Hello : I reside on Long Island, NY and was thinking of showing my eleven y/o Boston over the spring break. Is this an advisable time of year to visit the city? If so any suggested areas for hotels or other tourist tips would be appreciated.

Busiest and most expensive weekend due to the holiday, school vacation and the Boston Marathon that Monday. It is fun but very busy.

Is it just you and the 11 year old? You might save a lot of money if willing to stay at hostelling international. If there are any openings, that is.

A second option might be Philadelphia. It would be cheaper and less intimidating in terms of crowds, but it has the same historical, compact feel.

Exactly WHEN is your spring break? These vary by school system. Tchionere is on about the Boston Marathon but does your nephew's break even include Patriots' Day?

Russ, Easter Sunday is the day before the Marathon therefore its the same time.

And Marathon Monday is Patriots Day in Massachusetts - a holiday - so many "locals" will be enjoying a three day weekend.

Easter Monday is Patriots Day and Marathon Day.

Spring breaks vary widely with various schools so will need to know exact dates.

Suggested area for hotels: Right in Boston. Prepare for stickler shock - even compared to NYC. Key words to look for are Copley, Downtown, Faneuil Hall. Check map and address - and check back here. Key words to avoid - Boston/Waltham (or any other town). I can almost guarantee if you find a "deal", there is a major problem. Commuting into Boston on public transit or driving (don't do that - take the train from NY) is deceptive. A short mileage can be complicated or take forever.

If you can afford the $, a perfect but expensive day would be to go to only AM MLB game ever (11 AM on Monday) - you would have to buy tickets on secondary market - and then walk a few blocks to join the crowds cheering for random Marathon runners as the elite runners will already have finished.

Check restaurant openings on Easter - many restaurants have specialized, limited or brunch menus and a few are closed.

Truly great weekend to be in Boston. You see people from all over the world in town for Marathon. But expensive and can be more expensive. Weather in April can be wonderful or raw and miserable. Even as locals, we try to get into the city for that weekend.

Thank you to all contributors. Without this forum I would not have known about the marathon or Patriot's day. Too much for me! Another time.