New England - Boston - which area to stay in?

I am planning 3-4 days in Boston before visiting family in Vermont. What draws us to Boston is a chance to visit Harvard and MIT. I would also like to visit places related to the independence movement (Boston tea party) and other areas of historical interest.

Clearly I don't know much about Boston, but nevertheless would appreciate any guidance on which area of Boston I should stay in. I have many Marriott, Priority Club (Holiday Inn, etc) and Hilton points and would like to pick on eof these properties.

Given your preferences in terms of activities and hotel chains there are a number of potentially viable areas and many hotel properties in them. Have you tried looking at where you want to visit in Google Maps and then overlaying the hotel chains you want to stay at? Then just look at relative distance and price. There are no 'bad' areas you'll end up at if you do this based upon what you have said.

Stay at the Intercontinental. Take the train to MIT and Harvard.

That's my advice given the limited info you posted.

I assume you won't have a car so will be using public transit, taxi's, or walking.

As a MR Plat (but live in the Hub (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_nicknames) so I have never stayed at a Marriott here) I would recommend one of the properties near Kendall Square in Cambridge. There is a FS property (Boston Marriott Cambridge (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscb-boston-marriott-cambridge/)) and a RS (Residence Inn Boston Cambridge (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscm-residence-inn-boston-cambridge/)). These two hotels are a few hundred feet away from each other.

Both of these properties are on the MBTA Red Line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Line_%28MBTA%29) as are Harvard Square and MIT. Also, this line will take you over the Charles River into Boston's Park Street station near the start of the Freedom Trail (http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/).

I can't speak to the nightlife in Kendall Square but knowing that it is in the middle of a large student population I am sure there are plenty of good, affordable options.

Enjoy your trip.

The two Marriott properties that HUB Flyer suggested are good suggestions for the interests you mentioned. The Marriott is literally seconds away from the Kendall Square T station. While not a hotspot compared to Beacon Hill or Central Square (both just 1 subway station away) there is still a decent selection of restaurants on Third Street and Technology Square.

I can't get behind the Kendall Square recommendation. No ambiance whatsoever.

I would stay on the Boston side and take the red line into Cambridge. If you can swing the cost the Liberty Hotel, a former jail, is FABULOUS and part of the Starwood program.

I assume you won't have a car so will be using public transit, taxi's, or walking.

As a MR Plat (but live in the Hub (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_nicknames) so I have never stayed at a Marriott here) I would recommend one of the properties near Kendall Square in Cambridge. There is a FS property (Boston Marriott Cambridge (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscb-boston-marriott-cambridge/)) and a RS (Residence Inn Boston Cambridge (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscm-residence-inn-boston-cambridge/)). These two hotels are a few hundred feet away from each other.

Both of these properties are on the MBTA Red Line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Line_%28MBTA%29) as are Harvard Square and MIT. Also, this line will take you over the Charles River into Boston's Park Street station near the start of the Freedom Trail (http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/).

I can't speak to the nightlife in Kendall Square but knowing that it is in the middle of a large student population I am sure there are plenty of good, affordable options.

Enjoy your trip.
Kendall Square nightlife? Surely you jest. :p

I live in Kendall Square and while there are good restaurants/bars, that is IT in terms of after hours activity. No music, late night shopping, and the restaurants aren't centrally located enough to create a buzz. Central Sq has some but not a lot, Harvard and Davis Sq are the better Cambridge places for activity. That said, Kendall Sq is a good central location for getting to other places in both Cambridge and Boston, so I support the idea of staying there. Just don't expect lots of activity right outside the front door at night.

OP: If you do end up staying in Kendall, I can recommend some pretty good restaurants. Let us know!

If you're at Kendall Square then I recommend the Cambridge Brewing Company - nice brewpub with good beer, food and atmosphere. That said, if you're a first time visitor to Boston and want to be central for the historic sites etc. then Marriott Long Wharf is nicely situated in the thick of the touristy stuff and right on the waterfront.

I also like the RI Tudor Wharf and Custom House.

and a RS (Residence Inn Boston Cambridge (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscm-residence-inn-boston-cambridge/)).

Never refer anyone but your enemies to this DUMP. It is an absolute pit. If someone must stay in Kendall Square, definitely stay at the full-service Marriott a block down instead!

Never refer anyone but your enemies to this DUMP. It is an absolute pit. If someone must stay in Kendall Square, definitely stay at the full-service Marriott a block down instead!

I've stayed there at least half a dozen times and always found it pretty good compared to RIs in general. What was it about the place you didn't like?

I've stayed there at least half a dozen times and always found it pretty good compared to RIs in general. What was it about the place you didn't like?

To me, the area.

Kendall Square nightlife? Surely you jest. :p


Major typo, thanks. Meant to type "restaurants," not "nightlife", particularly lunch places since that area is more a work neighborhood than heavy residential.

Mainly recommending this area based on ease of transit between the OP's stated sightseeing preferences.

To me, the area.

I acknowledge that Kendall Square is dull, and a poor location to recommend to any first time visitor to Boston who also wants to see the historic sights, but my question was aimed at the poster who called the RI Cambridge a dump, as my experience with this property leads me to think that it is anything but. Maybe they have an axe to grind?

I've stayed there at least half a dozen times and always found it pretty good compared to RIs in general. What was it about the place you didn't like?

This was from a stay in May 2011. A shabby, dull room, with light-blueish carpet with random, splotchy stains throughout (like bleach stains). A slight scent of mold in the bathroom, though none was actually visible. Frayed sheets on the bed, which felt like they were wrapped around metal logs instead of a mattress.

Initial requests to the front desk said that they were not only sold out, but that every room was already occupied (at 930pm) so we couldn't switch rooms. For what its worth the full-service Marriott was sold out too.

Then, to make it all better, there was a party going in the room across the hall from us and in the room above us. Subsequent calls to the front desk about the noise resulted in nothing being done, and then a visit down to the front desk was even more ridiculous when I requested to speak to the manager on duty so we could actually get something done about the noise, and the woman behind the counter who had been answering my calls responded, "I am the MOD."

Bottom line, I will never stay there again and discourage anyone else from giving them their business as well. Luckily we were able to get the hell out of there and over to the Marriott the next night which was very comfortable.

Maybe they have an axe to grind?

Absolutely.

Mainly recommending this area based on ease of transit between the OP's stated sightseeing preferences.

But MIT and Harvard are pretty easy to get to from most parts of Boston. It's a small town, after all.

But MIT and Harvard are pretty easy to get to from most parts of Boston. It's a small town, after all.

Agreed, but based on the limited info in the OP I thought something on the Red Line made sense.

Also agree that Kendall Square is not Bourbon Street. :)

There are other interesting Marriott (my first choice) options. The Long Wharf has it's advantages but if the OP is using public transportation during the winter they are either hiking up to Park Street or Downtown Crossing, or making multiple connection starting at Aquarium.

The Renaissance at the Seaport is good if you are at a convention over there. There are other Marriott properties that also are out of the way regarding the Red Line.

Me, I drive. But some out-of-towners are intimidated by it.

One question for the OP is when they'll be here. If in the next couple months, then it's important to be on a T line. If the trip is in spring or summer, then you can walk most places and there's more flexibility.

I would never, ever recommend that someone stay in Kendall Square unless they were specifically looking to stay in the least attractive, least interesting part of the Boston area.

I would never, ever recommend that someone stay in Kendall Square unless they were specifically looking to stay in the least attractive, least interesting part of the Boston area.

Do you have a positive recommendation for the OP based on the requirements we know about?

Do you have a positive recommendation for the OP based on the requirements we know about?
I think the Back Bay is the best area to stay. In my mind it offers the best combination of interest, attractiveness, and access to things tourists likely will want to see, as well as good restaurants and night life nearby in the South End.

In the case of the OP, he'd have his choice of the Marriott Copley or the Hilton Back Bay. He could then take the MBTA No. 1 bus (http://mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=1), which runs up Mass Ave and passes by both MIT and Harvard. (Alternatively he could take the Green Line or the Orange Line to the Red Line, but the bus will be quicker and, because it's above ground, more interesting.) The Freedom Trail-type spots that he's interested in are also just a short walk or short subway ride away.

[Edited to add: A quick search revealed that there also is a Courtyard in the Back Bay, which I think would be a fine choice location-wise. BTW, for a splurge, Sorellina, across the street from the Marriott and around the corner from the Courtyard, is a fabulous restaurant.]

BTW, for a splurge, Sorellina, across the street from the Marriott and around the corner from the Courtyard, is a fabulous restaurant.]

+1

I think the Back Bay is the best area to stay. In my mind it offers the best combination of interest, attractiveness, and access to things tourists likely will want to see, as well as good restaurants and night life nearby in the South End.

+1

I think the Back Bay is the best area to stay. In my mind it offers the best combination of interest, attractiveness, and access to things tourists likely will want to see, as well as good restaurants and night life nearby in the South End.

+1

+2

I agree with the recommendation to stay in Boston if you at coming for a short visit-- everything is pretty close by. While Kendall does have some great restaurants, it is primarily occupied by office buildings, biotech, and pharma so it is quiet at night. Liberty Hotel (next to MGH and near Beacon Hill) on the red line was a nice suggestion, especially if you have Starwood points. Otherwise look close to to Copley/Arlington/Boylston T stops. The Long Wharf Marriott is also in an interesting location next to the aquarium and across from Fanueil Hall.

I agree with the other posters who recommended staying in Back Bay and using the bus to get into Cambridge.

While Kendall itself is a bit of a bland neighborhood, there are some great areas within walking distance, so it is not a total bust to stay there. If you do decide to stay there take a 20 minute walk to either Central Square or Inman Square. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in those neighborhoods. You can also quickly access the rest of the city via T from there.

As a former Cantabrigian, I second the suggestion for Back Bay. You're have plenty of restaurants and shopping around, and it's a pleasant walk to the Common, the North End and other historical sites.

The #1 and the T probably take about equal time to reach Harvard. It's not a big town.

Even though Kendall has a Cambridge address, for tourism it's dull and inconvenient.

As a current Cantabridgian, I'll jump on the "stay in Back Bay" bandwagon. I think staying in the Back Bay is a great way to enjoy the city - enjoy the restaurants, shopping, historical venues, ambiance. Plus, a subway station is usually no more than 5-10 min away via walking, providing easy access to surrounding neighborhoods and cities.

#1 bus (runs from ~5am to ~1am) down Mass Ave is a fast way to access MIT and Harvard.

Some hotel suggestions in the Back Bay: Sheraton Back Bay, Hilton Back Bay, Marriot Copley, Westin Copley, Fairmont Copley

Hope you have a great trip! :)

One question for the OP is when they'll be here. If in the next couple months, then it's important to be on a T line. If the trip is in spring or summer, then you can walk most places and there's more flexibility.

Thank you very much for all of the responses. We will be there in mid April.

While Cambridge is a nice city, the nightlife is horrid. It is full of a bunch of hipsters, hippies, and other types of creatures. Just a warning :cool:!

I would recommend staying near the Wharf, at the Marriott or the Intercontinental. You are close to Fanueil Hall, Financial District, Chinatown, and not too far long of a walk from Boylston/Copley area.

Enjoy your stay in my city :).

Mid april? Def stay in brookline or copley as you will experience the greatest day know to man or woman: Boston's patriot's day aka the Boston Marathon

Mid april? Def stay in brookline or copley as you will experience the greatest day know to man or woman: Boston's patriot's day aka the Boston Marathon

Would be shocked if there were any rooms left in those locations though.

So, brand new girlfriend and I taking first long weekend trip next weekend. Don't know a THING about Boston so based on this thread I'm leaning towards Back Bay. I'm an SPG, Marriott and Hilton points with preference for SPG and Marriott. I'm currently leaning towards the Liberty or the Sheraton Back Bay. They seem pretty far apart.

Given that the weather at best won't be super conducive to long walks, any further comments on those or other properties with a focus on:

-Full service hotel (if the weather turns atrocious would be nice to have alternatives)
-reasonably close (<10 min walk?) to at least a few decent restaurants and bars

Thanks!

So, brand new girlfriend and I taking first long weekend trip next weekend. Don't know a THING about Boston so based on this thread I'm leaning towards Back Bay. I'm an SPG, Marriott and Hilton points with preference for SPG and Marriott. I'm currently leaning towards the Liberty or the Sheraton Back Bay. They seem pretty far apart.

Given that the weather at best won't be super conducive to long walks, any further comments on those or other properties with a focus on:

-Full service hotel (if the weather turns atrocious would be nice to have alternatives)
-reasonably close (<10 min walk?) to at least a few decent restaurants and bars

Thanks!

Have you checked the appropriate hotel threads here on Flyer Talk? You'll get much more useful info there on the services available at each property.


Personally, I love the Liberty. But it is within a 7 minute walk of nothing. It's got great restaurants, and if you have a view, very nice views, and a unique lobby (in a good way). But a small gym, and it's near nothing.

Back Bay hotels (especially the 2 Starwoods) are attached to the Copley Place/Prudential Center Malls, which gives you (literally) hundreds of shopping and dining options without going outside. And you're within a 7 minute walk of dozens of other destinations.

So, brand new girlfriend and I taking first long weekend trip next weekend. Don't know a THING about Boston so based on this thread I'm leaning towards Back Bay. I'm an SPG, Marriott and Hilton points with preference for SPG and Marriott. I'm currently leaning towards the Liberty or the Sheraton Back Bay. They seem pretty far apart.

Given that the weather at best won't be super conducive to long walks, any further comments on those or other properties with a focus on:

-Full service hotel (if the weather turns atrocious would be nice to have alternatives)
-reasonably close (<10 min walk?) to at least a few decent restaurants and bars

Thanks!

The Sheraton is a good choice if you're concerned with weather. It is connected to the Shops at Prudential Center (http://www.prudentialcenter.com/) so you could eat and shop without having to go outside.

If the weather is good there are lots of eating and drinking options on Boylston, Newbury and Mass. Ave.

Would also recommend going up to the Skywalk observatory at the Prudential building to get a 360 degree view of the Hub from 50 floors above ground.

The Sheraton is a good choice if you're concerned with weather. It is connected to the Shops at Prudential Center (http://www.prudentialcenter.com/) so you could eat and shop without having to go outside.

It also connects via skybridge to the Copley mall and ultimately to the Back Bay Amtrak Sta./Orange line. All this without ever stepping foot into the weather.

Personally, I love the Liberty. But it is within a 7 minute walk of nothing.

Are you sure? I am almost positive it took only a few minutes to walk from the Liberty to Beacon Hill (plus, it is right next door to Mass General Hospital).

Copley Place and Prudential Center are just large upscale shopping centers; the likes of which can be found in any major metropolitan area.

I will add another vote for the Sheraton, for all of the reasons HUB and tkey mentioned. For convenience and "closeness" to things, the location really can't be beat.

Next best would be the Hilton across the street (which would require you to briefly go outside to cross the road to the Sheraton to get to all of the things that were mentioned). But the Sheraton is a much better quality than the Hilton.

Personally, I love the Liberty. But it is within a 7 minute walk of nothing. It's got great restaurants, and if you have a view, very nice views, and a unique lobby (in a good way). But a small gym, and it's near nothing.


Are you sure? I am almost positive it took only a few minutes to walk from the Liberty to Beacon Hill (plus, it is right next door to Mass General Hospital).


You are correct. Liberty is just down the street from Beacon Hill. Charles Street, the street that the hotel is on is the main Beacon Hill route.

The North End is also easily walkable from Liberty.

My wife and I stayed at the BOS Rennaisance and the Marriott Long Wharf (trouble booking the same hotel...it was a big convention.

I thought the Renn was a little off the beaten path, but the Long Wharf was convenient to everything - $2 scenic water taxi ride to the USS Constitution and historical stuff; easy walk to Little Italy; and an easy "T" ride to Harvard Square (We're both from Houston and moved to Denver...so we're public transportation newbies).

All in all, I thought Boston was amazingly walkable and compact. I'd be biased in favor of staying at the Long Wharf as it's in a more interesting part of town...but getting around is incredibly easy.

The Sheraton is definitely more in the middle of the action, but the Liberty is in a pretty decent location. It is practically under the red line which can you take you to Cambridge or the Boston Common. There are some very good restaurants in Beacon Hill as others mentioned (although it is more residential) and a quick cab ride to back bay.

If your primary concern is location, go for the Sheraton, but if you want a unique hotel experience I'm sure the Liberty's location will serve you fine.

Any feedback on Courtyard Boston Downtown/Tremont?
As a Marriott Platinum, I picked this for an upcoming stay due to the proximity to Emerson College, where my son is planning on attending. Will be there in late August and October.
Also looking for some restaurant suggestions.

Are you sure? I am almost positive it took only a few minutes to walk from the Liberty to Beacon Hill (plus, it is right next door to Mass General Hospital).

Copley Place and Prudential Center are just large upscale shopping centers; the likes of which can be found in any major metropolitan area. Definitely close to MGH (which isn't really for most tourists, hopefully), but I should have mentioned Charles Street and Beacon Hill as being nearby. And the Charles River. I was suggesting that there is much more shopping and dining options in a 7 minute walk from Copley/Pru than there is from the Liberty.

You are correct. Liberty is just down the street from Beacon Hill. Charles Street, the street that the hotel is on is the main Beacon Hill route.

The North End is also easily walkable from Liberty. Not a 7 (or even a 10) minute walk. 22 minutes to Paul Revere's house, per Google maps

Any feedback on Courtyard Boston Downtown/Tremont?
As a Marriott Platinum, I picked this for an upcoming stay due to the proximity to Emerson College, where my son is planning on attending. Will be there in late August and October.
Also looking for some restaurant suggestions.
It's in Boston's tiny little theater district, which isn't the most attractive area, but, given Boston's small scale, it's very close -- easily walkable -- to the Public Gardens, Boston Common, Newbury Street, Beacon Hill, and the South End (the latter being a great dining destination). Also very close by is Mike & Patty's (http://www.mikeandpattys.com/), a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall breakfast and lunch joint. There is no shortage of excellent dining options within striking distance of where you'll be.

Not a 7 (or even a 10) minute walk. 22 minutes to Paul Revere's house, per Google maps

That qualifies as "easily walkable" in my book. YMMV.

Did you check the time to Beacon Hill?

That qualifies as "easily walkable" in my book. YMMV.

Did you check the time to Beacon Hill?

Discussion was for short walks. Specifically "7 minutes". I wouldn't recommend a walk to the North End (and back) this time of year for most people staying at the Liberty. From the Intercontinental or Boston Harbor Hotels or the boutiques near North Station? Sure. But 22 minutes in 20 degree temperatures? Thank you, no.

And I specifically stated in my most recent post that I should have mentioned Charles Street and Beacon Hill are nearby. As Beacon Hill is an "area" and not a "spot", it's hard to state how long to get there.

Discussion was for short walks. Specifically "7 minutes".I think you introduced the 7-minute walk concept. The OP is willing to walk up to 10 minutes!

I think you introduced the 7-minute walk concept. The OP is willing to walk up to 10 minutes!

Which STILL doesn't get him to the North End. And barely to the Boston Common.

I just got upgraded to Hilton Honors gold so am thinking of booking Hilton Boston Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street. What is this location like? Is it fairly central? Our interests will be in visiting MIT and Harvard uiversities and area of historical interest.

We are not afraid to walk and hope to do a lot of walking during the three days in Boston. But is the hotel also near good public transport connections?

Any advice will be appreciated.

I just got upgraded to Hilton Honors gold so am thinking of booking Hilton Boston Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street. What is this location like? Is it fairly central? Our interests will be in visiting MIT and Harvard uiversities and area of historical interest.

We are not afraid to walk and hope to do a lot of walking during the three days in Boston. But is the hotel also near good public transport connections?

Any advice will be appreciated.

IMO It's in a great location with numerous shopping, eating, and other things within a 10-minute walk. The prudential center is right across the street (you can access it through the Sheraton), and there is a T stop inside the Pru. From that stop you would take the Green Line inbound to Park Street station and connect to the Red Line toward Alewife to get to either MIT or Harvard. Super easy!

I just got upgraded to Hilton Honors gold so am thinking of booking Hilton Boston Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street. What is this location like? Is it fairly central? Our interests will be in visiting MIT and Harvard uiversities and area of historical interest.

We are not afraid to walk and hope to do a lot of walking during the three days in Boston. But is the hotel also near good public transport connections?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Not a very long walk from there to Mass. Ave, which has a bridge across the river right to the middle of MIT. Harvard is a bit further, but you can hop the Red Line from MIT to Harvard quite easily

I am planning 3-4 days in Boston before visiting family in Vermont. What draws us to Boston is a chance to visit Harvard and MIT. I would also like to visit places related to the independence movement (Boston tea party) and other areas of historical interest.

Clearly I don't know much about Boston, but nevertheless would appreciate any guidance on which area of Boston I should stay in. I have many Marriott, Priority Club (Holiday Inn, etc) and Hilton points and would like to pick on eof these properties.

What time of year are you going? If the weather will be half decent, I'd suggest either the Marriott Long Wharf (right on the water, close to the North End - great Italian - and close to the T) or the Marriott Copley Plaza (in the heart of back back, good shopping, restaurants, T access, etc).

What time of year are you going? ............

We will be there in mid April after the Boston marathon. Planning three days in Boston then to visit family in Burlington, Vermont for a week before heading back.

This leads me to another question. What's the best way of getting to Burlington. Are buses a good way to travel? Do they depart from close to Hilton Boston Back Bay (or any other hotel that's recommended)?

This leads me to another question. What's the best way of getting to Burlington. Are buses a good way to travel? Do they depart from close to Hilton Boston Back Bay (or any other hotel that's recommended)?

First, there are no long-distance ground transportation options that stop anywhere near the Hilton unless you are traveling south or west (Back Bay train station using MBTA commuter rail or Amtrak, and I would say it's not walking distance from the Hilton). The majority of long-distance ground travel in/out of Boston happens at South Station, which is on the Red Line.

Greyhound would take you the least time (about 4 1/2 to 5 hours, +/-) and would leave from South Station. Amtrak would be another option of getting to Burlington (Lake Shore Limited from South Station or Back Bay to Springfield, MA; then the Vermonter to BTV), but more expensive I think and takes closer to 9 hours.

I just got upgraded to Hilton Honors gold so am thinking of booking Hilton Boston Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street. What is this location like? Is it fairly central? Our interests will be in visiting MIT and Harvard uiversities and area of historical interest.

We are not afraid to walk and hope to do a lot of walking during the three days in Boston. But is the hotel also near good public transport connections?

Any advice will be appreciated.

I work at MIT, so feel free to PM me if you want any help planning a visit. While Kendall Square is the MIT T stop, it's on the other side of campus from the interesting stuff; East campus is staff offices and the business school. Not that it's a difficult walk by any means, just something to know, to allow enough time if you're taking a guided tour or something.

I just got upgraded to Hilton Honors gold so am thinking of booking Hilton Boston Back Bay, 40 Dalton Street. What is this location like? Is it fairly central? Our interests will be in visiting MIT and Harvard uiversities and area of historical interest.

We are not afraid to walk and hope to do a lot of walking during the three days in Boston. But is the hotel also near good public transport connections?

Any advice will be appreciated.In general, the best public transportation option from the Hilton is to walk to the Auditorium station on the Green Line. Yes, the Prudential station is just as close, but the Auditorium station has more frequent service (since it's served by the B, C and D trolley lines, whereas the Pru station is served only by the E line). That said, any of those lines will get you to many of the major tourist attractions in Boston, and to the connection to the Red Line at Park Street station.

When going to MIT and Harvard, however, I would not take the trolleys or subway, but rather would take the Number 1 bus, which runs with good frequency up Mass Ave and goes right by both MIT and Harvard.



We will be there in mid April after the Boston marathon. Planning three days in Boston then to visit family in Burlington, Vermont for a week before heading back.

This leads me to another question. What's the best way of getting to Burlington. Are buses a good way to travel? Do they depart from close to Hilton Boston Back Bay (or any other hotel that's recommended)?

The best option to get to Burlington is renting a car and driving. If you want to go by public transportation, you'll have to get to South Station to take a bus or train, which is easy enough to do. The quickest route is to walk over to Back Bay Station (which you can do entirely indoors if you walk across the street from your hotel to the Prudential Center mall) and then taking an inbound commuter rail train to South Station. It's just one stop and takes less than 5 minutes. (Technically there's supposed to be a fare for this ride, although I've never once been asked for a ticket when traveling inbound from Back Bay to South Station.)

In general, the best public transportation option from the Hilton is to walk to the Auditorium station on the Green Line. Yes, the Prudential station is just as close, but the Auditorium station has more frequent service (since it's served by the B, C and D trolley lines, whereas the Pru station is served only by the E line). That said, any of those lines will get you to many of the major tourist attractions in Boston, and to the connection to the Red Line at Park Street station.


It may be a good idea to clarify to those unfamiliar with the history of MBTA station names that you are referring what is currently known as the Hynes Convention Center station (You must be referring to what is currently know as the [URL="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/lines/stations/?stopId=15670).

It may be a good idea to clarify to those unfamiliar with the history of MBTA station names that you are referring what is currently known as the Hynes Convention Center station (You must be referring to what is currently know as the [URL="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/lines/stations/?stopId=15670).Thanks for the clarification. How many years has it been since the name change? (20, according to Wikipedia.) It clearly hasn't yet, and probably never will, register with me!

Thanks for the clarification. How many years has it been since the name change? (20, according to Wikipedia.) It clearly hasn't yet, and probably never will, register with me!

Dunno I've been here nearly four years and its always been Hynes Convention Center. I think it was formerly known as "Hynes/ICA" until circa 2005-06 when the ICA moved to the current waterfront location.

I am debating between the Hilton Back Bay and Westin Copley, for a week vacation mid June with the Family. I see a lot of good about both, but what stands out between the two. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. PS I am Diamond with Hilton and Plat with SPG.

Thanks,
Troy

I am debating between the Hilton Back Bay and Westin Copley, for a week vacation mid June with the Family. I see a lot of good about both, but what stands out between the two. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. PS I am Diamond with Hilton and Plat with SPG.

Thanks,
Troy

The Westin recently refurbished all rooms and common areas and I think they did an excellent job. Aside from the aesthetics of the hotel, keep in mind the Westin has direct indoor access to Copley Place and the Pru while the Hilton requires you going outside. I'd consider the Westin location superior to the Hilton unless walking to Fenway Park is a consideration. You're right at Copley Square closer to the public garden, better transportation connectivity and its a nicer area overall. Not sure how suites at either property compare. Neither property offers an executive lounge, so if that's a consideration I'd suggest you consider the Sheraton (across from the Hilton but with direct access to the Pru).

But MIT and Harvard are pretty easy to get to from most parts of Boston. It's a small town, after all.

As long as you are a few minutes walk to a Red Line station, you can stay anywhere. the Hyatt Regency is near the Downtown Crossing Red Line station and would be where I'd stay. Centrally located, lots to do around that area.