Long story short, we were suppose to be taking a quick trip to Gatlinburg after Christmas for a few days when we decided to change course and got to Boston. Don't ask. We tend to do these things. We have never been to Boston so I did a good bit of research here, at Frommers and at Trip Advisor. From this, I have learned that I need to stay in the Back Bay, Copley area. We will be there from 12/26-12/31. I have also read some iffy reviews of the following hotels:

Omni Parker
Bostonian
Colonnade
Park Plaza
Fairmont Copley
Eliot

The Fifteen Beacon is a little more than what we want to pay, so we have pushed that one out of the running.

Since it should be very cold during this time, and we will be on foot, I would like a hotel that is very convenient to most things. I also want a very clean hotel. I have narrowed it down to these:

1) Le Meridien - not sure how centrally located this is

2) Nine Zero - again, not sure of location

3) Lenox - have read some less than desirable reviews about this hotel, so this one is a toss up.

4) Marriott Copley - I know this is a good location

5) Westin Copley - Again, a great location

6) Sheraton Boston - read some iff reviews on this one as well.

Does anyone have a strong preference over any of these? The price is about the same (package wise) for any of these.

As you have learned, correctly, you will want to be in the Copley Square/Back Bay area, so that narrows the choices to the Lenox, the two at Copley Place, and the Sheraton. We have had two wonderful stays at the Lenox, so I would put that first, and the Sheraton last.

Don't forget the Hilton in Back Bay on Dalton Street, which is across the street from the Sheraton. Both the Sheraton and Hilton are very nice hotels. What is your budget? Have you thought about bidding through Priceline? Check out the Bidding for Travel site for bid histories and reviews.

I've stayed at the Westin and really enjoyed my stays there. We've gotten a $99 a night rate through Expedia. It was in a good location, but also the rooms were also spacious, clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

No I am not doing Priceline because we are getting a package deal with air. I had not read a whole lot about the Hilton. I am confused though, because all the once I listed were suppose to be in the Copley/Back Bay area.

I would consider Nine Zero to be in the Beacon Hill area, and The Meridien to be in the financial area...that said, Boston is not huge, and if you are walkers, and the weather is right, you can see everything on foot or by subway.

The Millenium Bostonian is near Faniuel Hall/Quincy Market. Very nice hotel but not near Copley Square. Also here's another recommendation for the Back Bay Hilton. Just stayed there 2 weekends ago with no complaints at all. Had a deluxe king room, recently renovated. Nice bathroom, super large window overlooking the dome of the Mother Church of Christian Science ( a Boston landmark), very conveniently located. I thought the room was more attractive than a deluxe room at the Sheraton.

Try to get tickets to the Boston Ballet Nutcracker - its a Boston tradition at Christmas. Also should be cold enough to skate at the Frog Pond on Boston Common. Walk through Beacon Hill, shop on Charles and Newbury Streets.

You are going to miss one of the biggest nights of the year - Boston's First Night Celebration on New Year's Eve is very fun - totally arts and family oriented with two fireworks displays - one around 7pm for families and one at midnight. Can you stay a little longer?

Unfortunately we do not enjoy the crowded New Year's Eve festivities. Although we do enjoy crowds at times, New Years Eve usually drives me bonkers. We have a First Night in Atlanta as well. We will be at home enjoying dinner and drinks with friends.

The Hilton is an option that I had no considered. For some reason I had the Hyatt confused with the Hilton and thought it was in the financial district. That is what I get for doing major cram work. Is there in special differences between the Marriott, Hilton and Westin that would make me choose one over the others? As for my price range, the hotels mentioned are all well within my price range. It is a packaged deal including air.

Thanks for everyone's help so far.

The Hilton is on one end of the Back Bay and the Marriott and the Westin are on the other.

The Marriott and Westin are both connected to the Copley Place mall by interior walkways which may be a plus in cold winter weather. The Hilton is walking distance to Symphony Hall if you are planning on seeing the Pops or BSO. All 3 are very nice, chain hotels. You won't be disappointed with any of them.

I would definitely toss a coin between Marriott and Westin. You will be inside Copley Plaza and the Prudential malls and can walk indoors between the two for restaurants, movies, shopping on those days when the weather is too cold. We've stayed at the Westin a few times. Clean, good service, nice rooms and definitely convenient to the Copley Square area. You can take cab or the T to the waterfront, Quincy Market area, walk to Boston Commons... It's a great time to be in Boston! Enjoy!

My preference is for the Hilton if you can get one of the executive rooms, which are readily available. The rooms are in the corners of the hotel, but the corners are lopped off, giving you a wonderful view of Boston. My preference is for any room above the 15th floor facing Cambridge or the Christian Science Church. The bathroom showers are enormous with multiple shower heads. Nice shower products and robes are included. TVs have remote controls, and there is complimentary Starbucks' coffee in the rooms.

Also, the hotel is next to the Prudential Center, so there are plenty of options for restaurants, including Marche, which is a great place for breakfast. Lastly, the Hilton is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the boarding point for the Duck Tours.

I don't know what your package price is, but the Hilton frequently has weekend specials on its website for $119/night.

My preference would be for either The Hilton or the Westin. I would go for the one that offered the best deal. Both are centrally located and are nice hotels.

Some of the more experience Boston travelers may have other advice though.