Boston moms - where to stay?

[boilermakermom]

We will be in Boston in a few weeks, and not sure where to stay. We were originally coming in for DH's conference, but plans have changed. He no longer needs to attend the conference, just one dinner during the trip.

The only plans we have so far are a Red Sox game during the day. I checked hotels and it seems they vary all over the city. Any recommendations for something middle of the road? We aren't real trendy people, but don't want to stay in a total dive either.

Also, any restaurant recommendations would be great! Any other things to see in the city?

[AbbysMom]

A friend of mine just stayed at the revere hotel, Boston common. She thought it was reasonably priced. We visited her there and it was very nice and new. It is near the boston common, public gardens and within walking distance to Newbury street and copley place. There is also t stops close by so it's easy to get to Fenway and other places.

[mrshalco]

I have a friend that works here - We have a free weekend to use but haven't had time to do it yet. Worth looking into - http://www.hotelmarlowe.com/ This hotel is located next to the CambridgeSide Galleria - on the other side of the Charles River from Boston. It is close to the Science Museum (if you are bringing kids) and walking distance to two stops on the green line. There is also a shuttle from the Galleria to another stop on the Red line. http://www.cambridgesidegalleria.com/info/services.

There is no pool which would be a downer if we had the kids with us! LOL

Not positive about the prices....but being close to Boston with easy access to it might work well for you!

[brittone2]

We stayed at the Westin Copley Place when we were in Boston in Dec. DH was attending a work conference. I walked to the Botanical Gardens with the kids, checked out Newbury Street, there were lots of restaurants within walking distance, and we could access food and shopping in Copley Place (grab a quick breakfast at Au Bon Pain, etc.). We were there in Dec. but the weather was pretty mild (for Boston) during our stay, so we did get a good amount of walking in.
I was wimpy and didn't want to take all 3 kids on public transit by myself, so we hung mostly in the Back Bay close to the hotel.

We were very happy with our stay there.

eta: pool was being redone when we were there, but may be finished by now.

[hillview]

If you post the hotels you are finding at a good price I'd be happy to suggest the better ones or comment on them. There are so many hotels so it is hard to say .

[wellyes]

I second staying around Boston Common and the Public Gardens. Easy to get to Newbury Street, the Esplanade, the Freedom Trail from there. 15 minute walk to Fenway or very easy public transport. (DON'T DRIVE!!)

[sophiesmom03]

Native Bostonian here. Boston is a fantastic walking city. The T is fine if it's raining or you have cranky tired kids but really, you can walk most of it.

The waterfront - see the schooners in the harbor, go to the aquarium, go on a whale watch if you're not from the coast, watch the planes land across the harbor. If your kids are loud in restaurants have lunch/dinner at the Barking Crab - no one will notice the noise.

Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market - everyone will tell you to go here. It's totally mass-market nowadays, mostly all chain stores. Honestly you can walk through for the architecture but I'd not shop or eat here.

Follow the Freedom Trail - see the Old North Church, revolutionary war cemeteries, interesting points around the city.

Boston Common is green and you can hang out there with a picnic or a lemonade; the Public Gardens has the swan boats which at $1/ride are still the best deal to be had. Visit the ducklings, and walk down Charles St and up into Beacon Hill behind the State House.

Window shop on Newbury St and Boylston up to Copley Square. Hang out at the Square a bit. Go to the Boston Public Library to cool off.

From here, it's an easy walk to Fenway Park.

Cross the river into Cambridge and visit Harvard Square. Again, it's being overrun by chain stores etc. but Harvard Yard is worth a stroll and there are still some nice independent shops and restaurants. Porter and Davis Squares (up Mass Ave) are a bit more trendy for shopping and restaurants, and accessible via Red Line T, but not terribly interesting for kids IMO.

Have fun!!!!

[boilermakermom]

Ok, so a quick search and this is what I have come up; maybe someone can lend me some guidance...

Charlesmark Hotel, Harborside Inn or Boston Park Plaza sound like they are all in area we are wanting. Is one better then the other? Missing somewhere good? I think someone posted about Boston Common? I couldn't find a price point though.

(apparently, Park Plaza charges $12/day/electronic device to use wifi. That will add up over the course of the week.)

New berry St, Copley square, Common-isn't that near Fenway and Wharf with good shopping and restraunts?

I would like to keep it under or around $200/night. I thinking I might try for a weekly rate if that will save us some cash.

[hillview]

Originally Posted by boilermakermom

Ok, so a quick search and this is what I have come up; maybe someone can lend me some guidance...

Charlesmark Hotel, Harborside Inn or Boston Park Plaza sound like they are all in area we are wanting. Is one better then the other? Missing somewhere good? I think someone posted about Boston Common? I couldn't find a price point though.

(apparently, Park Plaza charges $12/day/electronic device to use wifi. That will add up over the course of the week.)

New berry St, Copley square, Common-isn't that near Fenway and Wharf with good shopping and restraunts?

I would like to keep it under or around $200/night. I thinking I might try for a weekly rate if that will save us some cash.

The park plaza is in a great location. It is a very old hotel and nice but may be getting a little run down (haven't been in a room there in a while). The Charlesmark Hotel I've walked past and trip advisor gives it good marks. It is newer and in the best location of the 3. I'd likely give it a try. Harborside is not near Newbury street and Fenway and not in an area that I love to walk around in (but it is nice for some) so that would not make my short list. Newbury Street and Copley Square are near each other and about a 1 mile walk to Fenway Park. The wharf is on the other side of the city.

HTH

[wellyes]

I agree, of those Charlesmark is a great location and so is Park Plaza. Harborside isn't really a good location for a family. Might be nice to go to that area for a day to the aquarium, but not a place to stay unless you're a business traveller.

Newbury Street and Copley Square shopping is pretty much window shopping, IMO. Luxury brands. It is fun, though, and there good places to eat.

One travel guide I like for Boston: http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Eyewitn.../dp/0789491931 Short and simple.