Hotel in Newton outside Boston - need transportation and related advice
Oct 26th, 2014, 12:19 PM
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Hotel in Newton outside Boston - need transportation and related advice
By some unfavorable twist of fate (or regrettable personal error) through a Priceline bid, we booked three nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newton- that cannot be cancelled or changed- instead of getting a reservation at a hotel closer to downtown Boston. We'll be flying into the area from Chicago a few days before Veteran's Day, specifically to explore the Boston University campus with our daughter, and then we'll be leaving via Amtrak for New York City. As a result of our snafu, we have some questions that thus far have eluded any satisfactory answers.
1- What's the best way (other than rental automobile) to get from Logan International to the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Newton?
2- Once we check-in and get settled, what's the fastest, most efficient form of transportation into the city from our hotel. I hear there's a bus, but apparently that means a 30 - 45 minute ride in either direction. Is there another method of transportation (other than automobile) from our hotel into the BU area and back again?
3- Is the South Amtrak Station the only one where we can pick up the daily regional Amtrak train going to New York City - or can we pick up the train at a station closer to our hotel which will still connect with the route going from Boston to New York?
All advice and related information will be much appreciated.
Z.
1- What's the best way (other than rental automobile) to get from Logan International to the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Newton?
2- Once we check-in and get settled, what's the fastest, most efficient form of transportation into the city from our hotel. I hear there's a bus, but apparently that means a 30 - 45 minute ride in either direction. Is there another method of transportation (other than automobile) from our hotel into the BU area and back again?
3- Is the South Amtrak Station the only one where we can pick up the daily regional Amtrak train going to New York City - or can we pick up the train at a station closer to our hotel which will still connect with the route going from Boston to New York?
All advice and related information will be much appreciated.
Z.
Oct 26th, 2014, 03:18 PM
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The best way to get to your hotel would be by taxi. I'm not sure of the cost, but you could ask the hotel or look it up on a taxi fare finder.
By public transportation, you could take the Silver Line to South Station and walk to the Lincoln and Beach Street stop of the #504 Express Bus to Newton Corner, the location of your hotel. There are alternate routes, and you can check on google (look for the bus icon) or www.mbta.com.
To get to BU, you can either take the Express Bus to Stuart St., the first stop in Boston, and walk to the Copley T station, about a block or two away. Then you would take the Green Line B subway outbound to BU. Alternately you can take the 57 bus from Newton Corner. It is local, and goes right to Kenmore Square down Commonwealth Ave. by BU.
You can pick up Amtrak at Back Bay Station or South Station. Easier for you is probably to take the Express bus to Stuart Street and walk 1/2 a block to Back Bay station.
As you realized this hotel is not well-located. There is a pretty good Thai restaurant across the street from the hotel--Amarin of Thailand. And there is also a pizza chain, Bertucci's a little further down Galen Street.
By public transportation, you could take the Silver Line to South Station and walk to the Lincoln and Beach Street stop of the #504 Express Bus to Newton Corner, the location of your hotel. There are alternate routes, and you can check on google (look for the bus icon) or www.mbta.com.
To get to BU, you can either take the Express Bus to Stuart St., the first stop in Boston, and walk to the Copley T station, about a block or two away. Then you would take the Green Line B subway outbound to BU. Alternately you can take the 57 bus from Newton Corner. It is local, and goes right to Kenmore Square down Commonwealth Ave. by BU.
You can pick up Amtrak at Back Bay Station or South Station. Easier for you is probably to take the Express bus to Stuart Street and walk 1/2 a block to Back Bay station.
As you realized this hotel is not well-located. There is a pretty good Thai restaurant across the street from the hotel--Amarin of Thailand. And there is also a pizza chain, Bertucci's a little further down Galen Street.
Oct 26th, 2014, 04:21 PM
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Amtrak train picks up ONLY at Back Bay or South street Stations - this is a totally separate system from the local transit. Be sure you get to the station in time to get down to the platform and on the train - stops are only for a couple of minutes at South Station.
Also - tickets bought in advance are much cheaper.
Also - tickets bought in advance are much cheaper.
Oct 26th, 2014, 04:50 PM
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A rental car might very well be the most sensible option for you.
It's extremely easy to drive from the airport to your hotel: take the Ted Williams tunnel, which puts you on I90, and get off at the Newton/Watertown exit -- your hotel is right there. From the hotel, it's about a 15-minute drive to BU. To return your rental car and take the train back to NYC, it would depend which rental company you've used. For Hertz or Avis, you could drop the car near Back Bay station and take the train from there.
If you don't rent a car, you'll either be taking lots of cabs or you'll be spending a LOT of time dealing with buses.
It's extremely easy to drive from the airport to your hotel: take the Ted Williams tunnel, which puts you on I90, and get off at the Newton/Watertown exit -- your hotel is right there. From the hotel, it's about a 15-minute drive to BU. To return your rental car and take the train back to NYC, it would depend which rental company you've used. For Hertz or Avis, you could drop the car near Back Bay station and take the train from there.
If you don't rent a car, you'll either be taking lots of cabs or you'll be spending a LOT of time dealing with buses.
Oct 27th, 2014, 01:18 AM
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It's Back Bay where the Amtrak train stops only briefly. Sputh Station is the terminus from which it leaves.
This is a tough one.
The driving force for me would be what the BU Admissions Office has to say about visitor parking. If the have it, I would go ahead and rent the car.
If they don't, I would have the hotel book a car service from Logan, especially if you arrive after 3 PM when watching the taxi meter while you are stuck in traffic can be pretty stressful. A car service is a fixed cost.
Then take the 57 bus to campus at least once. This is the reality of getting around Boston, and the sooner a potential student has to deal with it, the better. She also needs to ride on the Green Line, which us how students get around, so you can take the B line trolley from the middle of BU to Boston College and get a taxi from there to your hotel.
Then I would consider a car service to the train. Both Back Bay and South Station are easily accessible from the MassPike.
This is a tough one.
The driving force for me would be what the BU Admissions Office has to say about visitor parking. If the have it, I would go ahead and rent the car.
If they don't, I would have the hotel book a car service from Logan, especially if you arrive after 3 PM when watching the taxi meter while you are stuck in traffic can be pretty stressful. A car service is a fixed cost.
Then take the 57 bus to campus at least once. This is the reality of getting around Boston, and the sooner a potential student has to deal with it, the better. She also needs to ride on the Green Line, which us how students get around, so you can take the B line trolley from the middle of BU to Boston College and get a taxi from there to your hotel.
Then I would consider a car service to the train. Both Back Bay and South Station are easily accessible from the MassPike.
Oct 27th, 2014, 02:08 AM
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The #57 bus goes from a few blocks from the hotel right to BU - no changing buses. It does take 30-45 minutes but it would not be much less to drive and park. There is really no practical rail option, since the nearest MBTA station is over 2 miles away.
I would take a taxi from airport and to Amtrak since you will have luggage and it would involve at least 3 changes of bus/subway line.
A consideration for Amtrak upon departure - there is a station called Rte 128 in Westwood which is farther in miles but almost always faster from the hotel. I would call a car service and inquire about cost, since if computed by time rather than distance might be an option. If cost is close, I would take that as departure option.
I would take a taxi from airport and to Amtrak since you will have luggage and it would involve at least 3 changes of bus/subway line.
A consideration for Amtrak upon departure - there is a station called Rte 128 in Westwood which is farther in miles but almost always faster from the hotel. I would call a car service and inquire about cost, since if computed by time rather than distance might be an option. If cost is close, I would take that as departure option.
Oct 27th, 2014, 12:06 PM
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I am overwhelmed, but in a positive manner, by all the helpful advice and information. I'm very grateful- not only for what you've posted but how quickly you all replied!!
cw: you lay out a great initial blue print with lots of extra tips. Your description of the public transit routes and options is right to the point - and then you even include restaurant recommendations. Very indebted.
nytraveler (with whom I've exchanged posts before): nice addition/refinement to what cw said about the Amtrak stations.
Don Topaz &
Ackislander: yours were the suggestions that prompted me to actually consider a rental car as an option. I'm still weighing it against the alternatives- Then Ackislander: that stuff about taking the #57 Bus at least once and riding the Green Line, because it is what BU students do, makes lots of sense. grazie!
gail- you echoed the same kind of suggestions about bus trans, along with the practical taxi ride recommendation.
To all - I am tentatively considering this:
(a) coming in on a Sunday should be an advantage with less vehicular traffic - so - on that day we grab a Shared Van ride from Logan to the Crowne Plaza-Newton door. It's less expensive than taxi, fewer hassles than MBTA
(b) after checking in, we take the 57 Bus into the BU area, wander around other areas of the city, dine, and then take the 57 back to the hotel.
(c) Monday, we take the 57 bus again into BU, etc. and back.
(d) Tuesday, we take a taxi/car service - Veteran's Day traffic should again be less than on a typical weekday- from the hotel to the Back Bay station and hop the 11:20 Amtrak to NYCity.
How's it sound?
cw: you lay out a great initial blue print with lots of extra tips. Your description of the public transit routes and options is right to the point - and then you even include restaurant recommendations. Very indebted.
nytraveler (with whom I've exchanged posts before): nice addition/refinement to what cw said about the Amtrak stations.
Don Topaz &
Ackislander: yours were the suggestions that prompted me to actually consider a rental car as an option. I'm still weighing it against the alternatives- Then Ackislander: that stuff about taking the #57 Bus at least once and riding the Green Line, because it is what BU students do, makes lots of sense. grazie!
gail- you echoed the same kind of suggestions about bus trans, along with the practical taxi ride recommendation.
To all - I am tentatively considering this:
(a) coming in on a Sunday should be an advantage with less vehicular traffic - so - on that day we grab a Shared Van ride from Logan to the Crowne Plaza-Newton door. It's less expensive than taxi, fewer hassles than MBTA
(b) after checking in, we take the 57 Bus into the BU area, wander around other areas of the city, dine, and then take the 57 back to the hotel.
(c) Monday, we take the 57 bus again into BU, etc. and back.
(d) Tuesday, we take a taxi/car service - Veteran's Day traffic should again be less than on a typical weekday- from the hotel to the Back Bay station and hop the 11:20 Amtrak to NYCity.
How's it sound?
Oct 28th, 2014, 02:34 AM
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Sounds good to me.
BU is very linear. It is long but not deep. It runs along Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore Square to Packard's Corner, about 1.5 miles. It is worth walking the entire distance because the character of the school changes. Kenmore Square is the stop for Fenway Park, a transportation hub, and a locus for hotels and restaurants, many of them excellent. Packard's Corner is on the edge of Allston, where Students go for cheap ethnic food, live music, and clubs.
It is worth walking this street because the various schools are spread out along (mostly) one side, and what she is thinking about studying will affect where she spends much of her time and where she may want to live. The opposite side of Comm Ave (Bostonians abbreviate everything) between Park Street and Packard's Corner has most of the services students need to survive (CVS, for example).
It isn't very green, but leafy Brookline is only two blocks away, and you can walk all the way to Boston Common under the trees on the Comm Ave Mall or along the river on the other side of Storrow Drive.
It is very urban, with all the positives and negative that implies. It seems to me a lot more like Columbia than Brown or, for that matter, the University of Chicago. Enjoy your visit!
BU is very linear. It is long but not deep. It runs along Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore Square to Packard's Corner, about 1.5 miles. It is worth walking the entire distance because the character of the school changes. Kenmore Square is the stop for Fenway Park, a transportation hub, and a locus for hotels and restaurants, many of them excellent. Packard's Corner is on the edge of Allston, where Students go for cheap ethnic food, live music, and clubs.
It is worth walking this street because the various schools are spread out along (mostly) one side, and what she is thinking about studying will affect where she spends much of her time and where she may want to live. The opposite side of Comm Ave (Bostonians abbreviate everything) between Park Street and Packard's Corner has most of the services students need to survive (CVS, for example).
It isn't very green, but leafy Brookline is only two blocks away, and you can walk all the way to Boston Common under the trees on the Comm Ave Mall or along the river on the other side of Storrow Drive.
It is very urban, with all the positives and negative that implies. It seems to me a lot more like Columbia than Brown or, for that matter, the University of Chicago. Enjoy your visit!
Oct 28th, 2014, 07:18 AM
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Agree w/Ackislander & his suggestions.
BTW, for Boston newcomers who wonder why the Green Line has branches B through E (but not A): the 57 bus traces the route of the former A branch, the Watertown line. Service was "temporarily suspended" on the Watertown line in the late 60s, but never resumed, and the streetcar tracks down the middle of the street were finally removed about 15 or 20 years ago.
BTW, for Boston newcomers who wonder why the Green Line has branches B through E (but not A): the 57 bus traces the route of the former A branch, the Watertown line. Service was "temporarily suspended" on the Watertown line in the late 60s, but never resumed, and the streetcar tracks down the middle of the street were finally removed about 15 or 20 years ago.
Oct 28th, 2014, 09:57 AM
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You know, DonTopaz, I never knew that about the A Line.
I didn't move to Cambridge until the late 70's, and while the Watertown car barn was. ( is?) still there, I never thought of how they got there. I just just assumed I guess that they were replaced by the electric trolley buses on Mt Auburn. Wrong!
Thanks!
I didn't move to Cambridge until the late 70's, and while the Watertown car barn was. ( is?) still there, I never thought of how they got there. I just just assumed I guess that they were replaced by the electric trolley buses on Mt Auburn. Wrong!
Thanks!
Oct 28th, 2014, 11:50 AM
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Zola, I think you have a good plan.
Don and Ack: I remember when people were still agitating to get the A line up and running again. Somewhat like the E line in JP to Forest Hills. But, Jamaica Plain being Jamaica Plain, they are still trying to get the E line extension back up over 30 years later! (There may still be a lawsuit floating around in some court about this.)
Don and Ack: I remember when people were still agitating to get the A line up and running again. Somewhat like the E line in JP to Forest Hills. But, Jamaica Plain being Jamaica Plain, they are still trying to get the E line extension back up over 30 years later! (There may still be a lawsuit floating around in some court about this.)
Oct 29th, 2014, 01:25 PM
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thank you for the confirmation, clarkgriswold.
cw, Ackislander and Don Topaz: your travel suggestions and comments are among the best I've ever received. I just booked the Amtrak going to New York from BackBay station on 11-11, but if it were up to me and especially after what I've read on your posts, I'd stay in Boston the extra days. Oh well . . .
Many thanks again, and I hope I can return the favor sometime. Z. in Chicago
cw, Ackislander and Don Topaz: your travel suggestions and comments are among the best I've ever received. I just booked the Amtrak going to New York from BackBay station on 11-11, but if it were up to me and especially after what I've read on your posts, I'd stay in Boston the extra days. Oh well . . .
Many thanks again, and I hope I can return the favor sometime. Z. in Chicago
Oct 30th, 2014, 02:48 AM
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Zola - am I reading correctly that you are departing Boston on Nov 11? There is a Veterans' Day Parade in Back Bay/Tremont Street ending up at Faneuil Hall area. So while traffic into the city will be lighter, your car service may hit some detours or congestion en route to Back Bay Station - so just allow some extra time (Parade is mid-day)
Oct 30th, 2014, 09:43 AM
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You should be okay avoiding the parade by going to Back Bay Station. It leaves from Boylston St. and Tremont at the corner of the Boston Common. There may be some residual traffic in Back Bay, but the car service/taxi will be able to avoid it. Leave enough time and you'll be fine.
Parade Information: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/veterans-day.html
Parade Information: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/veterans-day.html
Oct 30th, 2014, 12:11 PM
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gail and cw:
Wow!! So, there's a Veteran's Day Parade - and I thought I'd be encountering fewer delays on a holiday (!!). Thanks for the heads up. But need further guidance it would seem.
I received this email from Amtrak this morning (sorry for its length):
"We are contacting you today to inform you that effective October 8 until further notice, the Boston Back Bay Amtrak ticket office will close, and Amtrak personnel will not be available at the station to assist with ticketing, baggage or other services. Please note that Amtrak trains will continue to serve the Boston Back Bay station, according to the normal published schedule.
" Boston South Station
•If you require ticketing services from an agent or if you are paying for your ticket with cash, you should use Boston South Station or another staffed station.
•Special Assistance: If your reservation includes a special service request for assistance at the station, contact Amtrak to change your reservation to board at Boston South Station.
•If you need assistance with luggage or other passenger services , use Boston South Station or another staffed stations.
•Unaccompanied minors will not be permitted to travel to or from Boston Back Bay. Unaccompanied minors may, instead, use Boston South Station or any other staffed stations.
Boston Back Bay Station
•Passengers boarding at Boston Back Bay are encouraged to print their travel documents before arriving at the station, or use their smartphone or other mobile devices to present their eTickets to the conductor on the train.
•Two Quik-Trak self-serve ticketing kiosks are available at the Boston Back Bay station for passengers to purchase and pick up their travel documents using a credit card."
Me again:
I've already printed the Amtrak ticket(s) and we just have carry-on baggage. By what they indicate and in your opinion, will it still be ok to board at Backbay Station (departure 11:21).
I was considering the option to switch to Boston South, but now with the parade congestion, I'm sensing we'd have some real problems just getting to that location (departure 11:15).
Besides, it appears the Amtrak train is coming in our direction, anyway.
Thanks.
Wow!! So, there's a Veteran's Day Parade - and I thought I'd be encountering fewer delays on a holiday (!!). Thanks for the heads up. But need further guidance it would seem.
I received this email from Amtrak this morning (sorry for its length):
"We are contacting you today to inform you that effective October 8 until further notice, the Boston Back Bay Amtrak ticket office will close, and Amtrak personnel will not be available at the station to assist with ticketing, baggage or other services. Please note that Amtrak trains will continue to serve the Boston Back Bay station, according to the normal published schedule.
" Boston South Station
•If you require ticketing services from an agent or if you are paying for your ticket with cash, you should use Boston South Station or another staffed station.
•Special Assistance: If your reservation includes a special service request for assistance at the station, contact Amtrak to change your reservation to board at Boston South Station.
•If you need assistance with luggage or other passenger services , use Boston South Station or another staffed stations.
•Unaccompanied minors will not be permitted to travel to or from Boston Back Bay. Unaccompanied minors may, instead, use Boston South Station or any other staffed stations.
Boston Back Bay Station
•Passengers boarding at Boston Back Bay are encouraged to print their travel documents before arriving at the station, or use their smartphone or other mobile devices to present their eTickets to the conductor on the train.
•Two Quik-Trak self-serve ticketing kiosks are available at the Boston Back Bay station for passengers to purchase and pick up their travel documents using a credit card."
Me again:
I've already printed the Amtrak ticket(s) and we just have carry-on baggage. By what they indicate and in your opinion, will it still be ok to board at Backbay Station (departure 11:21).
I was considering the option to switch to Boston South, but now with the parade congestion, I'm sensing we'd have some real problems just getting to that location (departure 11:15).
Besides, it appears the Amtrak train is coming in our direction, anyway.
Thanks.
Oct 30th, 2014, 01:31 PM
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zola, you have no worries. Your printed ticket will be fine and you don't need a ticket office. And, if you do choose to go instead to South Station, there would be no traffic problems as your driver would take the Mass Pike to the Kneeland St exit, which is adjacent to So Station and which won't be affected by the parade. Also, your ticket is valid either from Back Bay or from South Station. no matter whether it says Back Bay or So Station.
The main advantage of embarking at South Station is that the train originates there, so you have a better choice of seats compared to Back Bay. If it's important tht you're all sitting together, So Station is a good choice.
The main advantage of embarking at South Station is that the train originates there, so you have a better choice of seats compared to Back Bay. If it's important tht you're all sitting together, So Station is a good choice.
Oct 30th, 2014, 10:00 PM
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You'll be find either way since you've printed out your tickets, as Don says. The Veteran's Day parade in Boston is not a huge event.
One tip: for better views on the train sit on the left-hand side.
One tip: for better views on the train sit on the left-hand side.
Oct 31st, 2014, 09:17 AM
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cw & DonTopaz: Thanks. It appears that the parade won't significantly delay our trip in from Newton, no matter which station we eventually choose. Nice advice about Amtrak considerations, too.
-and DTopaz: your comment about boarding at South Station to get better seats is a good tip. From the maps I have reviewed, though, it looks as if it's in a rail yard and surrounded by nothing but tracks and switches, isolated from any businesses or shops. Is that right?
-and DTopaz: your comment about boarding at South Station to get better seats is a good tip. From the maps I have reviewed, though, it looks as if it's in a rail yard and surrounded by nothing but tracks and switches, isolated from any businesses or shops. Is that right?
