Boston Hotel Rates Soar to Record Highs for Marathon

April 12, 2016

Boston marathon participants and their sideline guests who haven’t yet secured a hotel room in Beantown can expect to pay a lot more than they usually world. The latest survey from BostonHotels.org has revealed that hotels in the Massachusetts capital are elevating their rates dramatically in anticipation of the city’s biggest annual event.

As of press time, the survey uncovered that approximately one in four hotels in central Boston were still showing vacancies for the April 17–19, 2016 marathon time period. Thanks to the limited number of rooms available, however, they are charging last-minute guests, on average, 62% more than they typically do. What’s more, some of these hotels are posting rates that are more than twice the usual cost.(please see table below)

For the cheapest available double room (rated at least 3 stars) in the city center, a participating runner and his or her fans will have to spend roughly $700 for the two nights of April 17–19. According to Sarah Clarke from BostonHotels.org, “On no other days during the year are hotel rates pricier in the city.”

Those looking for a bit more affordable rates will find them in Dorchester and Cambridge or around the Boston Logan airport. There one should be able to secure a room from about $500 total for the two nights.

The following table shows the hotels in Boston with the highest rate increases for April 17 or 18, 2016. Regular rates reflect the price for the same room a week later.

Name of Hotel	Room Type	Regular Rate	Marathon Rate	Increase
Courtyard Boston Downtown	Standard Room	$191	$499	+161%
Marriott Copley Place	Standrad Room	$229	$559	+144%
The Midtown Hotel	Standard Room	$129	$299	+131%
Boston Park Plaza	Classic Room	$222	$512	+131%
DoubleTree by Hilton	Standard Room	$229	$499	+117%
The Colonnade Hotel	Superior Room	$246	$479	+95%
Boston Marriott Long Wharf	Standard Room	$339	$649	+91%
Wyndham Beacon Hill	King Room	$249	$459	+84%