Ok here's the deal: Have reservations at Le Meridien 1st week in Sept for $159. Good or bad? What about the area? Previous threads describe it as deserted at night. What would be good then? Is Back Bay area too far to walk from Faneuil, North End, etc.? Sorry so many questions, just can't make up my mind!

I've never stayed at the hotel but can tell you it's beautiful from the outside. It's located in Post Office Square (or P.O. Square as the locals call it), in the heart of the financial district, so yes, it does quiet down significantly during non-business hours. It is a good location however-you're within walking distance from the Quincy Market/Fanieul Hall area. As far as the Back Bay, it is certainly more vibrant during non-business hours, and, yes you can walk to Quincy Market from the Back Bay (anywhere from 1-2 or so miles depending where in the Back Bay you are). You've got a great rate at Le Meridien, especially for the 1st week of September, which is a very busy week in Boston due to the influx of students (along w/their parents) returning to college.
Julien, the restaraunt in Le Meridien is very good from what I hear.
Have a great time.

If you have a hotel room and confirmation keep it.. The City of Boston and surrounding areas will be inundated with moving and rental trucks, parents,college students all converging at the same time...chaos.. The hotel is convenient to the Quincy Market, North End, waterfront, but I think I'd taxi at night.. Boston is going to be swinging, as usual, this weekend. What are your other choices?

I live here (Boston), so don't keep up with the hotel pricing as much as I do for other cities, but the Meridien is a pretty classy place with one of the best restaurants in town (Julien), so that price looks pretty good to me. It's in what might be described as the financial district, so will be quiet at night but this is a small city and you can easily walk to the Quincy Market area or other places where there's more going on. The Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area abuts the North End but is a bit of a walk from much of Back Bay - many will choose to walk it, but it's perhaps a bit further than many others would be willing to go.

Thank you all so much! Forgot to ask what the closest T stop to Le Meridien is?? If you see someone dragging luggage down the street, it'll be me! My other choices would be Omni or Mellinium...most interested in the North End, Quincy Market, Aquarium, etc. Also, how's the area for Big Dig noise/mess? Thank you again.

The Meridien is everything everyone has already told you so I just wanted to put my two cents in about the Millenium. I'm hoping you are refering to the Millenium Bostonian - which is my favorite hotel in Boston. It overlooks Fanuiel Hall and is walking distance to North End and the Aquarium. Its in a more lively area at night than the Meridian. (But really only 4 or 5 blocks away from each other.) Either choice is fine - I just think the Bostonian is lovely place.