If I try for a hotel on priceline, should I select "downtown" or "back bay?" Which area is better for a first-time visitor? Which is closest to restaurants and freedom trail?Thanks!

Boston is a very small, walkable city. There are restaurants and sites close to downtown and in the Back Bay.

Start with Back Bay. There is alot of shopping/restaurants/sites there.

It will depend what Priceline considers to be "downtown". There are hotels in and around the financial district, and eventhough the financial district closes at night, it abuts much history and many sites as well as some great restaurants.

Can't really go wrong with either- but as first time visitor start with Back Bay- keep us posted!

I recently got a great deal on a Back Bay hotel from Hotwire, within walking distance of the southern end of the Freedom Trail. As mentioned above, either place is close to the action.

Priceline's map of Downtown Boston does indeed include the financial district, most of the Freedom Trail, and the North End, site of many wonderful restaurants.

Even so, I'd recommend staying in the Back Bay, since it's closer to more other tourist activities.

BTW, the text on the page with Priceline's map of Downtown has several errors: Their downtown area does not include Back Bay (of course!), nor the Pru and Hancock Towers (which are in the Back Bay) and furthermore the Hancock Tower has been closed to visitors since September. And it labels as "Boston Common" an area that includes not only the Common but also the Public Garden. Bottom line: Don't expect great things from them geograhically speaking.

I'd say Back Bay, too. Downtown area is fine during the day, but can get deserted at night - you might not feel totally safe walking back to the hotel late at night. Back Bay always feels safer to me.

Try the Lenox Hotel, Back Bay. If you're going in the Summer or Winter, call and ask them if they are still doing the "Deal of the Century". That's where you pay for the 1st night, and the second is $20. (3rd full price, 4th is $20, etc.).

The last two years I've visited, I have gotten this deal, which has a way of re-appearing. You won't see it on their website right now, as they don't advertise it around commencement time (and it also is not valid for their beautiful fall).

Worth a try. I got an average at that hotel for about $150 a night. It's known to be a nice hotel.