Have booked a stay for November at the new Westin Boston Waterfront, but am having second thoughts after researching the immediate area. There doesn't look to be too much around there in the way of eateries, bars and the suchlike.
While I like the general idea of the area, being on the direct subway link to Logan and the suchlike, I'm starting to wonder if I should cancel and book a stay back at the Sheraton over near Copley Place. I know that area because of past stays over there and it's easy walking to Back Bay area, Newbury Street etc. Maps are deceptive, but it looks like an easy shortish walk from the Waterfront back into Financial District or even around the waterfront/harbour area, but I may be wrong even on that score!!

Any locals want to share their thoughts about the area where the Westin Waterfront is located and if it is a good idea to stay there for 2 nights or not?!?! Appreciated.
Cheers.

Lifelong Bostonian, happy to help out someone who has given so much to others in FlyerTalk.

The area of the new Westin is not at all in a convenient location. It's at least a 10-15 minute walk to the Financial District (which, incidentally, is dead on weekends) and another 5 minutes to Quincy Market. And the "subway" line is actually a bus line that uses a reserved right-of-way. While the area isn't unsafe, it is generally unwelcoming, and there's next to nothing except a convention center and a cruise pier within walking distance.

If you want to stay in the waterfront area, you are much better off at the Boston Harbor Hotel, the waterfront Marriott, or the new InterContinental -- these are all much closer to Quincy Market and the subway.

Certainly the most popular place to stay is indeed in the Back Bay/Newbury St area. Starwoods include the Sheraton and Westin Copley, and there are lots of other choices (Four Seasons and Ritz on the top end; Hilton, Copley Marriott, and Fairmount a step below that).

I agree with Wideman. This hotel will be a great choice for those attending events at the adjacent convention center, but not for tourists and other visitors who want to enjoy the city. If you're not looking to be near the financial district (and there's really no reason to be, unless you're here on business, and even then I would discourage it), I would not recommend any of the waterfront properties, but rather agree with Wideman that the Back Bay is the place to be.

Assuming that you don't want to spend top dollar for the Four Seasons or one of the Ritz Carltons, and that you're not tied to Starwood properties, a good bet is the Eliot Hotel, a terrific mostly-suites (albeit small suites) boutique property on Commonwealth Avenue near one end of Newbury Street (ask for a high floor overlooking Commonwealth Avenue).

Hmmm. Okay. Thanks guys - appreciate it muchly. Back to the Back Bay area it is !! :)
Not tied to Starwood as such, but use them as much as I can, all things being equal. Not averse to the Sheraton, but I might try the Westin Copley this time. I thought the rate for the Westin Waterfront was too good to be true - I know it's a new hotel and all, but it sounds like they will be relying on Convention Centre traffic and if there 'aint anything happening there, the rates come a tumbling down to attract anyone, as there's nothing else around there to bring the punters in to stay by the looks of it.

Interesting about the subway Silver Line being a bus - the MBTA www site makes it look and seem like a normal subway.
Cheers again to both of you - really appreciate the lowdown.

wideman - didn't know you were a Bostonian. Fancy a quick hello and beverage (my treat) after work one night?!?!?! Always like to meet others that frequently participate in threads I do. Will be there on Tues/Weds 21-22 Nov, although it's Thanksgiving eve I know, so a bad time to be arranging quick hello's !!
Cheers.

Another option is the Marriott Custom House (a Marriott Vacation Club property that also rents out rooms). It is very convenient to many locations right around Quincy Market, etc and is in the historical custom house building.

Waterfront is an up and coming area for Boston. Surprised that it took so long for developments get into this area by the water.

Boston is such a small city that I wouldn't consider getting around to be difficult.

The new Intercontinental did look nice though.

Hello all--I was under the impression that there will actually be a T(subway) Silver line serving this area. Is this not the case? Thanks and good luck.

Hello all--I was under the impression that there will actually be a T(subway) Silver line serving this area. Is this not the case? Thanks and good luck.
The silver line does indeed exist, but it is not a subway, it's a bus. :td: Some locals like to call it the "Silver Lie". :D

The silver line does indeed exist, but it is not a subway, it\'s a bus. :td: Some locals like to call it the \"Silver Lie\". :D

It is a bus indeed, but it does travel in subway like tunnels for a large portion of the ride.

In case anyone is planning to stay at the new Westin, SPG is offering some bonus points as a promotional thing for the opening.