Its true that there are better times<BR>than others to travel.... but when you<BR>don't have a choice as we do, you have<BR>to do the Best you Can....<BR>I found an AARP rate of $175 a night<BR>at the Marriott Copley, and I think <BR>its a real good rate....<BR>So I will take it!!<BR>You see Good things Happen!!<BR>

And, going back to your original posting, the Marriott Copley is a great location. The hotel connects directly with a huge shopping mall, not a terrific attraction it itself, but convenient if the weather is less than terrific, to the T (subway), and Prudential Center. A short walk to Boston Public Library, shops on Newbury (sp?) Street, the Public Gardens, Museum of Contemporary Art, just off the top of my head. I miss my college years aready!

Thank you Ken for your comments about<BR>the Marriott Copley., now I am sure I<BR>did a good choice!!!

Congratulation son getting Marriott Copley! Fabulous location, especially that weekend!<BR><BR>There is alot to do/see in that immediate area. The finish line for the Marathon is literally around the corner and down a block. Will it be crowded- yes, of course it will- but it is also very exciting, very historic and alot of good fun.<BR><BR>You should have no problem getting around town from tha location. Know that on Marathon Monday, the Copley T station (T station closest to your hotel) is shut down for the better part of the day. Marathon history will tell you the runner, Rosie Ruiz, who a number of years ago, crossed the finish line as the first of the female runners only to learn that she had taken the "T" part of the way! <BR><BR>Anyway- the Copley Marriott is a great location. Be prepared to deal with the crowds and enjoy the excitement that surrounds the weekend. Although in other parts of the city, the Fanueil Hall area for example, it's pretty much business as usual on Marathon Day since it is away from the Marathon route. <BR><BR>In any event, it IS a great time to be in Boston!<BR>ENJOY!

A few other little comments for your trip to Boston on marathon weekend. The Marriott is the headquarters for the run, so you will see lots of people on the Friday through Monday, and then I would bet it slows down quite a bit. The Boston Marathon is the only marathon (other than the Olympics) that you have to qualify for. Meaning, you have to run a time fast enough to be allowed in. Therefore, the people you will come across are usually REALLY excited to be there, and though probably a little nervous, they are in very good moods!<BR><BR>While Fanieul Hall (sp? - sorry) will most likely be business as usual on Monday, it will definitely NOT be on Sunday. That is where the race pasta feed is held. That being said, that does not affect the restaurants there, but it does mean there a lot of people there on Sunday night. The same is true for just about any Italian food restaurant in the North End, etc. Pasta is the food of choice for most pre-run meals, and last year we did not have a reservation for Sunday night and ended up at Pizzaria Uno - pathetic! Moral of the story is if you're going to enjoy Italian food, pick a different night than Sunday before the marathon<BR><BR>One other little tidbit that you may find helpful is that many of the restaurants/bars in the area on the course actually charge cover charges to get in because it is such a big deal. My husband spent $20 on cover charges bar hopping while I was out there lugging my rear end from Hopkinton.<BR><BR>I've only been there for the race and I found it to be a absolutely beautiful welcoming city. Yes, the prices are a bit higher that weekend, but hey - it's history! It's the Boston Marathon.

Hi Sandy & Tiffany: Thank you for all<BR>of your tidbits and advises.... I will follow them... and afterwards let you know.. I enjoy very much this travel<BR>talk, for all the help you guys give<BR>especially this w/end that I have been<BR>sick in bed... and looking forward for<BR>your messages, and suggestions.<BR>Thanks!!.<BR>