The Forbes Star Awards have arrived, revealing the top hotels in Boston and Cape Cod, but the criteria might surprise you! Forbes has been grading hotels incognito for 68 years, and their standards are unique. Imagine a hotel rating where the staff's treatment of guests is almost three times more important than the building's quality! Forbes believes that exceptional hospitality is the heart of a memorable stay.
Amanda Frasier, the president of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, emphasizes that the 2026 list highlights hotels dedicated to providing consistently excellent experiences.
Forbes' ratings are categorized into three tiers: five-star, four-star, and recommended. Here's the breakdown:
Five-star: These hotels are the crème de la crème, offering meticulous service, luxurious amenities, and exceptional experiences. It's the ultimate in pampering and indulgence.
Four-star: These properties provide high-quality service and attention to detail, ensuring guests have an exceptional stay. Think of it as a step below five-star, but still impressive.
Recommended: These hotels meet Forbes' high standards but haven't quite reached the top tiers. They're still worth considering for a great stay.
And now, the moment you've been waiting for—the award-winning hotels in Boston and Cape Cod:
Boston's Five-Star Hotels:
- Boston Harbor Hotel
- Encore Boston Harbor
- Four Seasons Hotel Boston (two locations)
- Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Boston's Four-Star Hotels:
- The Inn at Hastings Park
- The Newbury Boston
- The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
Boston's Recommended Hotels:
- Fairmont Copley Plaza
- InterContinental Boston
- The Langham Boston
- The Liberty Hotel
- Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center
- XV Beacon
Cape Cod's Five-Star Hotels:
- Chatham Bars Inn
- Chatham Inn
- Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Cape Cod's Four-Star Hotel:
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth
Cape Cod's Recommended Hotel:
- The Mansion at Ocean Edge
But that's not all! Forbes also recognized several Rhode Island hotels with their prestigious awards.
Rhode Island's Five-Star Hotels:
- The Chandler Inn at Cliff Walk
- Ocean House
- Weekapaug Inn
Rhode Island's Four-Star Hotel:
- Castle Hill Inn
There you have it—a comprehensive list of Forbes' top picks. But here's where it gets controversial: Do you agree with Forbes' emphasis on staff treatment over hotel quality? Would you choose a five-star hotel based on service alone? Share your thoughts and travel preferences in the comments!
