Hello everyone - I am planning a trip to Boston in July and had been looking at hotels in the $150 dollar a night range. I had a better than expected tax refund (yeah!) and so I thought I'd consider some other, more expensive hotels. I've heard nice things about the Eliot hotel. I'd appreciate any info you might have about it, or recommendations for other similarly priced hotels. Thanks bunches!

Eliot is nice, but save your money and bid on a Back Bay 4-star with Priceline.

Except most all the Priceline hotels are generic convention style hotels with zero character, while the Eliot offers a unique and somewhat refined experience which provides a more memorable special occasion experience than the retreaded Westin/Sheraton/Doubletree etc etc.

Saving a buck is not always worth it if the goal of the trip is to have a memorable or special experience.

Some people get more pleasure out of clipping coupons and pinching pennies than they do from consuming the products/services they're buying.
For others, money is a means to an end: pleasure. I love staying at nicer and/or unique hotels, and by and large the hotels I like never appear on PL.

To each his/her own.

Thanks for the advice - I had not planned to use priceline since you cannot pick the hotel you want. I have been saving up for this trip for a long time, and really want to "do it up right". Any thoughts or opinions on staying at the Eliot? Thanks again

Loved the Eliot. Great hotel, great location.

It's been a number of years since I stayed at the Eliot, but it was wonderful. Elegant, lots of personality and I felt very special staying there.

Thank you "travleis" for saying what I keep biting my tongue to keep from saying.

I live close to the Eliot but I have never stayed over in a room. The lobby of the hotel is very nice and the restaurants there are good as well. I think you will enjoy staying there. Another option is the Lenox Hotel (which may or may not be any cheaper). It is on Boylston Street and Exeter Street so on a busier street but a little more in the middle of Back Bay. It is also a small, old fashioned, elegant hotel. No preference of the Lenox over the Eliot but in case you are able to get a great deal on one but not the other.
Do you need any other advice on restaurants, what to do, etc.? As a happy Bostonian, I'd be happy to help!

Thank you for your help! I just found a good deal for the Marriott Copely Place, so now I think we might stay there. I understand it doesnt have the "charm" of the Eliot or Lenox, but its location and price look good. We are planning to spend 2 days touring in Boston, a day in Lexington/Concord, and a day at Plimouth Plantation. Would love to hear suggestions for a fancy dinner out one night in the Back Bay area. Thanks to all - Terri

what kind of food do you like, what do you consider fancy, and how much are you willing to spend?

We'd love some good seafood while in town, and expensive would be ok for at least one nice night out. Is there a restaruant that has a good view of the city? Thanks again!

Stayed at the Lennox last year - lovely and great location.