inn at Cliff Walk
- Ocean House
- Weekapaug Inn
Four-star:
- Castle Hill Inn
For more information, contact Christopher Muther at christopher.muther@globe.com or follow him on Twitter @ChrisMuther and Instagram @chrismuther.
