I am going to be in boston the end of september traveling with friends-there will be 4 of us. I am looking at the Copley Square Hotel, Marriott's Custom House, and the Eliot House(commonwealth and Mass.) Which is the better place to stay as far as rooms and location?

Wally,

Any of those three would be fine as far as rooms and location. The Copley Sq. hotel and the Eliot hotel are around the corner from each other in the Back Bay and would be within walking distance of everything. The Custom House is next to Quincy Market and the Waterfront area and is also an excellent location. I don't know your budget, but Marriott also has two other excellent locations, Marriott Long Wharf, which is a fun hotel right on the harbor, and Marriott Copley Place, which is almost next door to the Copley Sq. Hotel. My understanding is that the Copley Square hotel will probably be the cheapest of any of your choices, unless you have a special deal.

Rooms at the Copley Square Hotel are desperately in need of reburbishing.

Have you ever considered the Wyndem (sP?)?
Good rates and close to the Quincy Market Area

Thanks for the help. I am kind of leaning towards the back bay area. I also have read that the rooms at copley sq. hotel are not so great. Has anyone stayed at the Eliot which sounds charming, but would love to hear from someone who stayed there.

I've stayed at the Eliot, although it was years ago. The rooms were charming, albeit a little old, but I've heard they've refurbed. This is a true Boston hotel, with great old world charm, and would much rather stay here for character than at the Marriott.

If it turns out this is too much for your budget, you might want to try the Lenox. It's a little cheaper, same basic area, and also has a lot of character.

Just stayed at the Westin Copley Square this past weekend. Nice location, decent hotel. Not a Ritz but not a Super 8. On scale of 1 to 10 I'd probably give it an 6 or 7, just a bit above average. The beds and pillows are great however.

My choice in Boston is always the Boston Harbor Hotel. Lovely rooms and good location.

I highly recommend the Lenox Hotel, which is right in Copley Square and very nicely maintained.

For really good rates, an old world hotel with an ornate lobby and dining room (rooms are standard - clean, business-type decor) and central location (near the State House and downtown crossing), try the Omni Parker House. Make your booking through quickbook.com and you'll get great rates!

The Lenox normally is charming and certainly a very convenient location. But isn't it stil covered in construction/renovation wrapping?