We are having an exchange student(age 16) from Vienna stay with our daughter for 4 months, starting in August. We were thinking of taking her to Boston over Labor Day Weekend (live in NYC). I have never been there. Can anyone suggest a hotel(moderately priced) and places to see.
Thanks,
Denise

Most hotels are relatively expensive in Boston, however they rank right up there with N.Y.C. rates, so they might not seem so expensive to you. Therefore, none of these hotels is going to be moderately priced. Here are some of the better ones to check - Marriott Long Wharf (overlooks the harbor), Park Plaza or Copley Plaza and Westin Hotel. You might also think about checking into the rates in Cambridge (right across the Charles River), they might be less expensive. Try - Sonesta or Hyatt Regency. As for things to do; you should take a ride on the Swan Boats in the Public Gardens, visit Fanueil Hall (lots of food and shops), walk the Freedom Trail (takes you to interesting historical locations, including the Old North Church and the U.S.S. Constitution), visit the Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Science and the Gardner Museum. There is also the Aquarium and you can stroll down Newbury St. (the Boston version of Rodeo Dr.). There's a lot more, but you'll have a lot of fun exploring. Have a good trip.

In the moderate range, you may wish to try the Tremont House (recently completely renovated, in the Theater District withing walking distance of the Boston Common), the Copley Square Hotel, or the Midtown Hotel (really an upscale, very nice, motel with a subway stop just outside the front door - parking is very reasonable here). You may also wish to try www.180096hotel.com. We usually book this way, but always compare rates. Boston is enjoying higher than usual tourist traffic this summer due to the splendid weather and the economy. So, do call around, ask ask ask about special rates and packages, and book way ahead. Find out the cancellation policy of your final choice. Then, a few days before your departure, call around again. Sometimes you will find better bargains (depending upon occupancy rates, whereupon you can change hotels, and sometimes you'll be really glad you booked way ahead.

There's no way you're going to driving a car around Boston, so staying in downtown or in suburban hotel near an MTA stop is pretty much equivalent.

The last two times I've stayed in Boston, I've done just fine at the Motel Six in Braintree. It's a ten minute walk to the Red Line; from there you're 20 minutes and $2 from downtown. The Motel Six has full baths, cable TV, and VERY good rates. I recommend it for anyone who doesn't think they're too good to stay at a Motel Six.

I agree with the MidTown Hotel. I am 16 years old and I personally enjoy the MidTown. It is close to many things around Boston and teenagers will find this hotel very interesting.