Thanks everyone for your suggestions - these forums are great! I think I'll try the Midtown if we go, because I want to be close to the T and I know the kids would like to see the Prudential Center (top of the hub!) and Copley Plaza too. I'll post a trip report later if we end up going.

Remember our veterans :)

ctmom,

I don't think Boston will be crazy busy that week, I think your kids will have a ball, I travel a lot without my husband and just the kids since he can't get all that time off, so I've done Boston a few times on my own.

Then again, I'm brave enough to book PL with abandon....Just FYI, the Midtown is not the nicest looking hotel, nor does it look to be in the best neighborhood, I remember going by it and being glad we didn't book there, you might want to keep your eyes open on Travelzoo for other hotel deals and like I said, it pays to go to the hotels individual websites and sign up for there specials. It might actually be a good week to get a deal on a room, less business travel during vacations.

My kids love walking around the North end and love the food at Il Forno, they have excellent pizza and gnocci, it's the best, especially if you want a departure from the usual kid type chain restaurants, then you can go to the bakeries for cannolis after dinner.

Finally, dkjbooks, would you mind telling me which Cambridge hotels are so bad and why?

Did you try the Radisson? I wouldn't recommend the Midtown based on location. I got a great deal on the Radisson off of Hotiwre (it was Dec); I believe it's categorized under theatre district.

I'm not sure why you folks think the Midtown is a bad location? It's on a busy street, but its right near New England Conservatory and Symphony hall. Nothing wrong with the neighborhood. maybe not so ritzy as Back Bay or Copley square area, but not bad.

Going to Boston in June and looking for a good place to stay. I can stay at the Midtown for $142 or the Charlesmark for $189 (includes continental breakfast). Is the Charlesmark worth the extra money?

Just stayed at the Theater District Radisson in Nov....nice big rooms, clean, a little in need of update but not bad. Our room had a balcony with a nice view. There is a pool and small exercise room. I swam laps and had the pool to myself 5/7 nights I was there. Small restaurant with good food. We did take taxis most places; walked to nearby restaurants and pubs at night a few times. I thought taxis were very reasonable in Boston...for 3 of us at $5-8 a ride we would have spent almost that much on 3 subway tix.

Does anyone have more info on the Residence Inn in Charlestown? There seem to be a few Residence Inns in Boston, but none refer to Charlestown. I am also planning to travel w/ kids over spring break (April) and we prefer accomodations with more room. Thanks!

The Residence Inn in Charlestown is right by the USS Constitution and Charlestown Naval Shipyard. Its a new building - about 3 years old. From there you can walk to the North End and Waterfront area.