Boston is expensive. It’s just the truth. If you try to stay in the Seaport or Back Bay for more than three days, your bank account starts looking a little sad. That is exactly why I think the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea is one of the most underrated spots in the whole metro area.
You aren't just getting a bed. You’re basically getting a small apartment that happens to have a free shuttle.
Most people see "Chelsea" and "Airport" and assume they’re going to be stuck in a noisy, industrial wasteland. Honestly? It’s not that. Chelsea has changed a ton over the last decade, and this specific Marriott property sits right in the middle of a convenient, walkable little pocket that makes commuting into downtown Boston surprisingly easy. If you’re coming for a long project at one of the hospitals or just a marathon sightseeing trip, this is where you park yourself.
The Reality of Staying in Chelsea
Chelsea isn't the North End. It’s gritty in spots, sure, but it’s also vibrant and authentic. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea is located on Maple Street, which is a bit of a sweet spot. You’re right near the FBI Boston headquarters, which means the immediate area is kept very clean and secure.
It’s quiet.
Well, relatively quiet for being near an airport. The soundproofing in these suites is actually decent, which is a godsend when those early morning flights start taking off from Logan.
One thing people get wrong is the distance. They think they’re miles away. You’re actually only about three miles from the terminal. If you take the Silver Line (the SL3 bus), you can get to South Station in about twenty minutes. That’s faster than some people can get to South Station from within the city limits.
Why the Suite Life Actually Works
I’ve stayed in plenty of cramped hotel rooms where you have to put your suitcase on the desk just to walk to the bathroom. This isn't that. These are suites. You get a full kitchen. Not just a "kitchenette" with a microwave that barely fits a slice of pizza. I’m talking a full-sized refrigerator, a dishwasher, a two-burner stove, and even a toaster.
Cooking for yourself saves a fortune in Boston.
The hotel partners with The Container Store to organize the closets, which sounds like a small detail until you’re there for two weeks and realize you actually have a place to put your shoes and hang your coats without it looking like a bomb went off in your room. It feels lived-in. In a good way.
Navigating the Logan Airport Logistics
The shuttle is the big selling point. It runs frequently, but you have to be smart about it. Because the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea shares space with the Residence Inn, the shuttle can fill up during peak morning hours.
Pro tip: call the front desk about 15 minutes before you head down.
If the shuttle is slammed, or if you’re trying to get to a different part of the city, the SL3 (Silver Line) stop at Eastern Avenue is a five-minute walk away. It’s part of the MBTA system, and it’s arguably the most reliable way to get into the Seaport or connect to the Red Line.
Parking is another story.
Unlike downtown hotels that charge $60 or $70 a night for "valet only" service, the parking here is much more reasonable, though it isn't free. There’s a gated lot. If you’re driving in from out of state, this is a massive relief. You park your car, leave it there, and use public transit to avoid the nightmare that is Boston traffic.
The Breakfast and Social Scene
Let’s talk about the food. The breakfast is complimentary. It’s your standard Marriott hot breakfast—eggs, sausage, waffles, and those little yogurt parfaits. It’s consistent. It won’t win a Michelin star, but it gets the job done before a 9:00 AM meeting.
Then there’s the bar.
The hotel has a shared lounge area with the Residence Inn next door. It’s surprisingly lively. You’ll see flight crews, construction consultants, and families all hanging out. It doesn't feel like a lonely business hotel. There’s a saltwater pool too, which is small but great for kids who need to burn off energy after a long flight.
Hidden Perks You Won’t See on the Website
Most people don't realize there’s a Market Basket right down the street. If you're staying at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea, this is your best friend. Market Basket is a New England institution—it’s the cheapest grocery store in the region. You can stock your suite's fridge for a week for what a single dinner would cost you at a steakhouse in the city.
There’s also the "Something Borrowed" program.
Need a blender for a smoothie? A Crock-Pot? A set of grilling tools? They have them at the front desk. You just ask. It’s those little things that make it feel less like a hotel and more like a temporary home. It’s perfect for people who hate the "sterile" feeling of traditional hotels.
Dealing with the Drawbacks
I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s not.
The area immediately surrounding the hotel is still developing. If you walk two blocks in the wrong direction, you’re looking at industrial warehouses and parking lots. It’s not a "stroll through the park" neighborhood. You’re there for the utility and the comfort of the room itself.
Also, the elevators can be a bit slow. When a big group arrives from the airport, you might be waiting a few minutes. Just plan ahead.
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Is the TownePlace Suites Right for You?
If you’re a tourist who wants to walk out of your hotel and immediately see the Freedom Trail, this probably isn't your spot. You’ll spend too much time on the bus.
But.
If you are a business traveler with a car, a family on a budget, or someone moving to Boston who needs a "landing pad" while apartment hunting, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea is a gold mine. You get Marriott Bonvoy points, a kitchen, and a way to bypass the $400-a-night prices of the city center.
The staff here is used to long-term guests. They know your name. They know how to handle the "Logan Shuffle" (that frantic rush to catch a flight when the tunnels are backed up). That expertise is worth the price of admission alone.
Smart Steps for Your Stay
- Download the MBTA mTicket app. The Silver Line is great, but knowing exactly when the bus is coming saves you from standing in the wind on Eastern Ave.
- Request a high floor. The views of the Boston skyline from the upper floors of the Chelsea side are actually pretty stunning, especially at night.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy before you book. Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the "member rate" usually knocks a decent chunk off the price, and you get free Wi-Fi that’s actually fast enough for Zoom calls.
- Check the shuttle schedule upon arrival. It doesn't run 24/7 on a loop; it has specific timing, and knowing the "on-demand" rules will save you a $20 Uber.
- Explore Chelsea’s food. Skip the hotel food for dinner and head to Ciao! Pizza and Pasta nearby. It’s some of the best food in the entire Boston area, hidden in a tiny shop in Chelsea.
The beauty of this place is that it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a functional, comfortable, and well-managed hub for people who need to be near Boston without the Boston "tax." Just make sure you bring your own coffee if you’re a snob about it—the in-room stuff is okay, but there’s a Starbucks nearby if you really need a fix.
For anyone looking to balance cost with the convenience of airport proximity, this property hits the mark. It’s about being strategic. Why pay for a tiny room in the city when you can have a full kitchen and a quick commute? It just makes sense.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay, first check your flight's terminal at Logan. The airport is laid out in a way that can be confusing, and telling the shuttle driver your specific airline (Delta is Terminal A, International is Terminal E, etc.) ensures you get dropped off at the right door. If you plan on using the Silver Line into Boston, grab a CharlieCard at the airport or use the "tap to pay" feature now available on most MBTA buses and gates. Finally, if you're arriving late, call the hotel directly to confirm the final shuttle pickup time for the night, as schedules can shift during holidays or extreme weather events.