We have decided to go to Boston in mid November and would like to stay at the Hilton financial center. Is this in a good area and close to shopping, restaurants, and transportation? We don't plan to rent a car. We have chosen this hotel to use our Hilton points. What are the closest shopping malls/areas and how far of a walk will it be for us? Will any ice skating rinks be open or Christmas decorations up, or will we be too early to enjoy these options?

Yes, that is a good location close to public transportation, a lot of tourist attractions (such as the Freedom Trail and the Aquarium), and Faneuil Hall for shops/food. You can also take your pick of Italian restaurants in the North End, or other food options on the same street as your hotel.

The only malls I can think of that are in Boston are at Copley Place and the Prudential. You aren't close to those, but you can get to them on public transportation.


I'm not sure about Christms decorations, but it sounds a bit early.

Just went to the Hilton website - you made a good choice, even looking at all Hilton Brands. Hilton Back Bay would also work, but this one is fine.

Indoor malls are Copley Place or Prudential Center - either is a reasonable walk unless it is really nasty and cold, and then a couple of stops on the MBTA.

Other outdoor shopping - stroll Newbury Street or walk over to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area. The former has very upscale boutique shops, the latter used to be cute unique shops - still a few of those - but also some chains and interesting pushcarts and kiosks.

And for an authentic Boston chopping experience, on a Friday or Saturday walk around the corner from Quincy Market to Haymarket - pushcarts with veggies, cheeses, and all sorts of piles of fish on ice. Probably not a good place for a souvenier home, but still fun since it is real.

Public outdoor skating is on Frog Pond on Boston Common and this usually opens in November some time. They will rent you skates.

Quincy Market tends to put up decorations in early November, although they may not all be up. The central rotunda usually has great decorations and tree.

You did not ask, but November weather can be weird. It will not be balmy, of course, but it could snow or it could seem like beautiful late fall weather. Make sure you have some sort of heavier soled or waterproof foot coverings and winter-weight layers in case you get weather-unlucky. And don't obsess about the weather a day or so before you travel here - weather report will certainly change.

Gail,
Thanks for the information. Any family owned Italian restaurants that are not to be missed and won't break the bank?

What's going on in Boston Nov. 13-16, 2008? When we decided on Boston yesterday, there were plenty of Hilton rooms available using points. Now today, most aren't available. I hate to book airline tickets and not be able to use our points. HELP!!!

Could a lot of people---that is to say enough to use up free rooms which are by design limited---have suddenly decided to do an extended trip around Veterans' Day? We have run into limited rooms at that time before. And the difference between yesterday and today may have only been one or two rooms. Keep trying---maybe try the 800 # and see if a rep can help you?

If you do visit here, take the subway to Copley square for shopping on Newbury Street anchored on one end by the Taj Hotel that overlooks the Public Garden where the pond is used for ice skating in the winter the other end of Newbury starts at the BEST BUY. Copley takes you steps away from Prudential and the Copley malls.

I have no clue what is going on - checked Convention Bureau website and only small scattered conferences/conventions. November is not generally a peak month to visit Boston.

The europeans are all over Boston/Cambridge because the euro is in their favor. I took the dog to the Public Garden and could hear so many languages.

12th Annual Boston Fine Arts Show
The Obesity Society
A Zionist organization
Bay State Coin Show

all that weekend

Which Hilton is more central to everything (sites, restaurants, shopping) and close to a subway stop, the one in the Financial District or Back Bay? We decided to make our trip even if we can't use points and want to be in a Hilton that is most convenient for tourists. The one in the Financial District gets better reviews but if anyone out there has stayed at either, please give me your input!!! Thanks!!

Both are in good locations and are close to T stops. The Back Bay neighborhood has lots of shops and restaurants, also within walking distance to the South End.

The Hilton Financial Center is within walking distance to Faneuil Hall and the North End.

I live here so I haven't stayed at either but it's really a toss-up. You'll do fine at either location.

Thanks Wyatt92. Which is closer to Filene's and Macy's?

Filene's is closed.

OP may be referring to Filene's Basement...in which case the flagship, i.e. original is closed for 2 years but there is one on Boylston St. which would be closer to the BB Hilton, but the Financial locale would be closer to Macy's Downtown Crossing Store. However, if shopping is your bag, you may be better off staying in BB. Wyatt is right, both locations are good.

Ditto socialworker. Although, if it was my first time in Boston I sure wouldn't waste any time shopping at Filene's or Macy's.

So, Where should we go to shop? Are there any local department stores that are not to be missed? I don't want to pay Neiman prices but would like to find something comparable to Dillards.

Do you have Filene's Basement where you live? The Boylston St. locale often has very good quality, including designer brands hugely discounted. I got a $300 Italian wool/cashmere blend scarf--as soft as anything you ever felt!-- for $58 at the end of the winter. (It had been selling for ~$179 originally at Filene's.

I don't think we have anything like Dillards, which if I am not mistaken, is more like our dear, departed Filenes--*not* the Basement, which split off into a different company many years ago. I have not shopped at department stores since Filenes was shuttered a couple of years ago.

Lord and Taylor's, Saks and many other boutiques and designer places abound in Back Bay. In fact, we spent 3 months living right outside of Beverly Hills last winter, and I am surprised at how many of the same shops that pepper Rodeo Drive can be found on Newbury Street, one block over from Boylston. As I said, if shopping is big for you, you will be happier staying at the BB Hilton.

I don't know, I guess I wouldn't shop at chain department stores that you could go to anywhere. Unless you live somewhere very rural where there's not anywhere to shop.

Newbury Street is a must, it's the shopping hub of the city. There are chains but local boutiques as well. Charles Street in Beacon Hill is another gem with lots of great local stores. The South End has tons of good shopping and the North End has added several boutiques in the last few years as well.

Filene's basement is my gold mine.
I bought a black Balenciaga raincoat, his quilted clutch. Two Chanel jackets and two skirts that I had altered to fit. The Globe announces when a featured shop like Barney's, NM or Saks remainders go there. All my La Perla undies came from there. They also send out coupons for added discounts.