taitai

We are visiting Boston this summer for a couple of days as part of an Acadia/Boston trip. We will be traveling with our three tween-aged sons. While in Boston, our plan is to visit Cambridge, go to a Red Sox game, visit the North End, Freedom Trail, etc. The typical trip, I believe. What area should I focus on when looking for a hotel? Any recommendations?

Thank you

china_cat

I think the Back Bay/Copley place area is the most convenient. Fairly central, easy access to the T, walking distance to many things (including Fenway park).

But there are other possibilities. And it will depend a bit on budget. Lots of folks have sticker shock when it comes to Boston hotel prices.

marvelousmouse

I really loved the location of the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. But the above poster is right about budget- the Marriott was definitely more that I would normally spend on a hotel and only chosen because it was the less expensive option of the choices we had. that is to say, the other top choices were absurdly pricy rather than very pricy! I'd stay there again though- the location was worth every cent.

familythattravels

We stayed at the Hotel Commonwealth which is near Fenway. We had a suite which included a king size bed and a pull out sofa bed....definitely enough room to add a single rollaway. It was a beautiful hotel and I picked it for the suite and the boys went to a night game our last night in town. Not the best location but workable. My favorite part of the city was North End not sure if any hotels have the space you need there. Such a fun city.
http://www.hotelcommonwealth.com/

cw

Back Bay and the harbor area are both convenient for sightseeing. Check various booking sites for prices, and also look at Travelzoo and www.lastminutetravel.com. Both often have good prices for Boston.

taitai

Thank you so much for this. I will start exploring the Wharf hotel and the Commonwealth. I will also start looking at the sites cw suggested but it is probably too early to get any deals with priceline, etc.

travelgourmet

Honestly, anywhere in Boston proper will be a decent location. The Commonwealth is a bit fringe, as are the hotels in the Seaport, but none are terrible.

In general, I'd say the hotels near the Public Garden (Taj, Four Seasons, Park Plaza, Revere) are in the best location, followed closely by those around Copley Square (Fairmont, Westin). The Sheraton, Hilton, Loew's, and Colonnade are only marginally worse than those nearest Copley. The W, Hyatt, and Ritz are also pretty well located. The Liberty is also pretty well located - not as central as others, but near Beacon Hill and Charles Street.

Personally, I am not the biggest fan of the location of the Intercontinental or Rowe's Wharf, but we are talking matters of degree. The Marriott is better located.

FWIW, I see no reason to bother with the North End as the food is mediocre to poor. It would be fine to visit to take in some of the ambiance (e.g. suburban people heading into town for dinner) or to pick up pastries at either Modern or Mike's, but there are few recommendable restaurants in the neighborhood.