Visiting Boston the week on Oct 20 on business for 3 days. Need advice on a nice hotel near Summer Street Downtown. Do I need a rental car? Need a good idea on what to see in the evenings after I am done with work.

Went to Boston a few weeks ago and I can tell you that you definitely don't need a rental car!

I hear the Omni is nice and there is a Wyndham that is supposed to be pretty nice too, can't remember the exact name offhand.

As for where to go after work, we walked the freedom trail, there was also a midnight tour of the cemetary by Boston Common. There are a lot of historical places to check out, although I'm sure someone else can help you on that as my ex didn't want to go "exploring". We did come upon 2 interesting places:
One place was called the Littlest Bar. The other was called the Beantown Pub which was clearly the locals joint and had pool tables in the back. As for anything else, check on this board!

Boston is a great city!! Lucky you. First point: Unless you have business carrying you out of town away from train service, do NOT even consider renting a car. Driving in Boston is a nightmare. Besides, it's a fantastic walking town with wonderful mass transit (the T-- the city train system-- goes everywhere you'll want to go).

Also, unless you just want to roll out of bed and walk 100 feet to your appointments, it's not that important to stay right nearby. Stay in town by all means, but bear in mind that it's a small town in geographic terms, so everything's really close.

You'll be there Monday through Wednesday (Thursday?)-- I'm not sure what the nightlife is early in the week. I suppose the area around Faneuil Hall might have some pubs with things going on. But I'm sure locals can give you a better idea.

As someone that lives in Boston - don't rent a car. I use mine maybe once a week.

The Hyatt (formerly Suisotel) is probably the closest to where you'll be. As a previous poster noted, you really don't need to stay right there though. You could easily stay in Back Bay or even in Cambridge and still have an easy commute provided you are close to the T.

What do you hope to see? You might want to visit Newbury Street, Quincy Market, Beacon Hill...it depends upon what you are interested in. There are alot of pubs around downtown if you are looking for a drink. You may also want to check the Boston Globe to see if there are any events around that time.

The Omni Parker House is right int he middle of where you want to be. The Hyatt, though as a nice hotel, is on the China town side and there is nothing going on there after 5pm. The Parker House is across the street from the Boston Commons (the park) and two blocks up from the theater district. It is also four blocks from Fanuel Hall (great resturants and bars).

Everything is accesible by train or on foot. What kind of things do you like to do at night? I can give you more info when you narrow the scope.

As the others have advised, forget the car.

Le Meridien is our hotel of choice in the business district. We also love the Omni Parker House, and we've been totally satisfied with the Hyatt (formerly Swisshotel). The Wyndham Downtown is another option. Best bet, though, is to shop like the dickens for something you can cancel, then shop Hotwire and/or bid on Priceline if price is an issue.

For exploring after work, though, you may want to consider staying in the Copley Square area. The Downtown/Financial district is deadly "quiet" when the workday is over.

As for what to "see" evenings, what are your interests?

I don't know hotels but if you want nightlife check out the Comedy Connection in Fanueil Hall. It is the best comedy club in the country. Just check to see if someone is there you might like to hear. Alsother are several good jazz clubs. Most are in Harvard Square an easy trolley ride from downtown Boston. My favorite club is Scullers in the Doubletree. Unfortunately you will need a cab ride for that one but if you really love who is performing it may be worth the trip. It isn't far but there's no public transportation there (it is still in Boston's city limits) It is a small intimate club with floor to ceiling windows and views across the Charles River of Cambridge. There is also lots of theater, small and pre or post Broadway. If you haven't seen Blue Man Group, that is a lot of fun. And if you like, there is also symphony or other music at Jordan Hall or Berkeley School of Music. I use the aol Boston website and put in my dates and always come up with good stuff. The Park Street MBTA stop is right near Summer Street which is the central spot for most lines, so you are in a great location to get everywhere. Enjoy

Whats the best way into downtown from the airport? Looks like I may be there 2 times in October..one night and then a few days later in the month.

Just take a cab. Getting into town by public transport is a pain in the neck -- shuttle bus to the subway and then at least one change of trains. Boston is a very compact city, the cab won't cost much, especially if it's a business trip and your employer is paying!

Looks like the Wyndham on Broad Streetis where I will be. The depos have been set up there and they gave me a suite.

Since you're staying at the Wyndham on Broad Street, the easiest and cheapest way to get to the hotel from Logan Airport is to take the T Bus from the airport terminal to the Airport T station (free). Buy a token for the MBTA and get on the blue line (inbound). Get off at the Aquarium Stop, which is on State Street (3 stops from the airport). Walk up State Street, and take a left at the Dunkin Donuts - this will place you on Broad Street (about 3 minutes from the Aquarium T stop). Walk 3 blocks (about 10 minutes tops) and the Wyndham Hotel will be on your right.

Cost is $1 each way. The T buses at the airport run approximately every 7 minutes, and the blue line runs about every 7 minute during "prime time" and every 12 minutes thereafter.

Just a couple of thoughts - if you need an escalator (you may be carrying lots of exhibits for your deposition), the Airport T stop does not have one going downstairs. The Aquarium T stop has both an escalator and elevator.

If your exhibits and deposition notebook can fit in a trial bag, and you have the trial bag on wheels and no more than a garment bag, getting to the Wyndham Hotel by T is doable. If you're carrying much more than I mentioned, then you should definitely take a cab.

jpg, you appear to be an attorney that is concerned about client expenses. Just an FYI, Boston attorneys take cabs to each other's offices. They wouldn't get caught dead on the T. I know frome experience, I have worked for some visible ones.

Just back from my first of two trips to boston this month. Thanks fopr all you advice. Its a great town. The Wyndham was excellent and the suggestion on the T from the Airport was great. Thanks.

jpg2esq - Did you get in on time to see the game Saturday? Where did you end up watching it?

Game was cancelled. I ended up watching Sunday Night Football at the hotel bar. Boston is a great town. Had a blast. The T by the way was very convinient.