Boston Recommendations?

GreenPepperBurger · July 2010

Hello!

BF and I are looking into a little vacation to Boston in the winter and we're trying to decide if we should go for a hotel or a B&B. We don't have loads to spend, and are trying to find something ~ or < $100 a night. It doesn't have to be uber fancy, just clean and conveniently located will do.

I'd appreciate any and all suggestions.

TIA, ladies!

ETA: I am searching on TripAdvisor, too. I just wanted a local POV or someone who's traveled there before.

loves2shop4shoes · July 2010

I live in Boston...and it really depends on what you want to do in Boston. A lot of the touristy stuff is downtown (like Fanueil Hall, Quincy Market, the waterfront, Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, etc.). To stay in a hotel downtown, especially a moderately nice one is pricey. Probably around $200+ per night.

I'd probably recommend the Hotel Buckminister. That one is somewhat centrally located (it's in Kenmore Square, right by Fenway Park) and is around $150 per night.

If your set on $100 per night, you could check out a hotel in Brookline/Brighton (which is right outside Boston) and use the subways to see downtown. It's less convenient, but it should be significantly cheaper.

Let me know if you need help with specifics.

musikbx · July 2010

No Boston-specific recommendations from me, but I thought I'd chime in with some tips from a budget traveler ;-)

I don't know how un-fancy you are willing to go, but have you considered a youth hostel? They are much cheaper than hotels or B&B's. While many of the sleeping options are multi-bed dorm rooms, in most places you should be able to get a private room for just the two of you. Sometimes you have to use a bathroom that is shared by other guests on the same floor, but many places offer rooms with private bathrooms.

I use hostels.com - you can put in your dates and see prices/availability, look at pictures, and book online. I always cross-check a place with TripAdvisor before I book... to see what people say about cleanliness.

In general, you can be sure that anything sponsored by Hostelling International, or YMCA is going to be clean. Though I've had some really good experiences with local-run places.

EDIT: After reading the response from loves2shop, I thought I would add that hostels are oftentimes pretty conveniently located. You can usually get a decent room in a downtown area, but pay less by omitting certain amenities that other hotels have that can jack up the price (pool, gym, room services, towels, mini-shampoos, etc.)

GreenPepperBurger · July 2010

Love2Shop - Thanks! I'll definitely check it out.

Musik - Yeah, I was thinking about that, but ever since I saw the film "Hostel," I've been terrified to stay in one. A stupid fear I should get over if I want to travel for cheap. Ha. But thanks, I'll look into them!

LizzyTish88 · July 2010

I live outside of Boston as well, and I agree with loves2shop. All the hotels inside the city have jacked-up prices because of that fact. You can get one right outside of the city for much cheaper, then take the train in. If you take the T its only about $2.00 each way.

katanne9 · July 2010

Ditto PPS. A hotel for uner $100/night will be hard to find. I would stay outside the city near a T-stop or the commuter rail.

LizzyTish88 · July 2010

The commuter rail is also good, but make sure to check the times. If you are going into town later at night, the commuter rail doesn't run late (last one leave Boston at 10:30ish) so make sure that won't leave you stuck. The T runs til 1 or 2 depending on the day.

katanne9 · July 2010

Ditto looking into Brighton and Brookline. I think Metro west is generally the nicest area that's directly outside of the city.

If you manage to find anything in the Back Bay I would spring for that. Although most of the main hotels are around $250/night. I'm not sure about the small ones. I book a lot of business clients in that area if you're looking for hotel recs - but they are all $$$.

GreenPepperBurger · July 2010

Thanks for your recommendations. I'm always amazed by the metro in other cities outside of NY, since that one runs 24 hours a day and thus, I get spoiled.

I found the John Hancock Hotel by Copley Square. It's more of a business hotel, but we don't mind since we're just going to be there to sleep and shower. I found a pretty good deal for around $89 a night, continental breakfast included. *crosses fingers*

katanne9 · July 2010

I think that sounds like a great deal.

Copley Square is a great area and you'll be right on the T. Also, since you'll be going in the winter, you can walk through a lot of the Copley Mall to get from place to place, including the T, to avoid the snow.

catemeg · July 2010

Also, try Priceline Negotiator - you've seen the commercials, where you name your own price? Just run a search first for the areas you're considering and the star level you'd accept (3.5 is usually a good one to choose) and see if there's any place you wouldn't stay, because once you bid you're stuck paying for it, regardless of the hotel. But if all options are acceptable, it's a great way to get a deal.

We got $40 for a 4 star hotel in Miami when our house was being fumigated. Awesome hotel, too!

loves2shop4shoes · July 2010

That's awesome! Copley Square is a nice area and it's sort of downtown-ish. There's also lots of good shopping in that area...*start to think about shoes...*

katanne9 · July 2010

Haha, sort of downtown-ish??

It's only 1.5 miles away from Quincy Market.

Boston Recommendations?

Re: Boston Recommendations?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards