My husband and I are taking our son to a Red Sox game at the end of May and need some hotel help - or recommendations on a neighborhood/area to stay in. We need one that won't break the bank and is close (or near public transportation) to get to and from the airport, Fenway Park and other Boston sites. I am completely in the dark on this one and really appreciate some help. At this point, we don't plan on renting a car. Thank you.

Boston is a small city in terms of geography and it is well served by public transportation so getting to Fenway is not a big problem. You could stay right in Kenmore Square to be within rock throwing distance of Fenway or you could stay in the Back Bay/Copley Sq area for an easy walk or a quick subway ride. Even the Quincy Market/Financial District has easy access to Fenway. I would avoid the airport area or Revere/Chelsea.

The Hotel Commonwealth is right next door to Fenway and right on the T for easy sightseeing. You could also try Brookline, the Holiday Inn on Beacon St and the Marriott Courtyard are both on the T and about a 5-10 min ride to Fenway.

You could also stay in Copley Sq (Back Bay), again on the T but also a nice walk to Fenway if the weather is good. Lots of hotels there, Copley Marriott, Westin Copley, Sheraton, Back Bay Hilton, etc. Boston is very compact, you won't have trouble.

Forgot to mention that the end of May is college graduation time so the city is very busy, and as a result hotel prices tend to be higher than usual. What's your budget?

I stayed at the Hotel Commonwealth when I went to see the Rolling Stones at Fenway Park. It is a wonderful hotel!

We've stayed at the Hotel Commonwealth as well and it is super convenient to Fenway and quite nice. They upgarded us to a suite which was pretty luxurious and I think I booked it at a decent price from either Expedia or Travelocity. Have a great time. Fenway baseball is truly an experience!

There is also a Courtyard Marriott in Brookline near the Beacon Street Green Line, a short trip to Fenway. But all who have mentioned college graduations are right. Make a reservation now, wherever you choose.

We stayed at the Commonwealth this past weekend...and really enjoyed the hotel.

Becasue we are originally from Boston, we liked the idea that our room faced Fenway and the Green Monster. Just might be the best location for Fenway.

I agree with Wyatt about booking early because of graduations..BU is so close to Kenmore Square.

Although I haven't stayed at the Marriott Courtyard at Coolidge Corner in Brookline....I know people that have. Their complaints of VERY small rooms was the reason I don't not to stay there when visitng family in Brookline.

Keep in mind that if you do stay in Brookline, a car won't be necessary. If you have a car..you will have to pay for parking as overnight parking is not allowed on the streets of Brookline

You have received some excellent suggestions - the best of which is make reservations now - Back Bay and Fenway area is where many colleges are and graduation time they always fill very early.

See if you can take a Fenway tour when you are here.

I really appreciate all of the help and suggestions from everyone. I wasn't thinking about graduations when I bought tickets. I have a feeling we will be right in the thick of them at the end of May. I don't have a large budget and around $150 probably is going to be tough. Any other suggestions as far as outlying cities that we can take transportation into town. Maybe a 30 minute ride or less? Thanks again to all.

There is a Holiday Inn in Newton in a very remote location except for the fact it is adjacent to Riverside Station which is the end one of the Green Lines that Fenway Park is on, and is no more than a 30 min--probably less--ride to Fenway. But, please, start making phone and/or internet inquiries today!! I am not exaggerating!!

That Holiday Inn might work - but take the remote location comment seriously. There is absolutely nothing within walking distance - not even a convenience store.

I believe I will look into the Brookline hotels, and the Back Bay/Copley areas. These seem to be well located if we decide to walk to Fenway. I also appreciate the suggestion of the Fenway Tour. I told my son (20 yrs. old) about that and he said "WOW". We definitely have to do that. Since you all have been so helpful with hotels, how about some suggestions on restaurants, or one or two must sees or dos in Boston. We will only be there from Saturday afternoon to Mon. afternoon with the Sunday afternoon ballgame.
Thanks again.

Take the Old town trolley tour. Great.Paul

The Duck Tour is really a must do. Other than that I would have dinner in the North End and explore Beacon Hill. You can walk from Beacon Hill to the Common to Fanueil Hall.

Once you know where you're staying I can give you some restaurant recs.

My sister-in-law and her family stayed at the Buckminster Hotel when they came to Boston to go to a Red Sox game. It is right across the street from Fenway Park. They seemed to like it and I know it was really convenient for them.

I think I have decided pretty much on the Westin Copley for our stay. I had to up the budget, but we can get 2 queen beds there. Can't believe how many 1 bedded rooms there are in Boston! Any suggestions on restaurants would be greatly appreciated. We like italian, american, and seafood. Not too pricey, please. One more thing, where can I get a GREAT bowl of new england clam chowder??