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Mom's 65th in Boston--room/dinner recommendation

Siblings gathering in Boston for Mom's 65th birthday in March! Looking for recommendation for a special meal and quaint place to stay or a larger hotel with charm. Does anyone know of a place with a great tasting menu or some very special dining option? All suggestions welcomed. Thanks!

You might look at the menu at Sandrine's in Cambridge - www.sandrines.com. The chef and owner, Mr. Ott, was the chef at Julien's at the Meridien before he opened his own restaurants. For hotels, I'd suggest the Westin in Copley Square because there's plenty to do in the area. Other suggestions are the Millennium Boston in the Quincy Market, Nine Zero at 90 Tremont Street (a boutique hotel), and the Meridien in the Financial District.

Also try the Sheaton at Prudential Center/Copley SQ area---great location with tons going on ...

Lenox in the back bay, Boston Barborside by Boston Harbor, both have good restaurants, but Aujourdhui at the Four Seasons is very special.(overlooking the public Gardens)

forgot to include the newly renovated venerable Ritz on Newbury Street.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Will begin researching them all! The menu at Sandrine's looks terrific but we didn't want to go in to Cambridge for dinner. Has anyone stayed at the Wyndham Boston? The fun search continues...

The Wyndham is in the Financial District which is "quiet" (deserted) nights and weekends. It more a businessman's hotel. Here's another recommendation for Le Meridien. There are some bargain winter rates. Within the Meridien, Julien is one terrific dining experience. The dining room is one of the more gorgeous in Boston. And, unlike most other dining destinations (with noise levels reminiscent of the high school cafeteria), this one is still refined and quiet. The nearby cocktail lounge with a piano player is perfect for enjoying after dinner drinks or coffee.

DJK, Thanks for the feedback. It appears as though the Wyndham and Meridien are just a few blocks away from each other. Does it die down considerably at night in those few blocks? I can't seem to find the winter bargains you're referring to. It'll be tough to get everyone on board with the Meridien when we can get the Wyndham for about half the price. PS-Is there any way to magically obtain "promo codes/offers" to input when booking on-line?

Boston's financial district becomes a ghost town after 6pm. However, besides the Wyndham being close to the Meridien, it is also very close to the Quincy Market, which is busy in the evening. The only problem is that public transportation is lacking in that area. The closest T stops are at State Street and the Aquarium.

Friends stayed at the Wyndham &enjoyed it very much. It is quiet over the weekend but not unsafe. The walk to Fanuel Hall area (might want to check out KIngfish Hall for dinner)is not bad.

The Wyndham is a very short walk (around the corner and across two cross streets) from Le Meridien. One advantage of Le Meridien is that you can park your car for the entire weekend for $20 (not per night, for the entire weekend). I've gotten rates as low as $135/night directly through Le Meridien (by phoning) in the winter (through the end of March). I've also stayed there several times with Hotwire for as low as $105/night (also $115) in the wintertime - by selecting the 4-1/2* in Quincy Market-Financial District, but I've heard that the same selection could result in the Regal Bostonian, which is also a terrific hotel, especially at that low price. And, lately, a 5* is popping up on Hotwire in the Quincy Market-Financial District for just over $100/night weekends, which I am guessing is the brand new "Nine Zero" hotel (great rates available right now through their website as well). We've also stayed at Swissotel many times with Priceline, for $80 & $90 night, which is also within a nice walk of Le Meridien. If it were me, I'd go with a 4* or higher with Hotwire (we've been more pleased with the hotels) or Priceline (where you can get a 4* for a little less). I, personally, would rather pay $115 for Le Meridien, Regal Bostonian or Nine Zero than stay at Swissotel for $80 or $90, but Swissotel is also very nice (just lacks the fine dining and wonderful cocktail lounges with music of the others). The Financial District empties after business hours weekdays and is deserted on weekends. (Many restaurants, even Starbucks, are closed all weekend.) This is not really a problem, though. I'd book a room wherever you can get the best rate. The difference will more than cover parking, and taxis if necessary. The Bay Tower Room is also a nice place for a 65th birthday celebration.

Thanks to all for your input. We booked at the Wyndham. Will consider stopping in the Piano lounge at Le Meridien on the way home. Thanks for the Bay Tower rec. Will check it out. Any other dinner recommendations for a very special occasion? Does anyone have an experience with the restaurant Davide?

I'd second the Bay Tower Room. The food is not as exquisite as Aujoud'hui, but the view and atmosphere are spectacular, and the entertainment makes the occasion festive. We chose it for my Mom's 75th.

Dreamer2, Did you book a private room for your Mom's 75th? I found a site that had a blueprint of the Bay Tower which was very interesting. The place can seat A LOT of people! It appears as though they have maybe 10 smaller rooms which can seat from 10 to hundreds of people. It looks like it could be the spot. Thanks.