My family and I will be spending the weekend in Boston in early June, before heading up to Maine for the week. Here are the hotels I've come up with, based on availability & price.

Radisson, at 220 Stuart St.
Doubletree Downtown, at 821 Washington
Colonnade, at 120 Huntington Ave.
Omni Parker House (I know where this one is)

Please provide suggestions on which would be best location - I've looked at the maps, but am not familiar enough with Boston to know just how close the locations are to anything. Some descriptions, for example, say the Radisson is in the Theater District, others say Back Bay. We're looking for a hotel that's close to a T stop, that's safe to take 2 little kids to in the late evening (after dinner), and walking distance to some other things (i.e., Boston Common, or Back Bay, but not the financial district). We don't need to be on or near the water, as we'll do that in Maine.

I would stay at the Colonnade for exactly the reasons you listed; you can walk to a couple of subway stops; you are in Back Bay; there will be a variety of restaurants for the kids too; it's safe. The Public Garden (swanboats) and Boston Common are within walking distance, as are the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall. And you can, I believe, get on the Duck Tour right at the Prudential Center which faces the Colonnade. Have fun.

I agree--I stayed at the Colonnade a couple weeks ago, it was a good deal. I got a great rate on www.hoteldiscounts.com ($169 a night). It's right in Copley where there's a nice indoor shopping center with a handful of restaurants. Very safe area.

Here's another vote for the Colonade - for all the reasons listed before. Plus the kids will like the rubbie duckie that's in the bathtub. And you'll appreciate the umbrella that's in the closet if its raining (I know I liked both the duckie and the umbrella)

Thanks for all the votes. Unfortunately, hoteldiscounts.com is not quoting me that low a rate!

Exactly how many blocks is The Colonnade from the T stop? Walking distance for my 6-year-old isn't the same as my idea of walking distance.

I would have voted for the Parker House. While it is possible to walk to the Common from the Colonnade, it's a LONG walk. The Parker House is only a couple of blocks from the Park Street T station which sits on the edge of the Common. As a local, I'd prefer the Parker House area in terms of shopping (Filenes Basement) sightseeing (Freedom Trail, Fanueil Hall, Waterfront area) and general charm (located at the foot of Beacon Hill).

I disagree with Ellie. I like the Parker House but it's also on the edge of the Financial District in a area that's not as bright and sunny as the Copley Square/Back Bay area. And with two children, I think Lexma will be happier at the Colonnade.

I have to disagree with Paul. The Omni Parker House, which I am so close to I could throw a rock at right as we speak, is not in the Financial District. It is located in Downtown Boston. The Financial District is over on Federal/Franklin Street area, and extends out to the wharf. Since I work in Downtown, and do business in the Fianancial District, and I live here, I know of which I speak. The Omni is minutes away from Beacon Hill, the Common, Downtown, etc. the only way you'll see the Financial District is if you go out toward South Station.

I think Paul said that the Parker House "is on the edge" of the financial district. I'm from Boston too; I agree with Paul.

Last June, my wife and I (from Lexington, KY, can't help wondering if "Lexma90" is from Lexington) stayed in Boston. We used www.hotwire.com and put in top of the line hotel in downtown Boston. Paid $85 per night and got put up at the Suissehotel (really misspelled, I'm certain) in the theatre district of Boston. A little run down, but not really unsafe. 2 blocks from the T. Really nice hotel. You might want to check hotwire or priceline for a good deal.

Just out of curiosity did you check out the hotels at Copley Place(the Westin or the Marriott Copley)? those are great locations with young children and you would have many kid friendly eating options within Copley with very little walking. This might be worth the extra money. you could also easily walk to The Swan Boats, FAO Schwartz, Newbury Street and be close to the T. Just a thought....good luck!

Another vote for the Marriott Copley.
By now Lexma is totally confused. Hey, any would be fine; all nice places and close to various attractions. Be sure to do the Duck Tour; advance reservations required. Have a great vacation!

Yep, I checked out the Marriott Copley -at $329 a night, I'd rather spend less on lodging and eat more lobster!

I think we'll do the Colonnade, based on the somewhat-illogical fact that it's close to the T, and my kids REALLY want to ride the T (we're from a city that has no public transportation). If we stayed at the Omni Parker, we'd be able to walk to too much! And Newbury St. from the Colonnade doesn't look too bad for wandering and stopping for drinks.

We lived in Boston in the mid-80s, before the kids, and all of your responses are finally making my memory kick in. I remember the Park St. T stop now, and walking down School, and driving through Brookline, up Huntington, etc. I've heard Steve's ice cream is gone, oh well.

Lexma90 is because I'm a lawyer, and the "lex" is also derived from my oldest child's name. I did an internship in Lexington, KY, though, a long time ago - a gorgeous area.

All you helpful people, I'll be posting another request for info on restaurants, and I'd love your help on that too. Thanks!

How ironic. I'm an attorney from Lexington, Kentucky. You're right, it is a nice place. Small world. Have a great time in Boston! I found the T to be safe and fairly efficient, however, nowhere near as efficient as Washington,D.C.'s Metro system.

Lexma,
I live close to Boston (30 min) and I am there at least 3 times a week. The T runs through almost everthing.

The Musuem of fine Arts has a website with a T map. The site is mfa.org . Boston is a very easy city to get around and the Bostonians are very helpful.
I have always found Boston to be safe.
The Theater District is walking distance to Downtown crossing.
I'ts not a very complicated city. Have fun!

Lexma:

I live in Boston and think the Colonnade (sp?) is probably your best choice (your kids will like the roofdeck pool - a rarity for a hotel in Boston). Across from the Colonnade, however, is a large construction project (the Belvidere), so be prepared for dust and/or trucks. Boston is a great city. I moved here 11 yrs ago and it has changed so much (although does it ever really change?). Enjoy!!

Lexma, did anyone answer your question about the Colonnade's proximity to the T? The Prudential stop is right outside the door to the Colonnade. You should also eat at Brasserie Jo - a great, lively french restaurant. Should be fine with the kids b/c it gets a little loud (in a fun, not obnoxious way). You could also walk about 10-15 minutes to the Orange line, depending on where you were going.

I do think the Radisson on Stuart is in a bit of a sketchy area. Though it may be slightly more cleaned up now. I know they opened a Legal Seafoods and some other restaurants nearby.

Interesting, I lived in Boston for 7 years and apparently worked in the Financial District, but I never knew there was a distinction between downtown and the Financial District! I guess you learn something new everyday!