You're driving through Watertown, Massachusetts, maybe heading toward the Arsenal Yards to grab a burger or hit up the shops, and you're looking for that familiar spot to crash. You remember it. The Inn on Arsenal. Or maybe you're searching for it online because you have fond memories of a budget-friendly stay just outside of Boston.
But here’s the thing. It’s gone.
If you try to pull into 306 Arsenal Street expecting the old sign, you’re going to be pretty confused. The Inn on Arsenal didn't just change its name; it underwent a total identity shift that mirrors the massive transformation of Watertown itself. Honestly, the whole area has gone from "gritty industrial edge" to "high-end biotech hub" faster than most people realize.
What Happened to the Original Inn on Arsenal?
Let's get the facts straight. The Inn on Arsenal was originally a Best Western Plus. For years, it served as the reliable, no-frills choice for people who didn't want to pay $400 a night to sleep in Back Bay or the Seaport. It was accessible. It was "fine." It had that specific suburban hotel smell—a mix of industrial carpet cleaner and slightly over-toasted continental breakfast bagels.
Then, the rebranding happened.
It became the Inn on Arsenal for a transitional period, operating as an independent boutique-ish hotel while the surrounding neighborhood started its glow-up. But even that was a temporary phase. If you look at the property today, you aren't looking at a budget inn anymore. You’re looking at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Boston/Watertown.
The Shift from Budget to "Business-Chic"
When the property flipped to the Hampton Inn brand, it wasn't just a change of stationery. They gutted a lot of the old vibes. We’re talking about a massive renovation that aligned the property with the "Arsenal Yards" aesthetic—lots of glass, modern gray tones, and that specific type of "industrial-lite" decor that tech workers love.
Why does this matter? Because the price point shifted too.
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You used to find rooms at the Inn on Arsenal for a steal. Now, because Watertown has become a literal gold mine for life sciences and biotech firms (thanks to companies like FORMA Therapeutics and Exosome Diagnostics moving in down the street), the hotel is almost always packed with consultants, scientists, and traveling executives.
Why People Still Search for the Old Name
It’s a nostalgia thing, mostly. Or maybe it’s a SEO ghost.
A lot of old travel blogs and local directories still list it as the Inn on Arsenal. If you’re a parent of a student at Harvard or MIT, you might have a "cheat sheet" of hotels passed down from older parents, and that name is likely still on it. It was the "secret" spot that was only a 15-minute drive from Cambridge without the Cambridge price tag.
But Watertown isn't a secret anymore.
The development of Arsenal Yards—which sits right next door—changed the gravity of the neighborhood. We’re talking about 250,000 square feet of retail. A Majestic 7 cinema. A Roche Bros. grocery store. When the Inn on Arsenal was around, you walked out of the hotel and saw mostly parking lots and old brick warehouses. Now, you walk out and see people carrying yoga mats and $8 lattes.
Real Talk: Is the New Version Actually Better?
Look, if you want "charming" or "historic," this isn't it. The current iteration (the Hampton Inn) is a corporate machine. It’s efficient. It’s clean. The Wi-Fi actually works, which—let’s be honest—was always a gamble at the old Inn on Arsenal.
- The Pros: You’re literally steps away from some of the best food in the suburbs. Buttermilk & Bourbon is right there. City Works has a ridiculous tap list. You don't need a car once you've checked in.
- The Cons: It’s loud. Construction in Watertown is constant. Also, the "budget" aspect is dead. You’re paying for the convenience of the location.
- The Transit Factor: One thing that hasn't changed? The 70 Bus. It’s still the lifeline that connects this spot to Central Square and University Park. It’s still a bit of a slog in rush hour traffic.
The Mystery of the "Other" Arsenal Hotels
Sometimes people get the Inn on Arsenal confused with the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Watertown. They are different. The Residence Inn is further down the road toward the Charles River. If you’re looking for the spot that's "right in the thick of the shopping," you're looking for the one at 306 Arsenal.
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There's also a weird bit of history with the Arsenal Soldiers' Home and the old Watertown Arsenal (the military site). Some history buffs search for "The Inn" thinking there was a historic guest house for military officers. There wasn't. The hotel we're talking about is purely a product of 20th-century commercial development.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Don't go looking for the Inn on Arsenal on Expedia. You won't find it.
If you see a listing that still uses that name, be careful—it’s likely an outdated third-party site that hasn't refreshed its database in five years. You’ll end up booking a room that doesn't technically exist under that name, which is a headache at the front desk that nobody needs.
Instead, search for the Hampton Inn & Suites Boston/Watertown.
A Quick Reality Check on Location
Watertown is great, but it’s not Boston.
- It’s "Boston-adjacent."
- You’re looking at a 20-minute Uber to the North End if traffic is light.
- If it’s 5:00 PM on a Tuesday? That's a 50-minute crawl.
- The Charles River is nearby for a nice walk, but the immediate area around the hotel is very "urban canyon."
The Impact of the Life Science Boom
The death of the Inn on Arsenal brand was basically a casualty of the biotech boom. When billions of dollars started pouring into the Alexandria Center for Life Science and Linx, the old motel-style branding just didn't fit the "new" Watertown.
Investors wanted a brand name that corporate travel departments recognize. Hilton provides that. The Inn on Arsenal sounded like a cozy B&B or a budget roadside stop. Neither of those descriptions fits the current vibe of the Arsenal Street corridor.
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It's actually kind of wild to see. Ten years ago, this was a place you went because it was cheap. Today, people stay here because they’re closing multi-million dollar venture capital deals at the Starbucks across the street.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning a stay at what used to be the Inn on Arsenal, here is the move.
Book the "Studio Suite." Since the renovation, the rooms are surprisingly spacious. If you’re traveling with a family or just need to spread out your laptop and notes, the standard rooms feel a bit tight, but the suites are actually functional.
Avoid the "City View" upcharge.
Honestly? The view is mostly of the Target parking lot or the roof of the Arsenal Yards. It’s not worth the extra $30. Save that money and spend it on a meal at Condesa Restaurante & Tequileria nearby.
Use the Garage.
Parking in Watertown has become a nightmare. The hotel has a dedicated area, and while they might charge for it, it’s significantly better than trying to hunt for a spot on the side streets where the parking enforcement is—no joke—incredibly aggressive.
Check the Event Calendar.
Because of the proximity to Harvard and Bentley University, this hotel gets absolutely hammered during graduation season. If you’re looking for a room in May, you better book it six months out. The rates will triple. I'm not kidding.
The Inn on Arsenal is a ghost of Watertown’s past. It served its purpose for a different era of the city. Now, it’s a shiny, high-speed hub for the new economy. If you’re looking for that old-school, cheap stay, you’ll have to head further out toward Waltham or Woburn. Arsenal Street has officially moved on.
To make the most of your visit to the current site, verify the address is 306 Arsenal Street and ensure your booking confirmation reflects the Hampton Inn & Suites branding to avoid any check-in delays. If you are arriving via public transit, download the MBTA mTicket app or have a CharlieCard ready for the 70 or 70A bus lines, as these remain the most direct routes to the property from the Red Line. Finally, check the Arsenal Yards event website before you arrive; they often host outdoor markets or live music that can affect local traffic and noise levels during your stay.