I reserved a room at the Radisson on Stuart, "one block from Boston Commons." Will not have a car. Will this be a good, walkable location for a first-timer?? The room is $169 per night (first week in May.) Other hotels near the harbor had astronomical rates ($300 and way up) so the Radisson may be a dump, dunno.

I may try Priceline at the end of April. Should I use the Downtown/Copley area for my bid if I am interested in the usual tourist stuff?

The Radisson will be fine. The location is good, very close to T stops and if the weather is nice you can easily walk to other areas of the city.

I second wyatt. We've stayed at the Radisson and walked to everything. You can cut through the building diagonally across from the hotel (there is a Bennigan's on the corner) and cut out a whole block of walking. The Radisson also has balconies which are rare in Boston hotels.

There are lots of reviews for the Radisson on TripAdvisor.

I would recommend checking Priceline and Hotwire as well.

I'd say touristy area is Quincy market and harbour area. We found the tram tour good, as you can see what areas appeal to you and return to those areas.

You can also go with the Quincy Market area on priceline.

169 is not bad for Boston though and the location you have is great.

When relatives visit from out of town and want to stay in a hotel many of them have stayed at the Radisson as recently as last August and all have been pleased -

as said, excellent location for many actiivites and restaurants - you will not need a car and are so close to public transportation also - and on arrival, go to the tourism kiosk right near you on the corner of Boston Common and take advantage of the info inside and the representatives

If you are a tourist looking to 'hit the ground running' and use your hotel for a good nights sleep, and possibly a quick put your feet up rest part way thru your day and a quick change for dinner type of thing - then you will be more than satisfied , imo.
I fyou are looking to spend luxurious time in a an over the top hotel room, then this is not the one for you, imo.

Thanks for your helpful comments. Sounds like I picked a good location in a decent place. (I know it wont be luxurious but this is going to be a go-go-go type visit!)

Will someone please confirm my "research" that these 2 Priceline zones are the best loctions for a first time trip to Boston to see the sights on foot?

Downtown Boston/ Charleston
Copley

You should stick with the Radisson, it's a good location.

If you're bidding on Priceline, I would stick with Copley. Downtown is fine but Charlestown isn't as convenient to the T, etc.