Policies & FAQs for our Boston Boutique Hotel
The Clarendon Square Bed and Breakfast is an intimate boutique inn located in Boston’s South End, ideally suited for independent guests visiting the city for business, cultural events, family visits, celebrations, or a refined staycation. Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, organized by travel intent, to help you plan a comfortable and memorable stay in Boston.
Location, Culture & Events
Are you a Boston hotel with a rooftop hot tub?
Yes. Clarendon Square is a boutique Boston Hotel featuring a rooftop hot tub with city skyline views. With only five guest rooms, the hot tub is typically enjoyed privately rather than shared. It is especially popular for romantic getaways, anniversaries, birthdays, and quiet celebrations, and is available year-round for spontaneous use—whether at sunrise, after dinner, or late in the evening.
Do you offer breakfast?
Clarendon Square is bed and breakfast in spirit, with a modern focus on privacy and flexibility. Instead of a communal breakfast service, we offer complimentary in-room coffee, tea, and morning snacks. Several excellent cafés and restaurants serving full breakfast are located 6 minutes or less from the inn, allowing guests to find options that meet their dietary requirements and enjoy Boston like a local.
Do guest rooms have refrigerators?
Yes. Each guest room includes a medium-sized refrigerator stocked with beverages for purchase, while still leaving space for personal items.
Do you offer Wi-Fi?
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and is well-suited for business travel and remote work.
Do you have rooms with two beds or for more than two guests?
All guest rooms feature one queen-size bed and are designed for double occupancy. We are typically unable to accommodate more than two guests per room. Arrangements can be made if you are traveling with a child 15 yrs or older.
Do you allow children?
Clarendon Square is designed as a quiet, adult-oriented retreat and is best suited for mature travelers 21 and older.
Do you allow pets?
While we love pets, we are unable to accommodate them at the inn. We are happy to recommend nearby pet boarding options.
What time is check-in? Can I arrive early?
Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. Guests arriving earlier are welcome to store luggage anytime after 10:00 a.m. and begin enjoying the city.
What time is check-out? May I store luggage after departure?
Check-out is at 11:30 a.m. Luggage storage is available for guests with later flights or departures.
Is parking available?
Overnight parking is available at nearby garages approximately three blocks from the inn (about a six-minute walk), with rates typically averaging $39 per night. Limited street parking is also available on our street, with free overnight and weekend parking and two-hour limits during weekdays.
What is the closest MBTA (T) station?
Back Bay Station on Dartmouth Street is a seven-minute walk and provides access to the Orange Line and Amtrak. The Prudential Center station on the Green Line is also nearby.
Should I rent a car while staying in Boston?
Most guests explore Boston comfortably on foot, Uber or by subway. If you need a vehicle for day trips or business purposes, several car rental agencies are located within walking distance of the inn. We have a list of local agencies listed below.
How close are you to Boston convention centers?
The Hynes Convention Center is a ten-minute walk from Clarendon Square, making us an excellent choice for business travelers. The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston is approximately two miles away, but only an eight-minute Uber ride. Many conventions offer shuttle service from nearby Back Bay hotels.
How close are you to Newbury Street shopping?
Newbury Street is approximately an twelve-minute walk (about five blocks) from the inn, offering easy access to Boston’s best shopping, dining, and galleries.
How close is Fenway Park?
Fenway Park is within a 25-minute walk. Guests may also walk to the Green Line and ride to the Kenmore Square stop, next to the ball park.
May I book a specific room?
We are happy to note room preferences and will do our best to accommodate requests, though specific rooms cannot be guaranteed except for the Clarendon Suite.
Do you have minimum stay requirements?
Minimum stay requirements are typically 3 nights but vary by season and demand. Two-night stays typically become available 15 days prior to arrival, and one-night stays 8 days prior. Exceptions to minimums are more likely Sunday through Thursday.
What is your cancellation policy?
Reservations made directly with the inn are subject to a non-refundable $45 reservation fee per room. A 14-day notice is required to avoid a charge of 50% of the reservation total (minimum one night). Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival are charged in full. All cancellations must be submitted in writing and confirmed with a cancellation number. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Can we depart earlier than planned?
Early departures are considered cancellations of reserved nights and are non-refundable. Date changes are not permitted within two weeks of arrival. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance may be purchased independently at Insure my Trip and typically provides coverage for unexpected changes due to weather, medical issues, or other emergencies.
Do the fireplaces work?
All fireplaces at Clarendon Square are original wood-burning fireplaces that have been fully restored. However, for guest safety, burning anything and open flames are not permitted.
Do you provide hair dryers?
Yes, hair dryers are provided in all guest rooms.
Do you have an elevator?
Due to the architecture of our historic building, we are not handicapped accessible and we do not have an elevator. All guest rooms require 3 to 4 sets of stairs. Please consider the weight of your luggage and your ability to carry it to your guest room.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available and make a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Click “purchase gift certificates” or the photo on the Clarendon Square home page.
Are there car rental agencies nearby?
Yes. Several major car rental agencies have downtown locations within walking distance of Clarendon Square, as well as convenient airport pickup options.
Visiting Boston for Culture, Arts, Sports, and Education
Clarendon Square’s central South End location makes it easy to explore Boston’s museums, performing arts venues, sporting events, and universities. Distances below reflect typical walking times, subway access, or short rides, depending on preference.
Is Clarendon Square a good place to stay when visiting the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?
Yes. Clarendon Square is well located for guests visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The MFA is approximately a 25-minute walk or a short subway or car ride, while the Gardner Museum is just around the corner from the MFA. Because of our building’s architectural style and history, many guests choose Clarendon Square specifically for art-focused visits to Boston.
Are you close to the SoWa Arts District?
Yes. The SoWa Arts District is approximately a 10-minute walk from the inn. Clarendon Square is an excellent base for guests attending gallery openings, SoWa First Fridays, exhibitions, and seasonal markets, while enjoying a quieter residential setting nearby and close access to many of the South End’s notable restaurants.
Is Clarendon Square convenient for visitors to the New England Genealogical Society?
Yes. Guests conducting research at the New England Genealogical Society find Clarendon Square a comfortable and convenient place to stay. The Society’s headquarters is easily reached by foot, allowing guests to balance research days with a relaxing stay.
Is your inn a good choice for attending sporting events at Fenway Park or TD Garden?
Yes. Fenway Park is within a 35-minute walk from Clarendon Square or a brief ride on the Orange Line. TD Garden, home to the Boston Celtics and Bruins as well as major concerts, is easily accessible by subway or a short car ride.
Is Clarendon Square convenient for Boston theater and performing arts venues?
Yes. Clarendon Square is ideally located for guests attending performances at the Calderwood Pavilion, Wang Theatre, Colonial Theatre, Boston Opera House, and Boston Ballet. Most venues are within walking distance or a short ride, making it easy to enjoy an evening out and return to a quiet retreat afterward.
Is Clarendon Square a good place to stay when visiting students at Boston-area universities?
Yes. Clarendon Square is frequently chosen by families and visitors seeing students at Emerson College, Berklee College of Music, The Boston Conservatory, Northeastern University, Boston University, and Suffolk University. The inn offers convenient access to these campuses while providing a calm, residential alternative to large hotels.
Are there car rental agencies nearby?
Yes. Several major car rental agencies have downtown locations within walking distance of Clarendon Square, as well as convenient airport pickup options. Listed below are several locations within walking distance from the inn where you may pick up a car rental.