We'll be in Boston in mid-May w/ elderly mom who is pretty spry but still can't walk extensively. Would like to stay in an area convenient to museums(art), maybe the aquarium and historical buildings. Any advice?

Recommend printing a one-page map of Boston (it's a relatively small city)and highlighting the places you plan to visit, as opposed to "maybe". Then, you can figure out where to stay.

All in all though, Boston is relatively compact, and taxis are reasonable.

Even though Boston is a cmpact city, the places you mention are not within easy walking distance for anyone. Second, mid-May is prime college commencement time - you must reserve a hotel ASAP and many choices may not be available to you.

MBTA serves all these areas, but most stops involve stairs - there are supposed to be working elevators, escalators at all stops, but are notorious for not working.

If you can afford the price, I might pick one of the Copley Place hotels (I think it is a Marriot and Hilton - but Copley Place website will tell you). Copley Square is a convenient area to many of Boston sites, and Copley Place is a large enclosed upscale shopping mall with restaurants, coffee shops, etc - available right there if you are tired at end of day.

I think you will want to be taking taxis to most places. Most "historic buildings" are on Freedom Trail, a winding walk thru city streets - the uneven pavement and cobblestones can be killers on the feet and legs, but you might select one or 2 stops and taxi to them instead of walking the entire route.

I am not a big fan of the New England Aquarium - think it is only a fair aquarium and not improving due to serious financial problems.

Hotels are expensive, can you tell us your price range? The Museum of Art and Gardner Museum are about 4 miles from the Aquarium. As mentioned hotels are booked well ahead in May.

Try the Chandler hotel.Reasonably priced.Paul

Not an answer re hotels, but just thought I'd mention: Boston has several hop on-hop off trolley-type sightseeing operations, and it's something you might want to consider, given Mom's mobility. The one we were one, we picked up near Fanueil Hall and its stops included in the Copley Sq area and the Gardner.

I pricelined and got the Radisson - not exactly the locale I was considering but looks to be pretty convenient...I hurried up because of the posts about graduation which I hadn't thought about...thanks!

I really liked the aquarium - and I have been to many (including in England and Canada... and now since I live in Atlanta, I have been to the biggest in the world) See my post, "I LOVE Boston" for my comments on it.

I know everyone has their own opinions, but if you really wanted to go to the aquarium, I wouldn't let one person who didn't care for it stop you. It is worth a visit. (and the spiral ramp make it easy to walk)

If you plan on the aquarium on a May week-end expect huge lines and a lot of waiting. The other museums will be crowded but not as had to get into.