What are the logistics of getting from the Marriott Financial Center to Penn Station to catch the Amtrack at 8:30 am on a Wed morning? Does morning rush hour make this a nightmare? Next train leaves at 10:30 but we'd rather have the earlier arrival in Boston. Do you recommend a cab or subway from hotel to train station? Thanks for your help.

The subway only if you have no luggage. Otherwise take a cab - the rush hour is worst getting into Manhattan and you'll already be there.

If you do take the subway, take the 1/9 at Rector St. It takes you to 34th street but you will have to walk a long block West once you get there.

If you take the #1 or #9 get on at the rear of the train. you can then walk underground from the subway to Amtrak. The subway is probably as fast as a taxi. Traffic is very heavy in downtown NYC. Once on the subway the trip will take 15 minutes or less. The subway trip would even be faster if you changed to a #2 or #3 express at Chambers Street. To get an express requires nothing more than crossing the platform.

Take the subway! You don't want to be stuck on the street in a cab during rush hour. The subway trains at that hour run VERY often...at most you'll have to wait 2-3 minutes for a train. Allow about 1/2 hour door-to-door.