jpie

So as you can imagine, many of the hotels are filling up already. I did find a pretty good rate at The Lenox in the back bay, about $375/night including all taxes. I am still looking around but would love some opinions about this choice. I know it is probably less residential but so far I haven't found great places in Cambridge any cheaper, so figured Back Bay might be a good choice...

Tabernash2

Sorry, I don't know the Lenox.

My sister likes this Marriott Courtyard on Tremont Street (she likes being there, because her DD goes to Emerson):
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...ston-downtown/

We will be there in May for a graduation, and are staying at the Park Plaza. We've stayed there before and like its location and historic vibe. I can be quirky, though, with really small rooms. The concierge level is wonderful.
http://www.bostonparkplaza.com/

jpie

okay one more to throw out there. The Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill has good rates. It is on 5 Blossom St, Boston, MA. I was a bit concerned about this location since it looks pretty engulfed by all the hospital complexes around there. Would the Lennox be a better choice in terms of location?

Tabernash-thanks for the links I will take a look at those as well.

Tabernash2

Being engulfed by the hospital complexes will mean lots of loud ambulance sirens.

bardo1

There are Beacon Hill hotels (an excellent choice of areas to stay, btw) far from the hospital complex - here are a few good options in your price range:

http://www.beaconhillhotel.com/

http://www.ninezero.com/

...or possibly a deluxe suite here (WAY under your budget): http://www.johnjeffrieshouse.com/

cw

The Lenox is in a great location and you are one or two blocks away from walking around the Commonwealth Avenue mall and all the beautiful towns homes that line that street and adjoining streets. You'll be near both the Green and Orange line which will take you everywhere you want to go. Stay central and enjoy walking around.

The Lenox is also quite close to the South End, which is full of residences, interesting shops, and excellent restaurants. You can walk there.

travelgourmet

With all due respect, the Hyatt is about the last place I'd think of as being in "cool neighborhood ... with good restaurants, coffee shops and people watching."

Agreed. The neighborhood isn't really a neighborhood. What it is though, is incredibly central. Three T lines (4 if you count the Silver) are within an easy five minute walk. And you can walk a lot of places if you are moderately energetic. Transit-wise, there is probably not a better located hotel.

I disagree that there are no good restaurants and noted several up thread.

Being engulfed by the hospital complexes will mean lots of loud ambulance sirens.

I have stayed at the Liberty, which is in the same area and had zero issues with sirens.

travelgourmet

The Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill has good rates. It is on 5 Blossom St, Boston, MA. I was a bit concerned about this location since it looks pretty engulfed by all the hospital complexes around there. Would the Lennox be a better choice in terms of location?

I like the Lenox location better, but the Wyndham isn't in the worst spot. Not sure how nice it is - it is pretty old.

Compare that to an area like Harvard Square, where you can walk in any direction and find precisely what the OP asked for,

Actually, I don't think the dining in Harvard Square is really very good.

jpie

Okay it sounds like the Lenox is a good choice to hold on for now at least while I check out some others. Thank you all so much for all the help and support. I am such a novice when it comes to the east coast-very intimidating for me. However, I am super familiar with LA, SF and Seattle and France Paris and most of the country since we live there part time-so if I can return the favor on any of these areas please ask

clarkgriswold

If you decide on Cambridge, consider LeMeridien at MIT....cool hotel and it's @$250 on your dates.

jpie

thank you clarkgriswold-I did go ahead and reserve a room at the Meridien and that way I have a bit of time to mull over whether we want to stay on the Boston side at the Lennox or over in Cambridge. Also, just to let others know, the rate that shows as the least expensive for those dates is non-refundable, but when you use a special rate like AARP or AAA you can get the same rate that is fully refundable up to the date of check in.

Thanks again all-I feel better knowing we have 2 good choices-one for Boston and one for Cambridge. Maybe it will be the battle of the best restaurants-any opinions which hotels has the better restaurants within walking distance

travelgourmet

If you decide on Cambridge, consider LeMeridien at MIT....cool hotel and it's @$250 on your dates.

Better restaurants in that area than in Harvard too.

Joy2

Stay in Boston. Either Copley Square or the Waterfront. Both are on the MBTA Boston's transit system and very easy to use or you can walk. Boston is a walking city and fun to see. Copley Square is close to the famous Newbury Street and very beautiful Public Garden. The Waterfront is close to the historic Faneuil Hall and easy walk to the Italian North End neighborhood which is a must when visiting Boston!

Have fun.