The Revolution Hotel

"The Revolution is the result of a to-the-studs renovation of a former historic YWCA and hostel in Boston's South End—so while the developers outfitted the building with utilitarian-chic rooms and art-filled community spaces, it’s clear from the smallest room categories with shared bathrooms that this building had a previous life. Young travelers flock to the property for competitively priced rooms: The Revolution does a great job of delivering serious, stylish value in the heart of a city where hotel rooms can easily cost twice as much as they do here. If you’re flying solo and cringe at the idea of shared bathrooms, there’s an en-suite, entry-level category so you can keep your privacy and stick to your budget; pairs may want to upgrade to the Studio Suites or newly-added Revolution Lofts, which are located next-door to the main hotel building. The Revolution sits at the confluence of Back Bay, the South End, and downtown Boston, in the heart of none of those neighborhoods but a two-minute walk to each of them; the property offers complimentary bike rentals so you can cruise around and explore, too." - Shannon McMahon, Todd Plummer

"Opened in 1866 as one of the first YWCAs in the United States, the Revolution has been transformed into a contemporary, budget-friendly hotel that honors Boston’s past. The building is a historical landmark so the walls couldn’t be altered, which means many of the 177 guest rooms are fairly compact." - Bailey Berg

"Why book? While traditional travelers might long for more spacious rooms and gawk at the thought of shared bathrooms (don’t worry, those are only for the entry-level room categories). The Revolution does a great job of delivering serious, stylish value in the heart of a city where hotel rooms can easily cost twice as much as they do here. Set the scene Young travelers flock to The Revolution for its competitively-priced rooms—and who cares about a small room or having to share a bathroom when you’re out exploring the best neighborhoods of the city all day, anyway? You’re bound to encounter some interesting people watching while passing through, whether it’s a Cos-clad hipster lingering over a cappuccino in the mod-meets-maximalist lobby, or locals grabbing brunch at the hotel’s restaurant, Cósmica. The backstory The Revolution is the result of a to-the-studs renovation of a former historic YWCA and hostel, and officially opened its doors in September 2018. So while the developers and current operator Provenance Hotels might have outfitted the building with street-art murals in the foyer, a happening restaurant and lobby, once you get upstairs to the rooms, it’s clear from the smaller room categories (especially from those with shared bathrooms) that this building had a previous life. The rooms The decor is a chaotic mashup of utilitarian details, midcentury modern lines, and maximalist art, but it’s a mix that somehow works. At just 130 square feet, the entry-level rooms are definitely on the cozy side: the kind of room where you can wash your hands in a sink, hang up a coat, and step into bed all from the same spot. It’s just enough space for a solo business or leisure traveler, but if you’re traveling in a pair you may want to upgrade to the Studio Suites, or better yet, the newly-added Revolution Lofts, which are located next-door to the main hotel building. There are also bunk-bed rooms which could be fun for a friends’ trip, or for those traveling with little ones. All of the rooms come with radio alarm clocks, plush robes and slippers, and in-room safes. And before you panic at another mention of shared bathrooms, those are only found in the entry-level room categories. There's an en-suite option too, so you can keep your privacy and keep to your budget. Food and drink There’s a coffee bar off the lobby which serves up barista drinks using Abracadabra Coffee beans roasted in Vermont. And the hotel’s attached Cósmica restaurant is one of the best taquerias in the area. Chef Colton Coburn-Wood’s fluke tostada made with habanero and passion fruit is the stuff of legends, and the fried clam tacos with smoked jalapeño aioli are a blend of New England and Mexican cuisines you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Walk by the hotel on a warm South End night and the outdoor dining space is likely to be packed to the gills with creative types, foodies, and young professionals leaving work. The neighborhood/area The Revolution sits at the confluence of Back Bay, the South End, and downtown, in the heart of none of those neighborhoods but a two minute walk to each of them. The hotel offers complimentary bike rentals so you can cruise around and explore. This stretch of Berkeley Street can get pretty busy with car traffic during rush hours, but come nightfall is wonderfully deserted so you can catch some Z’s with ease. The service Expect friendly, congenial help that makes you feel welcome; not the turned-up noses you might find in Boston’s more posh hotels. The staff here are the type that make you feel like they’re your best local friend, and are more than willing to advise on where you should be eating, drinking and playing during your visit. Accessibility The hotel is ADA compliant, and offers accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers, beds accessible on three sides, and a Hoyer lift available upon request. Anything left to mention? Something that stands out is the hotel’s commitment to art. Created by local creative ensemble Individuals Collective, a three-story “Innovation Tower” wrapped around the lobby’s elevator column celebrates some of Boston’s greatest inventions, like Bose headphones, the typewriter, the basketball, and even flamingo lawn ornaments. Just outside the lobby in the foyer you’ll find a 65-foot mural interpreting various vignettes from Boston history by (L.A.-based) artist Tristan Eaton. The hotel also participates in Provenance Hotels’ Artist-in-Residency program, which hosts artists for weeklong stays so they can get the creative juices flowing." - Todd Plummer