Does anyone have a good suggestion for a moderate (preferably under $250) Boston hotel for one night? We're flying to Boston from SF and want to spend the night in the city for one night. We'll have a car and then the next morning will drive to Cape Cod to meet up with extended family. We could do a budget aiport hotel but would prefer some access to have dinner in the North End or something. Any ideas would be appreciated!

How 'interesting' do you like to go? The Newbury Guest House B&B (on one of Boston's more interesting streets - cafes, etc.) is a favorite B&B not far from the Public Garden and if you can reserve parking, it's better than what you'll pay in garages ($25-45/night at least). www.newburyguesthouse.com/‎

My favorite for surprisingly inexpensive (under $200) is the John Jeffries, on Beacon Hill right at the Charles St. T station altho' noise isn't a problem usually, but it may be a little too 'European' (sm. rooms, light continental breakfast). Do a little research on it here and on its own website. www.johnjeffrieshouse.com/

Right across from the John Jeffries is the Liberty Hotel, now a Starwood. This is a TRIP. It was once the Suffolk County jail, and you can still have drinks or dine in a refurbished (nicely!) cellblock. Depending on day and 'package' you might be able to snag a room for less that $250 - if not, at least stop in to wander the lobby and see what it looks like. www.libertyhotel.com/‎

Otherwise, it's the usual array of name-brand big-bux places down town, but if you're cagey (and belong to AAA or AARP) you might find something nice in your price range.

Thanks for the ideas! Are any of these not family friendly? I should have mentioned we'll have our 3.5 year old son with us. He's a good traveler and well-behaved but I know some places just aren't good for kids. The old jail one sounds COOL. DH would be totally into that. LOL. I'll check these out, much appreciated!

When are you coming? Boston hotel prices vary greatly depending upon what events are going on.

I don't usually recommend the Seaport area, since its not that convenient to public transit and sightseeing, but it might suit you for a one night stay. I often see good prices on those hotels as long as there isn't some giant convention going on. And there is plentiful parking. There are some good new restaurants in the area too...yes there are a fair number of chains, but there are some nice places to eat for a night. Dinner at the Legal Seafoods Harborside, for example. Or at the new Row 34 (from the same folks as Island Creek Oyster Bar). Or a quick cab ride to the North End.

John Jeffries is ideal for family - many of the rooms have kitchenettes.

For the other 2 I mentioned, check their website to get the flavor -- probably less comfortable for a toddler. Liberty Hotel thinks it's "luxury" and you can see the designer-mind in the photos. Newbury House is upholstered, comfortable, Laura Ashley -- think I've seen kids at breakfast, but not many -- might need to call, check re: things like rollaway, or whatever.

stellamarina:

We stayed at the Embassy Suites which is close to Logan airport for a one night stay prior to driving to Cape Cod.

We were quickly picked by the hotel shuttle dropped our luggage at the hotel and then easily walked over the park to the blue line subway and went into town.

The next morning the hotel shuttle dropped us off at the car rental which is quite close by and off we went to the Cape.

This hotel has a very nice breakfast and is child friendly. The downside to this hotel is that it is not convenient to any close by restaurants. Much better to eat in town.

Sandy