Is it any good? we're staying there next weekend. Is there cheap parking near there, and if so, how do you get to it? we'll be coming from the turnpike.

also, we're going to the garden for a bruins and celtics game - is it easy to walk there? if so, where do we go?

There is not cheap parking anywhere in Boston. Call the hotel and find out what the best rate they know is. Another thread mentioned the Prudential Center Parking Garage which is very close to the Fairmont.

About a 35 minute walk to the Garden. It is a very pleasant walk. Public Transit is nearby and takes about 10 minutes.

thanks! anyone else?

There is cheap parking on the weekends at the Boston Common Garage (actually, cheap parking anytime at night)....it's on Charles Street (The street that runs between the Common and the Public Garden)

If you arrive after 6:00 am on Saturday and leave by 10:00 am Monday, it's only $10.00 a day.

If you're arriving on Friday, it's a little tricky, but you enter after 4pm...and then leave Saturday Morning by 10:00am...it'll be $10.00. You'll need to leave, drive around the block, and then re-enter for the weekend rate....sounds crazy, but worth it. You might be able to sweet talk the attendent into letting you pay the $10.00 and then print you a new weekend ticket without having to move your car...
If you're arriving anytime on Saturday, it's not as complicated.

Here's a link with directions:

http://www.bostoncitylinks.com/boston_commongarage.html

It's a little walk to Copley from there, but not crazy...I'd drop off luggage first though.

The Fairmont is a lovely hotel - we stay there on our anniversary, since we were married there over 25 yrs ago! The bar is nice for a nightcap. You've rec'd good directions on everything else. You can walk or T anywhere. Nice hotel location, easy walks everywhere and lots of nice choices for dining/eating. Their parking i believe is around 35 a day, so if you want, you rec'd good options otherwise.

The parking in the Prudential center is really easy to get to, off the turnpike. But I'm not sure if that isn't the most expensive garage in the city. At least it seems that way to me. Parking under the common will be a little cheaper, and only slightly less convenient.

you definitely need to pick up a good Boston map. Or ask the concierge at the Copley for directions from the hotel to the Garden. I'd take a cab, personally, but if the weather is good, it a ncie if long walk.

The Copley Plaza is a nice hotel. I stayed there once. Good sized rooms. I also love the Oak Bar for a late night drink.

radionfanatic, I seem to recall you were looking for a special restaurant for dinner while you wer in Boston. did you chose yet? there are lots of options in the area near your hotel, or within a few blocks of Boston common (which is between your hotel and the Garden).

good memory - you're right, I was the one. I'm thinking Angus Steakhouse for Saturday night as we went to the one in Montreal and loved it. I'm letting hubby confirm on that's where he wants to go. I think Sunday night we're going to go to the North end for some yummy italian!

If you're thinking steakhouse, you should consider the Oak Room, right in your hotel. It's a very nice, elegant steakhouse. And its a purely Boston institution.

http://theoakroom.com/page/1915f/Home.html

We just stayed there just 2 weekends ago for our anniversary. The staff is incredible .. ask if there's a chance to be upgraded to the "Gold Floor" for extra special treatment. A grand hotel in the heart of Boston - they are and should be very proud. Sean, a Gold Floor attendant was great. We had a wonderful time. I'd also like to add: Dinner at the Fairmont Copley is sensational as is a short walk to Stanhope Grille at Jury's Hotel. Try to fit both in, you won't be sorry. Enjoy

My friends who visited from California stayed at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. They said it was nice and the staff was very helpful with directions.

I wouldn't recommend driving around Boston though. You would spend more time trying to find parking and park your car and paying for garage fees, meter coins, and parking tickets. And you would miss out on the Freedom Trail - that should be done by walking, not sitting in a car!

Have fun!

Don't forget to go to Quincy Market and Prudential Center (that's right next to Copley Mall, near the Fairmont).

Regarding walking to Banknorth Garden (AKA The New Garden, Fleet Center) for Bruins and Celtics. It is a longish walk, but could be pleasant if weather cooperates. Or you could take MBTA.

As far as walking directions, it is better if you ask at hotel - roads can get confusing and it is better if they point and describe for you!

Do not drive to Garden

thanks everyone - we leave tomorrow so I'm excited. we plan on only driving there, once there we're parking the car and not looking at it again until we leave on Monday. Thanks so much for all of the wonderful suggestions - any last minute tips?

Don't know what particular tips you are looking for, but I would say if you want steak, I prefer Abe & Louie's and have not been pleased with Smith & Wollensky in Boston, but maybe others have had different experience there. The Oak Room did just get named by one of the top ten lists as best steak in Boston, have yet to try it personally, but the restaurant is lovely but you might want to get out of your hotel. Davio's also has wonderful steaks and 'meat meals'

Definitely would go to North end for the Italian, although there are other italian restaurants in town, the atmosphere of the North end is worth it and walking a bit afterwards, maybe having coffee/dessert at Mikes after walking off the meal a bit.

Even at night you can find the Old North Church and outside of Paul revere's house, etc if so inclined.

Our favorties in the North End are Sage, Prezzos, Piccolo Nido and Rabia's. You would want a rezzie in the North End on the weekend. Try www.opentable.com and see what pops up in the area of "North End" and you can click on their menus and prices, etc. and make a rezzie that way.

If you are walking aroudn during the day, and especially if you are blessed with good weather, for lunch and people watching I like Stephanies on Newbury street and Parish Cafe on Boylston (but prefer the latter only on a good day when i can sit outside)

If weather is good, you can see a nice 'high' view of Boston from any of the following places:
the Prudential Center Skywalk observatory, on a good day you can see the entire city and more - day and night two different views:
http://www.prudentialcenter.com/play/skywalk.html

for harbor views you can try: harbor view, when you walk the waterfront, there are observatories for free at Independence Wharf and Rose Wharf Boston harbor Hotel but you'd need to check thehours. I belive you need ID for entry to all.

Consider walking the waterfront even if just to walk and from there into the North End.

check out, for things that might interest you:
www.gobostoncard.com and www.bostonusa.com

Aside from the MFA, ICA, my favorite museum is www.gardnermuseum.org -

consider walking through Boston Common, Boston public Garden, onto Charles street, and across to the Charles River, back down to Common, dowon Newbury, Boylston, back over to your hotel.

Since your hotel is right there, do at least enjoy, if not the inside, the outside of the Boston Public Library - great building.

Have a ball and we'll all hope you have great weather and that we win both games.