Hotels in Boston, MA

Best time to visit Boston

Boston sees a change in the seasons, so unlike the West Coast, you want to plan strategically when you come to visit. Not only do you want the best rates, but you want a time when the weather is good and you are not in line with the rest of the tourists. Ideally, June – October gives you the best weather and allows you to explore the city on foot – the only way to explore Boston!

Getting around Boston

For a big city, Boston has some challenges with getting around. Driving is a challenge even for the locals, and should be avoided at all costs. Luckily, downtown is relatively compact, and you can walk to most destinations. There is an abundance of taxis too, in case you need to get to the outskirts. Public transportation is easiest to find in the downtown area, but can also take you to the harbor and outer neighborhoods. The MBTA is the city’s public transportation system. Get a CharlieCard to unlock $2.25 USD fares, free transfers, and discounts on the Express Bus. A day LinkPass costs $12 USD per day or you can get a 7-day pass for $21.25 USD.

Use a Go Boston Card

The Go Boston Card helps you save on the premier attractions throughout the city. You can choose from 38 attractions, including tours, cruises, and museums and get a 1-Day Card starting at just $57 USD per person.

Best places to stay in Boston

From the trendy Back Bay area to the chic downtown, Boston is one of those cities that can change dramatically from one block to the next. When visiting here, you need to know the neighborhoods, because these help you not only decide where to stay, but how you will get around and the attractions you can walk to. After all, who wants to spend their Boston visit in the backseat of a taxi cab?

Back Bay

Just west of Downtown Boston and nestled cozy right up to the Charles River is Back Bay. Back Bay is hip, trendy, and includes the quaint tree-lined streets of Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue. Staying here is costly, but worth the investment. The Boston Park Plaza and Taj Boston are the best options in Back Bay, because they give you waterfront views.

Boston Common and Downtown Boston

In Boston Common and the downtown area, you have Boston’s Freedom Trail, which is a historic walk along the bay. Public transportation is easy to find through the Common, and a good stay would be the Hyatt Regency Boston or the Harborside Inn of Boston.

North End

North End is on the outskirts of downtown. It runs along the water and is more of a café-type culture. Perhaps that is why it is known as “Little Italy” with the cafés, eateries, and bakeries sprinkled along the walkways. If you stay here, The Bostonian Boston or the Kimpton Onyx are good places to start.

Financial District

The Financial District was revitalized over the past decade. Here you overlook Inner Harbor and can walk to the Boston Harbor Walk. In the Financial District, stay at The Godfrey Hotel Boston, Royal Sonesta Boston, or The Langham Boston.

Cheap hotels in Boston

Staying in Boston does not have to cost a fortune or even $80 USD per night. In fact, sprinkled among the finest hotels and boutique neighborhoods, you find hidden treasures that are comfortable, safe, and affordable. The Fairfield Inn by Marriott Boston Woburn/Burlington is a good start. Club Quarters Hotel Boston is polished and has an English pub on the bottom floor. While a little more expensive, Sheraton Boston Hotel gives you a convenient location with quick access to most attractions.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. While you might be here for the food or sports, do not discount the historic sites too. From the USS Constitution to amazing conventions, Boston has something for everyone.

• Take a tour of Harvard Square and feel like the Ivy League elite. Harvard Square and Prospect Hill are perfect spots for the afternoon, and during non-school sessions, Harvard has plenty of community events to attend.
• Tour the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Then, stroll across the harbor to see the Boston Children’s Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
• Fenway Park, even during the off-season, offers tours so that you can feel like part of the team.
• On the North End, you have Old North Church, a historic site. Also, the Museum of Science, which is a fun place to tour even if you are traveling without the family.