Boston/Cape Cod
 

I'm planning a trip to Boston and Cape Cod in late May. First, does anyone have a suggestion for a reasonable hotel that is in downtown Boston (near the sights)? Next, I'm looking for suggestions on what to do on Cape Cod (must see's, etc.). Lastly, if we don't take a car to Martha's Vineyard (for a day trip)--how do we get around? Sorry for the barrage of questions! Thanks for your help!

Hi Sara- <BR>What is your definition of a "reasonable" hotel? Average hotel prices in Boston are around $200. You are also coming during college graduation season, so you may see inflated hotel prices. As far as a neighborhood to stay in, I would suggest the Back Bay/Copley area. It's easily accessible to public transportation and there are lots of shops/restaraunts/nightlife nearby. I would try and book something ASAP, as May is very busy in Boston. Try the Back Bay Hilton, Copley Marriott, Sheraton Back Bay, Westin, Eliot, Lenox, and Newbury Guest House. As far as the Cape, you didnt say exactly when you are going, but Memorial Day weekend is the start of the "high season", so you probably want to book lodging ASAP if thats the case. On the cape, visit Provincetown, walk any beach, and Osterville and Brewster are great little towns. Can't help with the Vineyard, other than if you do indeed decide to take your car, make ferry reservations now. Unfortunatly, I don't know the name of the ferry companies, but if you do a search on this site, I'm sure you'll find it. Good luck and have fun!

PS-forgot to mention. You do not need a car in Boston. For one, it's a hassle driving around and parking is very expensive. Everything you want to see and do is accessible by public transportation : www.mbta.com <BR>Trust me-I live here and don't drive around the city unless it's absolutly necessary!

Hi Sara, <BR> <BR>As far as getting around on Martha's Vineyard goes you can either, take you car, rent a car when you get over there or rent mopeds. Personally I'd vote for the mopeds since the streets in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven can be crowded and narrow. How are you planning to get to the Vineyard, via ferry or plane? <BR> <BR>BTW..Betsy is right, Boston is not cheap so between graduations and Memorial Day weekend, you'd better book early. That goes for the Cape too because that will book up early as well. If cost is a huge problem it might be a bit cheaper to stay in Cambridge and take the "T" into Boston. Boston is a walking city so you absolutely do not need a car! <BR> <BR>Finally, if you want to book a ferry the two are: <BR> <BR>1.HYLINE WWW.HY-LINECRUISES.COM <BR>2.The Steamship Authority: WWW.ISLANDFERRY.COM <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and Enjoy Boston! I live here and think it's a fabulous city! <BR> <BR>Robin <BR>

For the Vineyard, you can just take the buses that they have running between each town. You don't have to hassle with your own moped/car, and the buses are very frequent and right by the ferry terminals. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Even at this early date, it is close to immpossible to get weekend ferry reservations for your car to Martha's Vineyard. People walk-ons to ferry are always possible. I do not think it is possible to rent a car there. Also, summer rentals are going or gone by close to now. Decide fast!

Okay, There really aren't any cheap hotels in downtown. You really have to do your homework. Fortunately the city is so small that being near the sites shouldn't ever be a problem. <BR> <BR>On Cape Cod (where I live!) I would check out the National Seashore in Eastham, Welfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. There are several beautiful sites. A huge visitor center is on the highway on Rt 6 in Eastham and you can plan which beaches to hit from there. I like Marconi in Welfleet and Race Point in P'Town - wups don't want to forget Nauset Lighthouse Beach in Eastham. Another 'site' is the lifestyle in Provincetown. Drive through the commercial strip. <BR> <BR>Lastly, Martha's Vineyard has quite good bus service.

Try some of the bed and breakfasts in Boston -- try bnb.com, or check around on this site. Definitely make the trip over to MV; it's gorgeous. If you can, do one of the chartered sailboat trips out of Edgartown. Also try to hit "the other side of the island" -- Gay Head (now Aquinnah), and Menemsha. You really won't need a car - the bus is great, and you won't want to hassle with a car. The mopeds seem like a good idea, but the roads outside of the 2 main towns are very twisty, narrow and hilly. It really is dangerous -- there are always several serious accidents each summer. The locals hate the mopeds. As someone else noted, you DO NOT want a car in Boston. Parking is impossible, directions are worse, and it's a great town to walk around. Have a great trip!

I can't help you with a reasonably priced Boston hotel. I don't think such a thing exists. As for MVI, bikes are my preferred mode of transportation there. You can easily ride between the three main towns. I would not recommend biking to Gay Head. You can take a bus there. The shuttle buses are dependable, but certainly not fancy (they also serve as school buses). I have traveled extensively, and Martha's Vineyard is probably my absolute favorite destination. You must go!

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