Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Boston on a budget???

Search

Boston on a budget???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 02:26 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Boston on a budget???

We're planning a trip to Boston and Cape Cod over the week of Labor Day. I'm not finding many hotels for less than $250 per night. Are there any hotels that someone can recommend in a good area where we can walk to everything?

We're traveling with two kids (ages 2 and 3) and my parents. My mother doesn't get around well, so we will probably have a wheelchair with us.

Or even a hotel room that is large enough for 4 adults and 2 kids?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 02:44 PM
  #2  
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
Have you checked hotels.com or Expedia? I just plugged in some dates over Labor Day and found plenty of hotels under $250, including, the Park Plaza, Omni Parker House and the Langham to name a few.
wyatt92 is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 04:47 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
I'd been using Travelocity, and basing it on the Back Bay area. Someone had told me that was the place to stay. Have you been there before and suggest the same?

Thanks!
jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 04:57 PM
  #4  
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
Are you looking for accomodation for all 6 of you for $250 - on Cape Cod over the Labor Day weekend? In an area you can walk to everything? Or is that just for the Boston part? (Assume you will have a car to get to and around the Cape.)

I'm not sure how you can do both in just one weekend - esp considering the massive traffic you'll be in because of the holiday.

How many days do you have altogether?
nytraveler is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 05:01 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
The Back Bay suggestion was good, that's a central location. The Park Plaza would
wyatt92 is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 05:02 PM
  #6  
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
Sorry, hit the wrong key!

The Park Plaza will work well for your needs. It's close to the Common, Newbury Street, and right by a T stop.
wyatt92 is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 05:08 PM
  #7  
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Try VRBO online. It stands for vacation rental by owner. I have had phenomenal luck from FL, Italy, to NYC. Good luck!
dlpiano is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2006 | 05:55 PM
  #8  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,729
Likes: 0
Newbury Guest House at 261 Newbury St. and Priceline.
cmcfong is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 12:33 AM
  #9  
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 0
Try the Chandler hotel.Paul
tovarich is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 06:37 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Wow thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions! To answer the questions that I saw in return....we're going to be doing Boston AND the Cape in a full week. We're thinking maybe 3 days in Boston (is that enough?) and 2 days on the Cape (enough?).

As for prices, we're looking at two separate rooms and the $250 was per night that I found. I was hoping to stay under that for a room. Of course, location is most important, but I was hoping to stay below that.

Curious....what is this T Line that people are talking about?

Thanks!
jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 07:21 AM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,050
Likes: 0
The "T" is the Boston public transit system, which includes subways and buses. Maps, schedules, etc. at www.mbta.com
Anonymous is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 08:13 AM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Is Back Bay a part of town where we can walk to almost everything, but then grab the T for other places? Or what part of town is closest to "everything."

jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 11:02 AM
  #13  
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Back Bay is probably the best place to stay. We go to Boston often and usually stay at The Boston Sheraton. The rooms here are much larger than at the Plaza. We find great rates on Hotwire. IF you put in Back Bay any 3+ will be great. If it comes up 4 star it is usually The Sheraton.
Msull is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 01:34 PM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
I've never used Hotwire. I assume it's similar to Priceline, though. If using Priceline, what are some rates that are fair to bid on for a decent hotel there?

Thanks!

jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 04:14 PM
  #15  
bm
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Try the Midtown Hotel. It's nothing fancy - rooms are dated, but clean. Free parking too. Adjacent to a T station and a block or so away from the Prudential Center Mall.
bm is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 07:41 PM
  #16  
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
Back Bay is a good central location, the Park Plaza is in the Back Bay. Boston is a small city though so there are other areas you could consider that are T accessible and will work well.

If you want to do Priceline I've seen winning bids in the $80-$100 range for Copley Square hotels. Make sure you have a good handle on the neighborhoods before you check which areas you'll accept.

Post back if you have more questions.
wyatt92 is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2006 | 08:04 PM
  #17  
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
Using priceline got the 3* doubletree hotel near chinatown/theater district for 55/nt, Thanksgiving weekend. Used to be a rough area but now, not bad.
Governator is offline  
Old Dec 26th, 2006 | 12:39 AM
  #18  
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 0
Again, you cant go wrong with the Chandler inn.I checked and it's about 92 $ per night.It's in a nice neighbourhood and when we were there in 2004 we did everything on foot.There's a T station about two and a half blocks away if you need one.Paul
tovarich is offline  
Old Dec 26th, 2006 | 06:24 AM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Going through Priceline, what areas would you suggest that I NOT check and avoid staying in for a hotel?

Thanks!
jenalr is offline  
Old Dec 26th, 2006 | 08:10 AM
  #20  
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
I just looked at Priceline to see what areas they offer. The only one you should check is Copley. Too many variables with the other areas. Good luck!
wyatt92 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -