kkyllo

I am looking for affordable accommodations for two adults and 4 kids(over age10), in the Boston area at the end of July for 10 days. We are open to not staying right in downtown. A rental of some kind would be great, so we can do meals at home. Any help would be much appreciated!

Ackislander

You should look at VRBO or its owner Homeaway. Many Bostonians go away for all or part if the summer and would be delighted to rent their apartments or houses. If you are the right generation, you might also look at AirBnB. It helps that the last two weeks of July and the first week,of August are the hottest weeks of the year.

You will probably wind up renting for a whole two weeks because most of these properties are not rented for an odd period like 10 days. But you still should come out ahead of a hotel.

You need access to public transportation because many people find driving in the city difficult, though you may want a car to go on day trips.

Good places to look for are Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Waterfront, Cambridge, Somerville (Davis Square), Brookline (St Mary's, Coolidge Corner and Washington Square). Some parts of the Fenway and South End are terrific, others not so hot. Jamaica Plain is a great place to live but not so great to stay as a tourist because of transportation. Newton, along the Riverside Green Line is attractive but a long way out.

When you identify some interesting places, come back here and people will have plenty to say about your choices.

In the interest of full disclosure, I own a condo in Coolidge Corner but it sleeps two and is not for rent. But I am one block from Trader Joe's, one block from Stop and Shop, and one block from the T. There is a famous mobile theater, two CVS, etc, a great family neighborhood. On the other side of Beacon Street, there is an incredibly steep hill. Nothing is perfect, though both are "Coolidge Corner."

BigRuss

Also would help if you define "affordable" - Russian oligarchs want affordable accommodations too, their definition is elastic . . .

kkyllo

@BigRuss, that makes sense! I was hoping to get a week under $2000. We can hotel it for a couple of nights, as I am aware that VRBO's are usually one week and often Sat-Sat.

cw

Airbandb has a lot of rentals as well. Check back here on locations since some owners may exaggerate a bit the convenience to public transportation. Don't rule out Jamaica Plain since it is well-served by the Orange Line of the MBTA.

AngieDur

Hi, my family and I (couple + 4 kids) have recently stayed at Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf and would certainly recommend it if it is in your budget. Excellent choice: good rate as compared to others downtown: equipped kitchen in the room, breakfast included, heated pool and walking distance to subway and to the Freedom Trail. My children loved it.