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-   -   Traveling to BOSTON- need ADVICE PLEASE :) (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/traveling-to-boston-need-advice-please-884476/)

kareebear Mar 30th, 2011 12:45 PM

Traveling to BOSTON- need ADVICE PLEASE :)
 
I am coming to Boston at the end of August with my boyfriend and need some advice- especially on where to stay. It is hard to figure out good locations based straight off of the internet so I thought I'd come here to see if I would get any responses. We are 22 year old college students who will not have a car, so we will most likely be relying on public transportation. We've both never been there so it's difficult to try and figure out where to stay that has a lot to do in the area as well as easy access to transportation. We are definitely on a budget and would like to stay somewhere really cheap!! The only recommendation I have gotten is to stay at the Hotel Buckminister but I have read that it is not exactly "downtown," would that be a good place? It gets a little pricey at about $112 a night, so hopefully we'd be able to find something a little cheaper. Does anyone have any recommendations??

Also, we are looking for good, cheap places to eat (seafood preferably!)

Thanks :)

yk Mar 30th, 2011 12:53 PM

With your budget, HOtel Buckminster is probably a good option for you. It's only a few stops away on the Green Line in Kenmore Sq; and spitting distance to Fenway Park and tons of restaurants and shops and bars and nightlife.

Otherwise, would you consider staying at hostels? There's one on Hemenway not far from Kenmore.

Or, you can try your luck with Priceline, though I'm not sure you can get good deals because it's summer time here.

As for seafood; cheap places would be:
1. Chinatown - many restaurants advertise twin lobsters for $15.99 or $17.99. They're done Cantonese-style: chopped up into big pieces and stir-fry with ginger and scallions
or
2. James Hook for lobster roll. Last I checked, they are about $15. It's a mostly take-out place but there are a couple of table inside and picnic benches just outside.

tchoiniere Mar 30th, 2011 12:54 PM

I think you are going to have a real difficult time meeting your budget as that is just as colleges are starting back in session (move-in weekends - hotels fill up in Boston). Depending on when in late August, you may be ahead of this rush. That is also one of the busiest seasons in Boston with the Red Sox, summer tourists, etc.

You may want to consider looking into a hostel. Not sure if there are any in Boston though. Just throwing that out there.

You do not want a car in Boston and public transportation is very easy.

Or maybe cut out a night allowing some more $ for the other nights.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear but Boston is not a cheap city. Deals can be found but you may find that they are above your budget. Good luck as I really like Boston.

yk Mar 30th, 2011 12:54 PM

P.S. check out this money-saving tips thread for Boston
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rroundings.cfm

tomfuller Mar 30th, 2011 12:56 PM

Really cheap: HI Hostel http://www.bostonhostel.org/
Never stayed at this one but HI Hostels are generally a good value if you can stand having the bathroom down the hall.
Cooking in the kitchen is good if you don't want to eat at a restaurant.

portiaperu Mar 30th, 2011 05:25 PM

Here's what I found looking about for hostels/inexpensive accommodations in Boston:

Hostelling International Boston Dowmtown
12 Hemenway St.
Boston, MA 02115
617-536-1027
bostonhostel.org‎

Fenway Summer Hostel
575 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215-1704
617-267-8599
bostonhostel.org/

40 Berkeley
40 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116-6316
617-375-2524
ywcaboston.org‎


And, check the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau website, look under where to stay "university and economy lodgings"

See http://www.bostonusa.com/index.php

I hope this is helpful.

tomfuller Mar 30th, 2011 09:04 PM

Motel 6 next to the subway station in Braintree. Less than $80/night. http://www.motel6.com/reservations/m...x?searchtype=C

kareebear Mar 31st, 2011 08:43 AM

Wow thanks everyone! Looking at our budget a little more I think that we are aiming to knock off a night. A hostel is not a bad idea either- we will definitely look into that! It seems that everywhere is pretty accessible with the way the subways run so as long as we find a place near a stop we'll be able to make it work, right?

yk Mar 31st, 2011 08:49 AM

There are some areas that can be iffy at night. So, before you make a booking, check back with us with the hotel/address.

kareebear Mar 31st, 2011 09:05 AM

Sounds perfect- I will definitely post back here once we make make some definite plans. We have also found Chandler Inn- which is the same price point as Hotel Buckminister- any suggestions as to which would be better between the two? It looks like I have some research to do! You guys are great, thanks for all your help so far!

tchoiniere Mar 31st, 2011 09:17 AM

I like where Hotel Buckminister is (drive by on way from Fenway when I go). Never knew the price...Walking to distance to Fenway and subway right there to everywhere.

Ozarksbill Mar 31st, 2011 11:09 AM

Hi, we're oldsters now in the Boston area. Don't know about where to stay but wanted to affirm public transportation which we use alot. Never going before by a city bus now we hop on trolley bus in Watertown and fifteen minutes to Harvard Square and then Red line subway into Boston with transfers to wherever. Get a Charlie card for this...you just add money on it.

Bill in Boston

wyatt92 Mar 31st, 2011 12:24 PM

The Hotel Buckminster is in a great location. The rooms may be a little tired but I think you'll be happy there. It's right by a T stop and within walking distance to a ton. The Chandler Inn has a decent location as well, but I'd give a slight nod to Buckminster.

kareebear Apr 4th, 2011 05:43 AM

Thanks everyone for your help- especially about the tip regarding that time of month being move-in session for colleges. We went ahead and booked the Hotel Buckminster for the end of August! I am VERY excited to explore the city! :)

china_cat Apr 4th, 2011 09:55 AM

kareebear, please report back about the Buckminster. I'll be interested to hear how you like it. Have a great trip!

Also, I know you asked for cheap places to eat, but for outstanding seafood you cannot beat Island Creek Oyster Bar, which is right down the street from your hotel. It is pricey, but I think you can find some things on the menu that won't break the bank, especially if you want to sample the apps and small plates. It's really, really good!

Also, nearby, on landsdowne street is La Verdad...great mexican food.

cigalechanta Apr 4th, 2011 10:12 AM

Have you considered a B&B ? If you google Boston B&bs, you'll find many under $100 In Boston/Cambridge.

henrylarry Apr 29th, 2011 04:39 AM

If you’re looking for affordable <a href="http://www.massvacation.com/find/lodging/">Massachusetts lodgings</a>, check out MassVacation.com. You’ll get a list of suitable lodgings that fit within your area and price range along with contact information. You may choose the type of lodging you want – hostel, motels, bed and breakfast, guest house, etc. I’m sure you’ll find something that suits your budget. Have a great trip!


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