Headed to Boston for Bears / Pats game Thanksgiving weekend - Hotel recs & will we need a car?
Oct 25th, 2006, 12:59 PM
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Headed to Boston for Bears / Pats game Thanksgiving weekend - Hotel recs & will we need a car?
DH is taking me to the Bears/Patriots game for my birthday. YAH!! Gillette Stadium here we come!
So question is what's your fav hotel?? I'll Priceline, but know nothing of the hotels in the area other than what I've briefly researched here. Most likely I'll bid 3-4 star. Just curious where y'all like to stay in Boston. Downtown? Back Bay?
We've never been to Boston, so we'll have Fri night and Sat to explore, Sunday, DA BEARS ! and then we'll head home on Monday.
Next, do we really need a car? What's the best transport from the airport into the city? And how about the MBTA on gameday? How simple is the access in & out of the city? I'd love to forgo the ride and use public transit if it won't be too much hassle.
I confess, I haven't done much research homework here... I don't have much planning time... DH just surprised me today w/ game tickets! Whaddah guy!!
I'll come back for restaurant info after I book the hotel.
Thanks a million!
GO BEARS!!
So question is what's your fav hotel?? I'll Priceline, but know nothing of the hotels in the area other than what I've briefly researched here. Most likely I'll bid 3-4 star. Just curious where y'all like to stay in Boston. Downtown? Back Bay?
We've never been to Boston, so we'll have Fri night and Sat to explore, Sunday, DA BEARS ! and then we'll head home on Monday.
Next, do we really need a car? What's the best transport from the airport into the city? And how about the MBTA on gameday? How simple is the access in & out of the city? I'd love to forgo the ride and use public transit if it won't be too much hassle.
I confess, I haven't done much research homework here... I don't have much planning time... DH just surprised me today w/ game tickets! Whaddah guy!!
I'll come back for restaurant info after I book the hotel.
Thanks a million!
GO BEARS!!
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:10 PM
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You probably want to stay in the Back Bay area...more to do. The city is not that hard to get around on the T.
There is a train that leaves for Gilette on Game Days....
http://www.gillettestadium.com/stadi...?ac=directions
But my guess is that they'll be moving this game to the Sunday Night game. Perhaps renting a car in town for a day might be your better bet. You definitely don't need it for your entire stay.
There is a train that leaves for Gilette on Game Days....
http://www.gillettestadium.com/stadi...?ac=directions
But my guess is that they'll be moving this game to the Sunday Night game. Perhaps renting a car in town for a day might be your better bet. You definitely don't need it for your entire stay.
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:12 PM
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Ummmmm, I don't know if I feel like helping you........Only Bear I know is a Bruin!
All I can say is I have family visiting over Thanksgiving and they are staying at 4PointSheraton Norwood which is a 10 minute drive to Gillette, and a 5 minute drive to the sistah's house....
If you choose to stay in Bawston....well I'd avoid Hyatt downtown - sketchy hood, otherwise email me other places and I'll try to help you if I must!!!!!!
XO
Sistah
All I can say is I have family visiting over Thanksgiving and they are staying at 4PointSheraton Norwood which is a 10 minute drive to Gillette, and a 5 minute drive to the sistah's house....
If you choose to stay in Bawston....well I'd avoid Hyatt downtown - sketchy hood, otherwise email me other places and I'll try to help you if I must!!!!!!
XO
Sistah
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:46 PM
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Latest buzz on moving game to night (we also have tickets and are paying attention) is that it will stay at 1 PM. Some complicated formula about Fox being able to protect certain games from moving to ESPN night game, restriction on how many times any team can play night versus day game - far more involved than I could follow. But sports radio guys all seemed to think it would stay at 1 PM.
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:50 PM
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They just moved the noon Bears Giants game on Sun 11/12 to 7:30pm... I'd be really surprised if they did this one too...
no worries... we'll go w/ the flow.
gail, what are your thoughts on the MBTA vs driving from the city?
no worries... we'll go w/ the flow.
gail, what are your thoughts on the MBTA vs driving from the city?
Oct 25th, 2006, 07:48 PM
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Go to mbta.com and there is a Patriots logo in lower right corner that you can click on to get train info.
We have never taken train to Gillette (actually it is husband and son who go) - partly because we live nowhere near where train stops are. Seems like a good idea for your purposes.
Getting into and out of Gillette by car is a guaranteed traffic jam - it often takes them an hour just to get out of the parking lot. Thanksgiving weekend traffic around Boston on that Sunday afternoon/evening is legendary as being worse than awful. Combine the 2 and I would seriously consider the train - and actually had forgotten it was Tgiving wkend and may suggest it to husband.
The only real problem I would anticipate with the train is that if weather is bad and when the Patriots are winning by 4 TDs at the half, you will not be able to leave early.
We have never taken train to Gillette (actually it is husband and son who go) - partly because we live nowhere near where train stops are. Seems like a good idea for your purposes.
Getting into and out of Gillette by car is a guaranteed traffic jam - it often takes them an hour just to get out of the parking lot. Thanksgiving weekend traffic around Boston on that Sunday afternoon/evening is legendary as being worse than awful. Combine the 2 and I would seriously consider the train - and actually had forgotten it was Tgiving wkend and may suggest it to husband.
The only real problem I would anticipate with the train is that if weather is bad and when the Patriots are winning by 4 TDs at the half, you will not be able to leave early.
Oct 25th, 2006, 08:07 PM
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I echo what Gail said. I haven't used the train either, because I'm nowhere near it, but traffic is horrendous. If you DO rent a car, and drive, make sure to pack up food and drink for before, and especially after the game. You basically HAVE to tailgate, because it takes so long to get in and out. And you certainly don't need a car while you're in downtown Boston.
I'm very jealous that you have tickets! must have cost a pretty penny from a broker!
I like to stay in the Back Bay/Copley area when I stay in Boston. The Copley Fairmount is real nice.
I'm very jealous that you have tickets! must have cost a pretty penny from a broker!
I like to stay in the Back Bay/Copley area when I stay in Boston. The Copley Fairmount is real nice.
Oct 26th, 2006, 03:11 AM
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chinacat - tickets were from broker and did cost too much - son is big Patriots fan and we are sometimes able to get tickets on the one day of the year they open single game tickets to public - no luck this year. Last year made mistake of getting standing room tickets not realizing that unlike other venues, they do not let you snag an empty seat at some point during the game - usher patrols continue thruout game.
Tickets count as Christmas present for son home from college for the month.
Tickets count as Christmas present for son home from college for the month.
Oct 26th, 2006, 05:22 AM
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Thanks for the info! We'll skip the car... hopefully the weather won't be too crazy.
"The only real problem I would anticipate with the train is that if weather is bad and when the Patriots are winning by 4 TDs at the half, you will not be able to leave early."
hahahahahahahahaha...
Gail, BEARS FANS NEVER LEAVE THE GAME EARLY!!! ...not these Chicago fans anyway. We've watched too many Bears 4th quarter double digit comebacks for the WIN! >
<
I'd love to hear some of your fav things to do in Copley/Back Bay?
Thanks again!!!
"The only real problem I would anticipate with the train is that if weather is bad and when the Patriots are winning by 4 TDs at the half, you will not be able to leave early."
hahahahahahahahaha...
Gail, BEARS FANS NEVER LEAVE THE GAME EARLY!!! ...not these Chicago fans anyway. We've watched too many Bears 4th quarter double digit comebacks for the WIN! >
<I'd love to hear some of your fav things to do in Copley/Back Bay?
Thanks again!!!
Oct 26th, 2006, 03:15 PM
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Our Priceline bid was accepted for Marriott Copley Place for $90 p/nt... WOO HOO! We are so excited to experience Boston... even if for just a few days.
Also relieved to decide no car. Sounds like the hotel is very well located... esp if the weather is bad. DH is hoping for a late Indian summer. Hahahahahaha. We'll see.
My research has revealed best lobster/seafood to be found at East Coast Grill, Great Bay & Jasper White's Summer Shack... do y'all agree?
What would be the most convenient places to get to from our hotel???
Thanks again for your help. Can't wait to experience Boston!!!
Also relieved to decide no car. Sounds like the hotel is very well located... esp if the weather is bad. DH is hoping for a late Indian summer. Hahahahahaha. We'll see.
My research has revealed best lobster/seafood to be found at East Coast Grill, Great Bay & Jasper White's Summer Shack... do y'all agree?
What would be the most convenient places to get to from our hotel???
Thanks again for your help. Can't wait to experience Boston!!!
Oct 26th, 2006, 04:27 PM
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Wow, that's a great price, the Copley Marriott is very nice.
As for seafood, East Coast Grill is in Cambridge so it's least convenient to your location. Great Bay is a couple of T stops away and Summer Shack is within walking distance. Atlantic Fish and Skipjack's are also within walking distance and I prefer either one to Summer Shack. Although lots of people really like Summer Shack.
Don't count on Indian summer, it's starting to get COLD....but sounds like you have an awesome trip planned. Gillette Stadium is so much fun.
As for seafood, East Coast Grill is in Cambridge so it's least convenient to your location. Great Bay is a couple of T stops away and Summer Shack is within walking distance. Atlantic Fish and Skipjack's are also within walking distance and I prefer either one to Summer Shack. Although lots of people really like Summer Shack.
Don't count on Indian summer, it's starting to get COLD....but sounds like you have an awesome trip planned. Gillette Stadium is so much fun.
Oct 26th, 2006, 08:03 PM
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Yeah, Chris Shlessinger at East Coast Grill is fabulous, but it is definately not an easy commute for you. B&G in the southend does good lobster rolls and clams etc but will set you back a penny. It's been a few years since I've been to GreatBay, but if you're in the hood, checking out Fenway and that like no other wall in the country...., then check it out as well as Eastern Standard that is getting good revues.
Do stroll the Charles, do stroll the gardens and commons, do make your way to the waterfront, and do eat in the northend. You may even consider cannolli's. Mike's is my favorite, others will disagree!!!
Happy planning
Do stroll the Charles, do stroll the gardens and commons, do make your way to the waterfront, and do eat in the northend. You may even consider cannolli's. Mike's is my favorite, others will disagree!!!
Happy planning
Oct 27th, 2006, 07:35 AM
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Gail, like you I try to get them when they go on sale, and haven't been able to. I also got standing room once last year and NEVER again. It was snowing, and cold, and there was noplace to sit down and rest...well except for the ladies room!
so, makai1, coming from Chicago you probably know this, but dress VERY warmly for the game! and don't neglect your feet...if it snows you could have piles of snow, or worse slush, underfoot. boots, wool socks, long underwear...in my opinion it is impossible to dress TOO warmly for Gillette.
Since its likely to be cold, don't neglect some indoor sightseeing...the Museum of Fine Arts is not too far away, or the Gardner Museum.
so, makai1, coming from Chicago you probably know this, but dress VERY warmly for the game! and don't neglect your feet...if it snows you could have piles of snow, or worse slush, underfoot. boots, wool socks, long underwear...in my opinion it is impossible to dress TOO warmly for Gillette.
Since its likely to be cold, don't neglect some indoor sightseeing...the Museum of Fine Arts is not too far away, or the Gardner Museum.
Oct 27th, 2006, 08:14 AM
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I highly recommend going to Jasper White's Summer Shack for excellent New England seafood - it is not cheap, but quality fresh seafood never is. However, the one at Alewife (Cambridge/Somerville line) is far superior to Boston version. Sometimes you can see semi-famous foodies there - Julie Child ate their frequently before she moved to CA (and does not eat anyplace anymore since she has since died).
MBTA.com is an excellent resource for public transportation - look at the map there and these directions will make sense. Get on Red Line to northern most end - Alewife. Summer Shack is a few hundred feet from Alewife stop, thru an open parking lot.
If you are into raw things, order some of their oysters. They usually have a half dozen different varieties and the server will tell you which s/he recommends - or get a small assortment and then order more of whichever ones you like. Also, I recommend the Bermuda chowder.
Gillette, like many stadiums, seems to be a wind tunnel, especailly since it is open at one end and the wind swirls around. There is no place to hide from the elements. Patriots have a special arrangement whereby they can order especially horrific weather when opponent is tough. I think they installed ice machines and snow makers for the field.
Marriot Copley is an excellent place to stay as it is attached to Copley Place mall - a very upscale mall so at least you have someplace to walk or get coffee if weather is horrible.
MBTA.com is an excellent resource for public transportation - look at the map there and these directions will make sense. Get on Red Line to northern most end - Alewife. Summer Shack is a few hundred feet from Alewife stop, thru an open parking lot.
If you are into raw things, order some of their oysters. They usually have a half dozen different varieties and the server will tell you which s/he recommends - or get a small assortment and then order more of whichever ones you like. Also, I recommend the Bermuda chowder.
Gillette, like many stadiums, seems to be a wind tunnel, especailly since it is open at one end and the wind swirls around. There is no place to hide from the elements. Patriots have a special arrangement whereby they can order especially horrific weather when opponent is tough. I think they installed ice machines and snow makers for the field.
Marriot Copley is an excellent place to stay as it is attached to Copley Place mall - a very upscale mall so at least you have someplace to walk or get coffee if weather is horrible.
Oct 27th, 2006, 11:17 AM
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Thanks so much for the input everyone!
We will def be ready w/ our cold weather gear... might just bring my blue boa for fun!!! I can never be dressed warm enough! C
The ice machines and snow makers on the field will make us feel right at home, gail!
LOL!
I'm just really surprised to see that the MBTA commuter to the stadium does not allow backpacks... that's crazy... where does one put their pom poms??
You guys are great!! Thanks again!
We will def be ready w/ our cold weather gear... might just bring my blue boa for fun!!! I can never be dressed warm enough! C
The ice machines and snow makers on the field will make us feel right at home, gail! LOL!I'm just really surprised to see that the MBTA commuter to the stadium does not allow backpacks... that's crazy... where does one put their pom poms??
You guys are great!! Thanks again!
