Helen

Has anyone stayed here? Any complaints? Is it in a safe area?

We will have 2 adults and 3 kids, want to keep things inexpensive but still not stay in a questionable place (they have a kitchen and room for 6 in their suites and it sounds like a fairly new place). We will do many day trips during our week stay (Salem, Gloucester, Lexington/Concord, Plymouth) and will have a rental car. Plan to use the commuter rail to go into Boston for just a few days.

The other suite hotels in the suburbs I looked into were at least $50 more per night. Listening to the adage that you get what you pay for, should I be worried about the Mainstay in Peabody?

Thanks for your help!

gail

Never stayed there since I live in the area. It is fairly new. It is located almost directly on Route 128/Route 95 - a major highway, so the location is great for driving places but low on scenery. You could even get traffic noise, but most of the places we have stayed on the highway are adequately insulated, so that is not a problem.
Safety is not an issue - there is no place to walk to - it is on a highway (or slightly off in an office park/light industry area)

Commuter rail in Boston area is just that - works great for commuters, but trains are far fewer during non-rush hour. Parking at rail lots is often non-existent after very early AM hours. You could drive to Mishwaum/Amderson Commuter center in Woburn, which is about 20--30 minutes from Peabody and park there and take either train or MBTA - they have a ton of parking there.

Helen

Thanks Gail. Maybe we should stay there to do our day trips, then splurge for a hotel in the city for a few days. Now, I need to find a hotel in the city that won't make me go broke, and can fit five people in a convenient area....

travelbuff

Helen,

I don't think you need to move into the city from Peabody. You are not that far out.

You might try driving to Revere and park there and take the MBTA, it's probably a 20 minute drive. In the city the prices of hotels and parking are MUCH higher than what you will find in the burbs.

There are a few hotels a little closer to Boston that may also work, look around through Priceline.com or hotels.com and see what you can find.

Have a great time, the kids will love Boston. Oh and find a Brighams for the BEST ice cream and you might hit Kelly's for great roast beef sandwiches.

jackie

You should try priceline if you are trying to stay closer. I just booked a room at the sheraton in wakefield (few minutes from Peabody) end of march for 40.