I know these two couldn't be any dissimilar from one another. The reason I'm deciding between these two is because we can fly non-stop to both from New Orleans.

My DH and I have had some time open up around Labor Day so we can take a 3 or 4 night trip.

We've never been to Boston. I used to live in Las Vegas as a child and have visited since (not as an adult, though), but my husband has never been to Vegas.

For hotels, we're looking at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas as it's non-smoking and non-gaming. In Boston, we're looking at the Fairmonts (Copley Place or Battery Wharf) or the Colonnade hotel in Back Bay due to a good Travelzoo deal.

Las Vegas appeals to us for the ease and dining, plus the deal is really good at the Four Seasons. But, we're concerned that it will be super crowded that weekend, we won't be able to get a spot at the pool, etc. The heat doesn't bother us.

We'd like to see a couple shows at either location (maybe Jersey Boys and Blue Man Group) and go to a few good meals.

Thoughts?

Funny thing, yesterday a friend said she was going to a wedding in Boston on Labor Day weekend and was surprised the couple picked such a busy date. She had been told that was move in day for college students. I thought college students are now going back to college before then. Weather in Boston could be hot or just right.
Maybe one of the Boston area locals will say for sure about how crowded it might be.

Boston isn't very crowded on Labor Day weekend, and it's usually very nice weather-wise. All of the hotels you mentioned are well located so if you choose Boston I think your plan is solid. Jersey Boys is coming to the Wang but not sure of the dates.

Years ago Labor Day weekend was indeed a busy moving time for college students, but as noted most of them will have started by then. Due to the high student population, September 1 is a very common date for regular apartment rental turnovers in town, which sometimes coincides with Labor Day weekend. This year, however, Labor Day is September 7 so most of the students will all be settled in by then; I think MIT is the only large holdout for September registration.

Thanks for the responses. I think we're going to go to Boston as I've read Las Vegas is much busier that weekend.

Any thoughts on staying in Back Back versus the waterfront Battery Wharf area?

The Fairmont Copley Sq is a historic building. It is in the Back Bay area, close to shops and restaurants. To tour the historic sites, it is a few stops on the subway.

The Fairmont Battery Wharf is a brand new hotel in North End. It is closer to the historic sites, but surrounded by mainly italian restaurants in the North End.

I think either one would be fine, it depends on what you're looking for on this trip (shopping vs historic sites) and whether you prefer classic vs contemporary hotel/room.

Battery Wharf is not really convenient to public transportation, which is much the best way to get around Boston.