crepes_a_go_go

Hello to all! Need help with upcoming Boston trip - never been before and researching has left me dazed and confused.

My 20 year old son and I have Sox tix for Tues, 17 June, night game. In addition to the game, we will do two days of seeing the sights. I'm in a quandary about which area to choose for our hotel. Should I align myself for ease of access to Fenway or to a particular area for sights?

As for sights, which ones would you recommend as most important/best to see in that short time frame? I'll admit that the sights are secondary to the baseball game. ;-)

One thing that might be pertinent to suggestions is that we will be coming into the city from a week's vacay in Philadelphia via Amtrak. I see on their booking site there are multiple train stations in Boston. Is there a "best" one? Should I base my choice of stations on the location of the hotel I book?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

elberko

In 2012, we took Amtrak to South Station in Boston, and walked along the Greenway to:
http://harborsideinnboston.com

I really liked the hotel itself, and the location. We walked to the North End from there, and took public transit to Fenway. I would stay there again.

~Liz

cw

Hotels in the Back Bay/Copley Square area are convenient to Back Bay Station and also fairly close to Fenway, which is a 20-25 minute walk. Lots of people walking to the game from that area, both before and after the game. You can also take the subway but it will be crowded.

Hotels near Boston Common (Omni Parker House, Nine Zero) are more central to the Freedom Trail. But Boston is a compact city and it's easy and pleasant to walk from one area to another or take our public transportation--the T. It's a 20 minute walk from Back Bay to the Public Garden and Boston Common.

The other main hotel area is near the harbor, which is quite pleasant in the summer.
For a stay in this area, you'd get off the train at South Station. (The stations are not far from one another.)

There is no best area since it's easy to get around.

I'd recommend walking the Freedom Trail, and a whale watch or harbor cruise. There are lots of things to do, just depends on your interests.

sharona

The Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square is just two-three blocks from Fenway Park. It's a nice hotel and the two restaurants, Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster, are both very good. The T is just steps from the door. It's a perfect location for going to Fenway and it's also convenient to historic sites either by walking or the T.

http://www.hotelcommonwealth.com

lcuy

I see Sharona beat me in recommending the Hotel Commonwealth. I stayed here many times when my DD was going to BU.

The location is perfect for Fenway Park; some rooms have a view of the park. Being right on top of the T is super convenient, and in addition to the excellent restaurants in the hotel there are tons of great little places nearby.

The Buckminster Hotel is across the street from the Commonwealth and friends have said they enjoyed it. It used to be pretty cheap, but apparently they've upgraded quite a bit.

china_cat

the Amtrak comes in to either Back Bay station or South Station. And yes, you should chose the one closest to your hotel. Probably Back Bay, unless you decide to stay down by the waterfront or seaport area...which I would not recommend, given your activities.

I do like the Hotel Commonwealth mentioned above. Its nice after the Sox game to be close by and be able to rest before or after. Its easy access to the Green Line if you are headed somewhere else for sightseeing, and short walk from Back Bay. You could take a taxi with your bags from the station, it would be close enough to be quite cheap.

But the various Back Bay hotels would be fine too. It's about a 15-20 minute walk to Fenway from there, depending on what hotel you pick. And easier access to the train station as cw points out. You can even get a pedicab from there to the park if you didn't feel like walking (although I have no idea how much those things cost. They are always clustered around the Prudential/Hynes and after the game they hang out on the corner of Lansdowne, near the Fenway gate where the Ted Williams statue is. )

crepes_a_go_go

Thanks for all the insight. I do think staying within range of Fenway is my best bet due to getting back to the hotel late at night in an unfamiliar city. The Commonwealth would be ideal but at just under $500 per night it's out of my budget. I will search for somewhere in the vicinity that is more affordable.

If anyone can suggest a more "budget" place, please jump in.

cw

Look at the Courtyard Marriott and the Charlesmark in Back Bay.

I left an event tonight at the same time as the game ended and the sidewalks were packed with people walking from the game. It's a safe and easy walk to the Back Bay area after the game. The Marriott Copley Place often has good prices if there is no convention in town. Check www.lastminutetravel.com where the Marriott sign appears in the photos for the "unnamed" hotel.

clarkgriswold

The Marriott is almost $500 per night that week as well.

Looks like the Back Bay Hilton or the Residence Inn are coming in at approx. $250 per room per night plus parking and taxes.

travelgourmet

Both the Hilton and Residence Inn would be pretty convenient. I agree with others that the walk is nothing to worry about. The Sheraton is also in that same price range and area.

crepes_a_go_go

I know this is farther away than is being suggested here, but I can get a heck of a deal at The Chandler, 26 Chandler St. Gets good reviews and comes with breakfast for a bit less than $200/nt. What do you locals think about its location?

http://www.chandlerinn.com/

travelgourmet

The neighborhood for the Chandler is really quite nice. Not quite as convenient as the Back Bay (particularly to Fenway), but not bad or inconvenient to a huge extent. It is a really nice residential neighborhood with some good restaurants nearby.

The hotel though? Reviews seem to suggest small rooms with a fair share of problem rooms, and what reads like inconsistent, amateurish service. Personally, I'd go with one of the Sheraton, Hilton, Courtyard trio before the Chandler, but that is just me. With regard to the breakfast... Given that the Chandler doesn't have a restaurant that I'm aware of, I suspect that "breakfast" (which they describe as a continental breakfast) is likely to be little more than some bagels or pastries, so you should be able to get a comparable or better breakfast for maybe $5 in the Back Bay (or even less if you just go to Shaw's and buy a pastry).

sassy_cat

I agree with travelgourmet.. go for one of the chains for better rooms and pick up an inexpensive breakfast and likely better than the hotel Chandler would provide.
the Sheraton has a Starbucks in the lobby and is attached to the Pru mall so you don't have to venture outside for breakfast but in June you might want to enjoy the sunshine.

cw

I think if you read the reviews of the Chandler and understand it's shortcomings so you have realistic expectations, then it's a fine place to stay. Especially if it means saving $100+ per night. You're pretty close to Copley Square and the Green Line and Orange Line and you can get off the train at Back Bay station and walk to the inn.

crepes_a_go_go

I make a couple of trips a year to Europe so I'm used to small rooms in un-posh hotels with coffee and pastry for breakfast . That said plus having read reviews on multiple sites ranging generally from 3.5-4.6, I feel like my expectations of The Chandler are in accord with what they can offer. Thanks travelgourmet and cw for your comments on the neighborhood and what it offers in the way of restaurants and public transport - that's encouraging.

On the other hand, I did look at the Residence Inn whose proximity and room price were quite in line and affordable. I will look into the other chain suggestions as well before I make a final decision. Thanks again for all the info and advice. Fodorites are the best!

travelgourmet

On the other hand, I did look at the Residence Inn whose proximity and room price were quite in line and affordable.

Which Residence Inn? Some would be less convenient than others.

hazel1

We stayed at the Newbury Guest House last year and loved it. Nice rooms, breakfast buffet in their adjoining restaurant, fabulous neighborhood, and easy walk to Fenway.