NYC & Boston in Sept/Oct
 

I posted here before about this hoped-for vacation, but now it looks like Hubby MUST take some time off! So he wants me to check out Boston and NYC at the end of Sept, beginning of Oct. We aim to fly into one, Amtrak to the other, fly out from there, but not sure which first--or if it matters.

First off, IS this a good time to visit, particularly weatherwise?

How about prices? We're looking for (hopefully) no more than $200/night, but are very willing to go lower. We stayed at the Affinia Manhattan last year; it was fine on price and great on location. We got familiar enough with NYC to feel comfortable getting around the subway and to/from JFK. We hope to go a bit further than last time, but I don't think we'd ever get tired of the City.

Boston is another matter. We plan on taking the T, but don't know where to stay. Hubby wants the Freedom Trail and the regular tourist spots, but also checking out MIT, Harvard, Fenway, maybe even America's Test Kitchen. From reading forums here, there doesn't seem to be just ONE locale that would fit us, but I'll take suggestions. Same price range (<$200/night would be great). What I want is a place that's safe, quiet, and clean. Fancy is a bonus; we'll be out most of the day.

We like walking around, looking at things, buildings, etc. other than walking, we're not into a lot of activities. Can't have alcohol (meds), so don't need to know about wine and great bars. We're not clubbers, more the quiet place to talk with friends or complete strangers even.

Help is appreciated!

I pimp these forums out whenever someone asks for advice on a vacation.

I'm afraid that Sept is heading into high season in NYC and $200 per night will take a lot of searching - and Boston will be heading into leaf season.

I would start looking at discount sites now - with potential non-cancelable prepay - or consider Priceline.

Ooh. Thanks for that info.

It is a busy time in Boston. Besides foliage trips, there are college football weekend games. September might be better than October.

Looking at www.lastminutetravel.com, I checked Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, and see the 3.5 star Back Bay hotel for $204 per night is the Marriott Copley Place.

Those hotels are cancelable up to a few days before travel.

Boston is pretty compact so you'll be able to walk or take the T a few stops to most stops. Generally the weather is great. Comfortable days and evenings with a light jacket.

I would snap up the Marriott Copley at that price.

Transportation is easy: a short block to the Orange Line and a long block to the Green Line, and best of all the Back Bay Amtrak station is literally around the corner, with frequent connections to and from NY.

It is across the Street from the best subway/trolley to the museums, it is easy to walk to the Charles River and through the Back Bay.

The only downside is that it is the anchor of the Copley Place Shopping Center so a somewhat soulless location, though if you like Tiffany's or Neiman Marcus . . . .

Yes, that's a great price for the Marriott and unlikely to get a better rate with those dates..

If you see something decent grab the reservation NOW - if you wait a week or two the rate may be gone or the hotel full.

There is always something going on in NYC, last year there were 51 million visitors. The event in September that creates more havoc than most is the opening of the UN. Presidents and dictators love to give speeches but they must be protected.

Since you asked about weather, yes, that is an ideal time to visit for pleasant temps and hopefully sunny skies. But that's why it can be expensive then too. But as mentioned above, some good deals exist if you do a little homework. Have fun!

Thanks all! I have a new thread with new time for the vacation. Hubby has a dumb work schedule. We need to plan 6 months in advance to insure he gets the time off!