I saw a few posts on this subject but they were from a while back so I'll ask now. We're planning on a brief trip to Boston on July 3rd and 4th. We'll be going to dinner at Top of the Hub. What hotels would be close to the Prudential Building?

Anything in the Back Bay/Copley Square.

There's the Westin, Sheraton, Marriott, Lenox, Charlesmark, Mandarin Oriental, Eliot, Copley Plaza just to name a few.

The Sheraton is very nice. Got a great rate at Hotwire a few years ago, but parking prices are high. $40 maybe?

Sheraton is attached to the Pru. Hilton Back Bay is right across the street, as is Westin, Marriott, and Colonnade Hotel. 1-2 blocks away you have the Eliot, Copley Plaza, Charlesmark, Courtyard Marriott.

@Cadgirl - yes, parking prices are fairly high in Boston because there's virtually no street parking in most of the downtown areas, and what little there is is resident-only in the evenings. But there's virtually no reason to have a car in the city anyway when one is visiting for a short time - particularly in the OP's case, over the 4th of July, when tens of thousands of people head to the Charles River Esplanade (which is just next to the Prudential/Back Bay area) to see the Boston Pops concert + fireworks. The T (subway) is inexpensive and safe, and many popular sights (the North End, Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, the harbor, the science museum, shopping on Newbury/Boylston streets) are walkable from the Back Bay.

We parked our car and used the T the entire time in Boston.

You had better start looking right away for a hotel. You should expect to pay a premium for a big holiday, and they will go fast.

All the advice you have gotten on location is excellent.

Backing up a bit - are you sure you know what you are getting yourself in for on your brief trip to Boston over July 4th? The city is packed - in addition to Esplanade/Boston Pops concert on the 4th (which is an evening concert but for which you must line up and get to concert area in morning to be able to see/hear anything) there are many other activities.

You mention dinner at Top of the Hub. Have you checked this out? Are they even open then and/or is there some special fireworks event going on - if you can see fireworks from there I am sure there is some special admission/event going on.

You are unlikely to get a Priceline/Hotwire deal on these dates - and availability, price, and even minimum stays might be an issue on these dates.

Boston is exciting over week around July 4th - and not meaning to sound completely discouraging. Rather, want to make sure you are informed before you plan this trip.

Hotels will charge you for parking and that may not be mentioned on their website reservation or by phone -- be sure to ask, because it can be at least $25/day!

We really liked the CharlesMark when we were there earlier this year. Great location and affordable.

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Thank you all for your great responses (I love this Forum). Yes, Gail, I know exactly what I'm in for - I love Boston on the 4th and this will be my 4th time there. As far as I'm concerned, Boston is the only place to be on July 4th. Parking is not an issue since we will not be driving a car. The Top or the Hub was visited last year by friends on the 4th and they reported a great dinner and fireworks visible. I have checked with the restaurant and they are open and start taking reservations in June.

Thanks again for all of your inputs.

Re: Sheraton at the Pru - if you're seriously considering it, check w/the hotel about its renovation progress. It's been undergoing renovations for the last year or so and is expected to be done this year. I visit its public spaces frequently, but I have no idea what's the status of room renovations.