I was strictly looking at Back Bay/Copley because I thought that Downtown closed up after 6pm. Am I wrong in thinking this. Downtown seems to have nice hotels (4*) and close to the T. Also, if I book a downtown hotel what is the closest Amtrak station?
Thank you

South Station is the closest station to "downtown" (eg: financial, theater, harbor) while BackBay is (obviously) the closest to BackBay/Copley. North Station (Fleet Center) only serves Amtrak trains to Maine.

If you are taking trains in both directions, just purchase to/from South Station. Get off early at Back Bay, but catch the train back out at South Station, as that will be where it originates, and you'll have better choice of seats. BTW, the two stations are close enough that I've walked between the two.

name a few of the hotels and I'll try to offer advice. The previous poster was merely talking commuter and amtrack trains - not the T.

well, for downtown there is:
Wyndham Boston
Le Meridien
Omni Park
Millennium
Hyatt Regency Boston (old Swissotel)

For Back Bay/Copley there is Colonnade, Westin, Sheraton, and Marriott Copley Place. Do you have any feelings re: Colonnade.
Thanks a bunch!

We just stayed in Boston for our anniversary and stayed at the Lenox at Copley Place. It's been renovated but is definitely "old" Boston charm. We got a good price on the internet and it was a great location to Newbury St., walking to the public garden, and a show at the Huntington Theatre (which is actually near the Colonnade). I highly recommend having a drink (or meal if you want to splurge) at the Top of the Hub at the Prudential building (next door to the Lenox). You can go to phantomgourmet.com for dining ideas.
I read that the Colonnade has a nice rooftop pool although we didn't see it.
Welcome to Boston!

Pepper--

We just stayed at the Sheraton Prudential Center- connected to Prudential Center on one side and near Copley Sq also-PERFECT location-
Had a LARGE room with a view of the Charles River-
It has an awesome fitness area with an indoor pool with retractable roof-and an outdoor sunning area...
GREAT hotel!

We have also stayed at the FAIRMOUNT-also in Back Bay/Copley area..

BACK BAY/COPLEY is the best area to stay in my mind as it is close to Newberry St ,which has awesome shopping and tons of outdoor and WONDERFUL restaurants and bistros....

With the 2 shopping centers there at BACKBAY-both COPLEY SQ and Prudential Center- there are tons of restaurants and you never even HAVE to leave the hotel area...

Make sure you try Legal Seafoods- it has been around for years-but we went to the one at the Marriott Copley--their clam chowder is the best in the world....

NO to swisshotel and omni parker. Wyndham is close to Fanuel Hall but business - usually good for a great rate.Is the Millenium the Bostonian which is right next to FH and across from the waterfront and North End? Le Meridien - love the chain, although may seem slightly secluded at night just a cab away from things. Collonade is known for pool which I'd like. Anything in Back Bay should be fine Good luck