We'll be traveling through Boston, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, New york, Washington D.C. & Williamsburg next summer and I'm wondering if it's best to stay right in the cities or farther out. Prices are higher in the city, but it affords us more flexibility for those of us who will get tired. Plus, since our time is so short, we would at least have evenings near attractions. On the other hand, free parking, breakfast, & cheaper prices make the other option viable. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Definitely, stay in the center cities. The extra time and aggravation in commuting really undermine your flexibility and eat up precious time. As you'veobserved, the commute can completely undermine any evening plans.

I've done DC both ways, and I live in Boston. Certailnly wouldn't dream of doing NYC any way other than staying midtown or perhaps downtown. There are plenty of hotels at all levels and locations that offer freebreakfast.

Look into the Embassy Suites hotels, the one in Crystal City (near DC) was offering free parking (and of course breakfast, pool, and the usual ES amenities) when we stayed there. In Williamsburg, the ES is off the highway, sort-of hidden behind a K-Mart mall, so it's a much quieter, greener setting than most of the other area motels.

If you're willing to deal with Priceline, you can get good in-town rates anywhere. I believe that the ES in the Financial District (NYC) is the only 4-star Priceline hotel in that area, so you can probably get a very good rate if you're willing to go with PL. Another option in NYC is the Apple Core hotels, I got a very reasonable rate at the Comfort Inn MIDTOWN.

I would definitely stay in the city itself. With all the good hotel deals right now, I'm sure you could find something reasonable. Plus, when you think about it, the money you'll be saving by staying in an outlying hotel you'll be spending if you plan on driving into the city and parking.

Also, you may get free breakfast at a surburban hotel, but in the city it's very cheap if you just grab a muffin and coffee. Personally I don't see the point of visiting a city but not staying there. I spent a week in NY in midtown (got a great price thru Priceline), and had a great time w/out spending big bucks. Of course I left my car at home.

Agree with above 2 posters - with possible exception of Williamsburg and Gettysburg, since places you will be likely to be going in these 2 destinations would have parking/require car anyway. In Boston (where I live), NYC (near where I grew up) and Washington, DC, getting into city is not always as easy as the hotel or guidebooks would lead one to believe. Linear distance may be short, but traffic, if you drive, may be troublesome. Even with outlying public transportation, for example in Boston, if you drive to a lot it is likely to be filled with commuter's cars by the time you get there.

We have always preferred to spring for the extra hotel dollars plus parking at hotel and found proximity of hotel for mid-day break was often far better than hauling ourselves around with daypacks from dawn until dusk.

Since the trip is not until next summer, shop around for rates, amenities on various websites, look for suggestions here and you could probably do quite well economically if you are smart and careful. I would rather cut my trip short a day or 2 to save money than have to lug myself to some outlying suburb in the summer.

For NY, Boston and Philly, you should definitely stay in the city. No question. For DC you should probably stay in the city, but you could also stay in Arlington and take the Metro into the city. This might save you some $$ on room rate, but it would be less convenient unless you are right next to Metro. Gettysburg and Williamsburg are small towns (relatively speaking) so you should definitely stay in town. For G'Burg I like the Gettysburg Hotel (actually run by Best Western, but it's very historic and right in middle of town). Enjoy your trip!

We also stayed at Gettysburg Hotel - quite nice and historic, BUT we were there in August (2 years ago)and they were converting some of it to temporary dorm space for Gettysburg College the weekend we were there and there were a lost kids hauling boxes in the elevators. Don't know if that was one-time deal or something that happens regularly, so if it is mid-August or later, check that out. Only real effect on us was that we had booked room with microwave, coffee pot and refrigerator and were told they were not available because the students had them.

Thanks for the great replies!! We'll definitely splurge a little more to stay inside the bigger cities. Also will check availability for the hotel suggestions. Thanks again!

I agree with Jen, to a point. Stay far far away from Crystal City. It's nothing but office buildings and a little nasty underground mall. Stay in DC.