I'll be attending thw Women's NCAA Basketball Championship at The Fleet Center in April, 2006. I need advice on a nice hotel VERY CONVENIENT and easy access to the "T" which goes to North Station at the Fleet Center. I've never been to Boston, but would like to be near good restaurants, shopping, nightlife, etc. This southern boy has never been on a subway--so make it easy on me, folks! (smile). I'm not worried about the price of the hotel since everything will be fairly expensive due to the tournament. Convenience and ease are the two major factors here. Thanks in advance! I always get great advice on this board!!!

If you just want to be near a T stop which can take you to North Station and don't care about being near North Station itself, then I would recommend staying in the Back Bay area. There is the Marriott Copley, Westin and Lenox Hotel all very close to the Green Line T. For pricier options there is also the Fairmont, Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. If you stay in this area you will be within walking distance to many restaurants, bars/clubs and shopping on Newbury Street and the Copley Place mall.

Thanks,Miramar. I'll take your advice.

Any Back Bay hotel will be near a T stop for a short ride to the Fleet. There's a new Onyx hotel within walking distance to the Fleet. You could also try the Wyndham on Broad St for good rates, in the Financial district but walkable to the Fleet.

There are tons of bars right near the FleetCenter, it will be hopping, you'll have a good time.

The Onyx Hotel is right there at Fleet center. It is part of the Kimpton chain of boutique hotels.

We stayed there last spring and found it to be very convenient. The T stop is about a one minute walk away, or they will give you a ride into the financial district in the morning if you want.

The T itself is simple. We used it to get all over Boston both during the day and night.

Ha Wyatt- looks like we both had the same idea at the same time!

Thanks to all of you for your advice! You guys are great!!!!!

And you know, they've changed the name -- its not the Fleet Center, its the TD Banknorth Center. Not that anybody calls it that ...

actually, it's the TDBanknorth Boston Garden, so we can go back to calling it "the Gah-den".

If you want to be in walking distance to the Garden, you could also consider the Faneuil Hall area. the Marriot Longwharf is a very short walk from North Station and the the Garden. And, of course, close to the great North End restaurants. As well as the bars, shops, and a comedy club in Faneuil Hall.

If money is really no object, then stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Its only a slightly longer walk, and its GORGEOUS.