A group of us are going to Boston in September to a Boston College football game. I am in charge of getting good deals on a hotel and planning our free time! Last year I got great rates in Chicago on Hotwire. com - Swissotel for $95.00. Checking hotwire in Boston the best rates I found were in the $250 range. Is Boston just that much more expensive? Does anyone have any suggestion? Would like to pay in the $150 range if possible. Would also like to walk to Faniel(sp?) hall - Newberry street, etc.

We saw the Lion King on our last trip - thought we'd try and see another play if anyone has suggestions on that....or anything else we should not miss!

ez

Isn't it a bit early to find discounts on Hotwire for September?

Definitely too early for deals. Staying within walking distance to Fanueil Hall is going to cost more than $150 a night also. I suggest staying much closer to the BC campus/field for a cheaper room and taking a taxi or the "T" into Boston for the clubs. Check your dates on the major chain websites now so as you get closer to the actual dates and go to Hotwire or Hotels.com you should have a better idea about getting a deal. Also find out when parents weekend is scheduled for some of the Boston colleges. Mid September to end of October is very difficult to find a cheap (if there ever is) room in Boston.

I thought you couldn't wait too late to use hotwire but I did not know you could check too early. How far out should I check? So you think that even with Hotwire - we won't get rooms by Famuiel Hall less than $200 -(is that the Back Bay area?)

Thre is a package (pretty expensive) with rooms at either the Park Plaza or the Fairmont - are these hotels in a that same area?
ez

September would be a busy time in Boston. Thus, your chances of getting a bargain room are not great. As for when to check Hotwire, I would suggest probably not till early summer at the earliest.

Check out the HotelatMit in Cambridge. Everything in Boston is accessible via the public transportation system. You could always cancel if you find a deal down the road. You might be hitting a parents weekend or something? Maybe that's why you're getting high rates.

PS: You are really caught in a sort of Catch-22 situation.
If you book now, you'll be paying full rates.
If you wait for something to open up at Hotwire, you may be shut out. And, by then, the cheapest of rooms at regular prices would probably not be available.

Thanks for your help. I think I'll go ahead and book the Copley Marriott with a 24 hour cancellation so if I find something later on under $200 - I can cancel.

I'll start checking hotwire in June?
ez

Don't overlook Priceline, too. They only promise beds for two people per room, but you can bid for 4 rooms simultaneously. Almost any hotel in the Back Bay area would be fine. Faneuil Hall isn't in the Back Bay, but it's a short ride on the T and most people would also consider it walkable.

and hotels.com

I would suggest you look for hotels in the Back Bay area. The Back Bay area is close to the clubs near Fenway as well as the nightlife of Boyleston St and Newbury St. Consider the Lenox, Marriott Copley, Hilton Back Bay, Sheraton Prudential.

Second choice is Faniuel Hall/Quincy Market - closer to the waterfront and North End.

Third choice - Lower rates can be found on weekends at hotels in the Financial district such as the Wyndham or Club Quarters.

Keep in mind that Boston is pretty small geographically. You'll want to have access to the Green Line - the trolley that goes out to BC. With the exception of the game at BC almost everything else is a walk or a short T ride away.

Not sure what shows will be here in Sept but there's certain shows that are always here such as Sheer Madness, Blue Man Group. check out broadwayinboston.com for info.