enzian

Hello again---I trying to help DH and DD with their college-scouting trip over spring break. He asked me to "Fodorize" these three hotels in Boston for him: Chandler Inn Hotel, Jurys, and Constitution Inn.

Any thoughts, positive or negative? What about location?

Thanks fo ryour help!

Anonymous

Which schools does she plan to visit, and will they have a car? The Constitution Inn is not a convenient location for much of anything.

yk

Jury's is probably the best. Chadler Inn is okay, here's a comment on it from last year:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...omment-2416111

enzian

They won't actually be visiting any colleges in Boston. I think they just want to see the city, and thought of staying there on their way from one place to another. And yes, they will have a car.

Colleges (on the current list anyway) are Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Wellesley, and Bowdoin.

yk

Can they get rid of the car? They won't need it in Boston, and parking is expensive in the city. HOw long will they be in Boston for? If they're there for several days, just retunr their car when they first arrive in Boston, and then rent another one when they're ready to leave to drive elsewhere.

The list of hotels you provided has very odd choices of hotels.

enzian

yk---I don't know where he got the list of hotels. They were planning on staying with friends in Boston, but something came up. The list may have been provided by the friend. I'll ask.

They will just be staying 1 or 2 nights and he's already got a weekly rate on the car, so I don't think he can return and re-rent. I have heard how difficult it is to drive in Boston but he's done it before so I guess he's not concerned.

cmcfong

Newbury Guest House is a reasonably priced, extremely well located bed and breakfast. They had free parking on my last visit. My go to spot in Boston because I love to be on Newbury St.

enzian

Thanks, cmcfong! I'll suggest it to him.

yk

Check out the newly-renovated Copley Sq Hotel, which is offering a tremendous deal:
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/550080
$109/n including FREE upgrade.

I stayed there in 2003 and I really liked it then, before the renovation. The location is fabulous too.

Another deal on Travelzoo is the Millennium Bostonian near Faneuil Hall for $139/n
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/553940

enzian

Thanks, yk! The Copley Square looks very nice, and the price is great. I'll point those out to him.

And in case none of these are available for his dates, what about Starwood properties? I have a ton of points. I see several Sharatons, and a Westin which looks nice---Westin Copley Place. Is that a good location?

yk

There's a Sheraton and a Westin @ Copley. Both are at good location, and both are mostly geared for business travelers. Check tripadvisor for reviews.

I would not stay at the Westin Waterfront (not convenient), nor the Park Plaza (poor reviews if I recall correctly from others).

enzian

OK--I just talked to DH and he reminded me they are flying home from Boston---that is why they are staying there! I should have clarified that sooner, as it might help focus the recommendations.

Would there be good public transport to the airport from either the Copley Square or Newbury Street locations? Then they could turn in the car and be done with that worry (and expense).

I keep reading about the "T". What is that?

yk

"T" is the nickname for our subway system here. If they are traveling light, they can certainly get to the airport by the T (subway). It should take about 45 mins max. Get on the Green Line from Copley station (or Prudential if they stay at Sheraton) and get off at Government Center - change for the Blue Line to Airport Station. Once they come out of the Airport station, they need to take a bus shuttel which will take them to the terminals. Cost is $2 per person.

If they have lots of luggage, a taxi ride should take no more than 20 mins (unless they're stuck in traffic). Not sure the taxi cost but the hotel should be able to tell you.

enzian

This is so helpful. Thank you! He looked at websites last night but is going to call the Copley Square and Newbury Guest House this weekend--they need a large room with 2 beds, and it's not always possible to specify that online.

Next question---what do dad and daughter do on a Friday afternoon in Boston? Something with historical significance, and/or a museum---no shopping! A favorite historical walk?

And places to eat? They like upscale---she is very sophistocated in her food choices.

sf7307

enzian, I'm sure the locals will have suggestions, but when we've been tourists in Boston, we loved walking the "Freedom Trail". There are (or were, yk, are they still there?) footsteps indicating where to go.

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

Or they can visit the Old North Church and climb the Bunker Hill Monument, or tour the USS Constitution. There is so much history in Boston!

enzian

Perfect! I'm printing out the website pages now. . .

Any reccomendations for eateries (light lunch or snack) on or near the route?

yk

Hi Enzian-

sf7307 is right, if your husband and daughter only have 1 day (or 1 afternoon) to go sightseeing in Boston, the Freedom Trail is the one to do - you just follow the RED brick path on the sidewalks.

Freedom Trail - free Self-guided tour
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visitor/visitor.html

If weather is not good (ie, rain), then I highly recommend the Gardner Museum. It is a private mansion built by Ms Gardner, based after Palazzo Barbaro in Venice.
http://www.gardnermuseum.org/index.asp
Since they are here in April, they can view the once-yearly Nasturtiums display:
http://connect.gardnermuseum.org/sit...tail&id=101881

Across the street from the Gardner Museum, is the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It is open late on Friday nights. The new show, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese in Venice has just opened:
http://www.mfa.org/venice/

yk

Oh, re:Food

My favorite place in North End (the Italian section), is not an italian restaurant, but a seafood place. It is just off the Freedom Trail a little bit. They have the BEST lobster roll in town - Neptune Oyster. When my parents came visit last year, that's where I took them!
http://www.neptuneoyster.com/

For dinner near Copley, one of the best place (though I've never been), is Sorellina for Italian. Consistently rave reviews on Chowhound.
http://www.sorellinaboston.com/

Or, they can try out the new location of L'Espalier at the Mandarin Oriental.
http://www.lespalier.com/

sf7307

yk, how do you feel about cannolis at Mike's?

yk

I wish I have an opinion! I don't go to North End much.