We are arriving in Boston on August 24th and leaving on August 28 on our way to New Hampshire. We want to be tourists and take in everything the city has to offer. What's the best location for a hotel - Downtown or Back Bay? We don't want to be off the beaten path. Please help.
Thanks,
Karen

this question gets asked about once a week so I suggest you do a text search to begin with.
I would stay in the Back Bay. "Downtown" (Financial district to us locals) is empties out at night and on weekends with the exception of the Quincy Market area, which is adjacent to the Financial District.
Back Bay is more lively, has great restaurants and shopping. The T (subway) is very efficient and will get you wherever you need to go. You don't mention a car which is great because you don't want or need one in the city. Have fun!

Thanks so much. I just found this board and I'm kind of fumbling around, trying to get my ducks in a row. I posted another message so don't you all hate me. I will start to check out the BackBay area. No cars for us until we leave for my brother's house on Lake Winnipauskee. I love history and am so looking forward to Boston.
Thanks again,
Karen

Hi Karen...

Boston is wonderful. I agree and say Back Bay hands down. (Just got back from Boston last night!)

Hi Karen-
Definately Back Bay would be the place to stay! Lots within walking distance-
Check out Quikbook.com, they may have some pretty good deals for Back Bay Hotels (Sheraton, Westin, Marriott)

The terms "great deal" and "Boston" don't go together very often these days.

Hotwire is offering a 4 star hotel for $99 on your dates of travel. The deal with hotwire is that you can tell them you want Back Bay - Copley but you don't know what hotel they put you in until after you purchase. Perhaps someone knows if there is a 4-star hotel in the area that is under renovation or something, that might be the reason for the low-$99 rate. If you're not fussy it sounds like a steal.

I went to summer camp on Lake Winnepesaukee. Great memories.

jbj is right- Boston and good deal often are not synonomous, however, if you try quikbook.com you learn the hotel before you book it as opposed to hotwire where you don't learn until afterward- just a thought.

We just got back from a wonderful (but HOT) week in Boston. We stayed at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Back Bay, paying $75 per night via Hotwire. Two blocks from Boston Commons, restaurants everywhere, less than one block to the 'T' Green Line. I think we got a great deal, although this hotel is a bit long in the tooth. We would stay there again in a minute, particularly at that price!

We weekend in Boston often throughout the year. I've never seen the rates so low. I don't use Quikbook any more, but have had splendid results with Hotwire and Priceline this year. Most of the time, I prefer Hotwire over Priceline. With Hotwire, I've liked the hotels better, with Priceline, I have gotten better rates. If you can snare any rate for a 4* around $100 or less, it won't matter if it's Downtown or Back Bay. Over four days, you'll be going all over, and neither location is inconvenient for that, or "off the beaten path".

Thanks to all who responded regarding my upcoming Boston trip. I can't wait -looking forward to it. Now, if I can only decide on the hotel.
Karen