The Massachusetts Department of Revenue lists a 5.7% state room occupancy excise, a local excise of up to 6% (6.5% for Boston) and an additional 2.75% for convention center funding in Boston, Worcester, Cambridge, Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee. A third-party guide puts Boston's total at 14.95% (5.7% + 6.5% + 2.75%), which we did not confirm on a city page. The calculator below applies those three Boston components, so treat its total as a floor.
Where to stay in Massachusetts
Compare areas, see the hotel taxes and fees and calculate your total. Booking links come after the advice.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Which destination to choose
| Destination | Best for | Trade-off | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | A transit-served city base | Layered lodging taxes; cold winters | Boston guide |
| Cambridge | Staying near Boston on the MBTA | Same convention-center excise | Cambridge guide |
| Salem | A North Shore stop | No verified details | Salem guide |
| Cape Cod | A coastal stop | No verified details | Cape Cod guide |
Our assessment from official descriptions. We have not inspected hotels and publish no nightly rates.
Boston hotel-tax calculator (state, local and convention-center excise)
This calculator applies the 5.7% state excise, Boston's 6.5% local excise (the maximum the state page permits Boston to charge; a third-party guide says Boston charges it) and the 2.75% convention center excise, as read October 20, 2026. It does not include any marketing assessment on larger Boston hotels, resort fees or parking, so your actual total will be higher. Use it only for Boston stays; other places charge different local rates. Ask your hotel for its all-in rate.
Booking notes
- Transport: see the transportation guide.
- Taxes: the state rate and the local maximum and convention-center rate come from the Department of Revenue page; Boston's actual local rate comes from a third-party guide.
- Affiliate links: banners and "Compare" buttons may be affiliate links; they are labeled and never change our advice.
Choose by style and budget
Match your stay to how you like to travel.
Partner offer
SponsoredMore ways to stay
For families, quick airport access or a specific neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
Which destination should I stay in?
The one nearest your main activity; see the cities and regions guide for trade-offs.
What is Boston's hotel tax?
5.7% state, up to 6.5% local and 2.75% for the convention center; a third-party guide puts the total at 14.95%.
When should I book a hotel?
We have no verified price-by-month data; book early for the seasons you plan around.
Are the hotel links affiliate links?
Some are, and they are labeled. See the affiliate disclosure.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 20, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Room Occupancy Excise Tax — Massachusetts Department of Revenue
- FTC Endorsement Guides: What people are asking — U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Get the free Massachusetts planning guide
A city comparison, a season-by-season planner and a two-day itinerary — as a free PDF.
By submitting you agree to the privacy policy.