msremedy

We will be flying into Boston and travelling to NYC and back (looking at colleges for our teen) via the RI and CT shore. Any suggestions on hotels to stay at in Boston, Providence or Mystic, and NYC? We've heard that The Benjamin is nice in NYC. We'd like to stay over a few days along the shore as well in a nice hotel or resort. Any help will be very much appreciated.

Anonymous

Have you picked your travel dates?

msremedy

Yes, we are leaving July 22nd for one week.

Anonymous

FYI, the Democratic National Convention is being held in Boston July 26-29, so hotel space and other visitor amenities will be in high demand not only during the event but also several days before and after. I strongly recommend that you visit Boston-area schools at the beginning of your trip, as the area might be congested (polite term for "absolute zoo") at the end of your week, especially featuring security-related closings of roads and public transport stations, some of which have already been announced.

Boston and Providence are just an hour apart, so whether you stay in Prov depends on how you're dividing your time. If you're just visiting Brown (?), you can drop by on your way from Boston to Mystic. In my experience, visiting too many colleges in a week just leads to total confusion.

Sorry I can't help with specific hotels, as I assume you're a group of 3 and I usually rely on Pricline. Are you looking for budget places, or mid-range, suites, any specific features?

msremedy

Wow! I didn't realize the convention was that week. We do however plan on visiting Boston-area colleges first. Then to Brown. Would it be better to stay in Mystic (as far as sightseing goes)? Then on to NYC to see Columbia/Fordham. We have a 9 yr old too, so we're looking for fun places to stay. Preferably mid-range suites within easy distance to the sites. Have you heard anything about the Westin Times Square?

Anonymous

Mystic would appeal to most kids far more than anything Prov or even Newport has to offer.

gail

Even if you see Boston first, the dates might be pushing it. While all interruptions in our normal lives have not been finalized, there is talk about closing down major roadways and parts of city from Friday (7/23) on - that seems like major overkill to me since convention does not start until Monday, but be forewarned.

Since you may already have flight reservations, see any schools in Boston proper absolutely first, then on to any in Cambridge and suburbs after that. If you are parking at hotel in Boston, make sure you can find your way out with detours.

Sorry to sound like the world is ending, but at least once a week some new story is published indicating new and horrible disruption related to convention. My husband works across street from Fleet Center (where convention will be held) and they have already told everyone to stay home that week. Problem is that Fleet Center is just a few feet from major roadway in/out/through Boston (Rte 93). In addition, major rail and subway station (North Station) is actually underneath Fleet Center. So they are threatening curtailing both road traffic and public transportation.
(Can we come stay at your house - wherever that is - during this week?)

msremedy

Thank you so much for your replies. Just spoke to a friend who lived in Boston. She said the Marriott Long Wharf is a good choice in Boston, but with all of this traffic you're talking about would it be better to stay in Cambridge instead? We could see Boston College first and then head out of town. I've read another response that said the Charles is a great place to stay. Would it be feasible to stay there and venture back into Boston to see the sites?

Anonymous

The Charles would be an excellent choice -- it's a lovely hotel right in Harvard Square, which is served by the subway's Red Line, which isn't directly affected by the convention folderol (that would be the Green and Orange lines). You can hop on the Red Line right to many of Boston's favorite sites, such as Park Street stop, where you can pick up the Freedom Trali. Or Downtown Crossing, home of the original Filene's Basement, or the stop for the JFK Library/museum.

Since BC is actually in Newton, rather than Boston, you can just head out there from Cambridge.

Anonymous

er, that's Freedom TRAIL, sorry.

PS My daughter also works near Fleet Center/North Station. They haven't been told to stay home, but they have been told that everyone entering their bulding will have to have a security clearance, so all employees must apply for the security clearance and they can't schedule any client meetings that week.

Miranda

We just stayed at the Charles Hotel. The location is great --- all of Harvard Square is at your doorstep and it's a cinch to get just about anywhere on the T. And should you want a car, an Avis car rental office is right at the hotel (with Budget right across the street). In short, it would be a fine base for looking at Boston area colleges.

gail

Charles Hotel is excellent choice - since it is on "Red Line" of MBTA and not "Orange Line" (see MBTA.com) you will not have same North Station problems. Easy to get to Newton to see BC. Marriot Long Wharf is very nice hotel - closer to site of convention, but walking distance to much of Boston. Depending on dates, can you even get reservations at these places? I know both are doing convention things - but may not start until Sunday.