Any suggestions on which hotel to stay at for a two day stay? Fairmont Copley Plaza or Millenium Bostonian? same $. Want to sightsee, be close to transportation and restaurants, etc. thank you.

Each one has its own appeal, but I would opt for the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The Copley Plaza is in the Back Bay overlooking Copley Square and Trinity Church. Right next door is the IM Pei's Hancock Tower (observatory on top floor). 2 blocks away is Newbury Street, the one of the premiere shopping/restaurant areas in town. The Copley Plaza is one of those old "grande dame" hotels, very nice (very ornate lobby, etc). Across the square is the "T", Boston's subway system. Also cabs abound in the area.

The Millenium Boston (formerly Regal Bostonian) is a newer hotel and is also in a good location for tourist activities. Across the street is Faneuil Hall, an outdoor marketplace/tourist attraction. You can also pick up the Freedom Trail, the self-guided walking tour of Boston's historical sites, in Faneuil Hall. Again, the "T" is only about a block away and cabs are available. Nearby is the North End, which has some exceptional Italian restaurants and cafes.

To sum up: Copley Plaza is in a more hip/trendy location; Millenium is in a more historic/less high-brow area. Choosing one over the other should not cause you to limit yourself to the immediate vicinity, though. Boston, unlike Dallas or LA, is extremely compact - the 2 hotels are at most 2 miles apart - and is extremely walkable.

Have a great time!!

thanks for the info - really helps. if we decide we can't do these - pricey - how is the Radisson? know it won't be as classy, but is location okay, etc?

Roberto, you're right. The Radisson won't be as classy as the other two, but the location will be fine. It's in the Theater district, but just a block from the Common, close to Back Bay, Chinatown, good restaurants, the T, etc. It's more or less between the other two hotels.

Roberto - when I first saw your message yesterday I didn't recognize the name Millenium Bostonian. So know I've learned that my favorite Boston hotels has changed names. I really love the Bostonian. Its a very very nice hotel. You would really enjoy it. As I recall they don't have the usual check in counter that most hotels have. Just two elegant desks in the lobby. Downside is its location. Right smack in the middle of the Big Dig. When I stayed this wasn't an issue but it could be now. But on the positive side its near the North End and the Freedom Trail. Short walk to the T, short walk to the Charles River and the Esplanade, Charles Street etc. Newbury St is a very reasonable walk away also. But either the Copley or the Bostonian would be great choices.

Just stayed at the Fairmont 4 weeks ago and had a wonderful time. However, the rooms are looking somewhat tired and make sure they don't put you in a handicap room. The location is excellent and the staff are very friendly.. Make sure if you visit you say hi to Houston for me!!!

I live in Boston and the Big Dig should not hinder your stay at the Bostonian (or Millenium). It is nearby, but the impact has been minimal. I would probably opt for the Copley Plaza, but that's just me. The earlier poster who said they were in just two different types of locations was dead on.

The Radisson is a Radisson (no more, no less), and it is not out of the way by any means, although of the three areas you are considering, I would opt for one of the other two first.