Best Midrange Hotel In Boston: Boston Park Plaza
It might sound like a luxury hotel by its name, but the Boston Park Plaza is actually a fantastic midrange hotel. In terms of value for money, this place is one of the best in town.
The cheapest rooms are tiny like, barely enough room to walk around the queen bed but theyre beautifully appointed. There are fitness classes for hotel guests and a Starbucks is conveniently located off the lobby.
The Park Plaza is located in the Theater District, right on the edge of Back Bay with easy access to Boston Common, just a short walk from the South End and Chinatown. Youre right in the middle of everything. Read more and book here.
Three more excellent Boston midrange hotels:
Hotel Bidding Secret Hotels And Last Minute Travel
A great way to get save money on Boston Hotels is using a service like Priceline to bid on hotels at a price you are comfortable with. You may not end up with a hotel at a ridiculously low price, but chances are you may score a great hotel below the going rate in a decent location.
Keep in mind when you bid for a hotel in Boston, you bid based on the star rating, general area and what price you would like to pay. You have to enter a credit card and if your offer is accepted then you will see where you are staying after you are charged. If your bid isnt accepted, then you wont be charged. Its pretty impossible to get your money back if you are not happy with your hotel you end up with so make sure you are comfortable with your bid.
LastMinuteTravel.com is a booking website similar to Priceline.com where you cannot see what hotel you end up until the end. However, the nice thing about Last Minute Travel is the site isnt that secretive and discreet with the majority of Boston hotels. If you find a hotel you are interested in, check out the photo section and a lot of times there will be a picture of the front of the hotel or a picture of the lobby with the hotel name. Also, they give a lot of information in the description, so if you cannot tell by pictures, you may be able to tell by a quick google search with the number of rooms, location, etc.
My Recommendations of Boston Map Locations to Start with for Bidding Sites:
Best Boston Neighborhood For Families And History Lovers: The North End
Boston is filled with history, especially pertaining to the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail is one of Americas best historic trails, taking you from Boston Common to the Charlestown Navy Yard, hitting dozens of places of historical importance along the way, like the Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, and Paul Reveres house. While lots of neighborhoods are adjacent to the Freedom Trail, I recommend the North End because its one of the oldest and prettiest residential neighborhoods in Boston.
Additionally, youll be among Bostons best historic sites, from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market to the Old South Church and the Boston Tea Party Ships!
The North End is also Bostons traditionally Italian neighborhood. Youll find plenty of Italian shops and restaurants, plus longtime residents who speak primarily Italian with each other.
Some of my top recommendations: Mamma Maria for the best fine Italian dining, Giacomos for the best casual Italian dining, Caffe Vittoria for cappuccino, and Modern Pastry for cannolis and pastries.
I also think the North End is the best neighborhood in Boston for families with kids because it puts you near lots of kid-friendly attractions and you can always convince a kid to eat pizza or pasta!
The North End borders downtown Boston, the Financial District, and the West End, putting it fairly close to the historic heart of Boston. Get here via the orange line , blue line , or green line .
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South End Where To Stay In Boston For A Local Experience
Nestled behind Back Bay and just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Boston lies a cozy neighborhood full of bars, restaurants, and art galleries called South End. Things move at a slow pace in the South End, which is why it is a perfect neighborhood for families or couples who want a more local experience. This artsy residential area is where you will find the young and hip crowd in Boston and has a beautiful sense of weekend calm and relaxation.
South End is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. It is home to a wide variety of people coming from different social and economic backgrounds, creating a unique culture and international vibe. This neighborhood is also filled with the typical Boston Victorian-style houses and parks, but what makes this area unique is its quirky art, experimental theatres, and independent boutiques.
There is a range of different accommodation options in South End to suit all different budgets, but I have narrowed down the top 4 for you here:
- Marvel at the International Poster Gallery
- Discover the South Boston hipster culture by wandering the streets
- Head down to the neighboring theatre district to catch a show
- Enjoy an afternoon people watching from a cafe
Best Neighborhood For Budget Travelers: Brighton/allston
Brighton and Allston are two neighborhoods known for their large student and recent graduate populations. You wont find a lot of tourists here. Because of this, the restaurants and bars cater mostly to the twenty-something crowd. Theres not a lot of things to do in this part of town its just more a cool neighborhood to stay in with cheaper nightlife and dining options than elsewhere.
Best Places to Stay in Brighton/Allston
- BUDGET: The Farrington Inn This small guesthouse also has dorm rooms, making it one of the most affordable options in the area. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and some come with kitchenettes. Theres free Wi-Fi too.
- MID-RANGE: Studio Allston Hotel Boston This ultra-artsy hotel appeals to young travelers, who like making use of the common areas and the outdoor patio . Each room comes with its own unique artwork! Its fun place to stay, even if the rooms are kind of small.
- LUXURY: AC Hotel by Marriott Boston Cleveland Circle This hotel has convenient access to the whole city via the MBTA Green Line. Its home to a nice business center and a 24-hour fitness center as well. Its your standard chain hotel, really, but I like it for the location and lounge.
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Places To Stay South Of Boston
The Doubletree just south of downtown Boston along I-93 / Route 1 rests on the shore line next to the Harborwalk trail. In the summer time guests can enjoy the nearby beach. Access to the T or Commuter Rail is a short 2 blocks. Getting into the city is quick and easy via the Ts Red line. The JFK / UMASS station is the last for Commuter Rail passengers before South station. Rates average about $170 on either weekdays or weekends. Both parking and wifi are charged at a $12 fee per day. The hotel has a restaurant, breakfast is served, but not included with bookings. One unique aspect about this hotel is that they offer a shuttle to the airport, and downtown. The T or Commuter Rail does not connect directly with the airport. All in all a great choice for travelers coming from the south or arriving at Bostons Logan Airport.
Groceries Between Airport And Downtown
We have a car as we need to go out of the city quite a bit, but staying downtown. Would like to pick up some water and snacks on the way to hotel. Is Shaw’s the best place to stop? Other suggestions?
10 replies to this topic
We are at the Hilton Boston DT/Faneuill Hall
Whole Foods is closer. Roche Brothers is close. Whole Foods and Shaw’s have parking, I don’t think Roche Brothers does, though
For just water and snacks, though, you’d be able to walk to a CVS or Walgreens and get stuff there
Edited: today, 09:06
Actually, Roche Brothers is less than a 10 minute walk from your hotel. That’s definitely the closest supermarket. No driving there though.
Roche Brothers has no parking. It connects to the downtown crossing subway station. If you enter at street level, you are in the cafe. Lots of snacks, beverages, and prepared foods. Take the escalator on the left down to the full-fledged grocery store.
In case this helps, the Roche Brothers supermarket is located in the old space of Filene’s Basement . It is a huge, huge supermarket and has a large liquor and wine department, too.
I just remembered that in the Seaport area, there is a Trader Joe’s. No idea about parking there, but that is kind of between the airport and downtown.
Edited: today, 13:51
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Places To Stay With Free Parking In Boston
Those driving to Boston will be pleased to find several hotels with free parking near the T and Commuter Rail stations. Drivers coming from the North on I-93 will like the Residence Inn which is 2 blocks from the Anderson station on the Lowell Commuter Rail line. A ride into North station will take about 30 minutes. Drivers coming from the south on I-95 have three hotels choices at the Dedham station along the Forge Park line. A ride into South station will take about 45 minutes. Each of the hotels is within 10 minute walk of the Commuter Rail platform. Fairfield Inn & Suites is often the most affordable. For closer city access, the closest hotel with free parking is Chandler Studios, but free spaces are limited. The next best option is the Best Western near Boston College along the T green line. The Motel 6 near the Braintree T & Commuter Rail station south of Boston has average rates under $100.
Best Airbnb In Jamaica Plain: Airy Light
If youre planning a family vacation to Boston, then you should check out this large family home in Jamaica Plain. Up to seven visitors can sleep in this remodeled house, which comes complete with a large kitchen/diner, living area, and garden. Theres plenty of space for everyone to run around in, and all the comforts of home to make your trip as easy as possible.
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Boston Insider Tip: Who Lives Downtown
Unlike many American cities where the downtown business districts empty out at 5pm as everyone heads home to the suburbs, Boston’s downtown neighborhood is home a sizeable number of residents – and the number keeps growing as construction of high-rise residential towers races to meet the housing demands of people who want to live here.
So if you’re staying in a hotel in this part of the city, enjoy the amenities that residents enjoy: a vibrant entertainment scene in the many theaters and concert venues, fantastic restaurants and wine bars, the Boston Harbor waterfront just 5 minutes away on foot , Bruins and Celtics games at nearby TD Garden, weekend dim sum in Chinatown, and tennis courts and impromptu soccer games on Boston Common.
The Financial District Where To Stay In Boston For Business
Bostons Financial District is the backbone of downtown. Take a moment to take in sleek high-rise condos, glossy financial offices, high-end coffee shops and manicured parks.
Post Office Square offers a beautiful green lawn, fountains and gardens for when you want to enjoy some fresh air in the city.
World-renowned financial institutions like Fidelity Investments, Putnam Investments and DWS Scudder Investments all have their headquarters in the Financial District.
This is a great place to grab a drink at an Irish pub during happy hour if you want to mingle with the citys working crowd.
The streets here are peppered with business hotels that cater to elite clientele. That means youll pay top dollar to book a room in the Financial District.
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Kimpton Nine Zero Mixes Style With Cute Kitsch Decor
This lively, upscale 4-star and exceptionally rated hotel has a cool retro bar, plenty of quirky features, and is close enough to Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall and Downtown Boston to be considered central. All Kimpton properties offer something a little different and the Hotel Nine Zero is no exception. Partake in the daily free happy hour, join the general manager for a morning run, or just kick back and enjoy the communal living area with views out across the city.
The stylish and contemporary bedrooms are beautifully designed and mix retro furnishings with modern conveniences including free WiFi. The kitsch looking vintage-style Highball Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail, craft beer or a light snack and other hotel highlights include a feature bar with gourmet treats, free loaner yoga mats, a 24-hour gym, pets stay for free and a variety of spa services offered in-room you probably wont want to leave!
- To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Nine Zero
Best Neighborhood For Nightlife: Fenway
This area is home to the Red Sox and Fenway Park. However, Fenway is also one of the most academic and cultural districts, with nearly a dozen colleges and universities located nearby. In recent years, its become the yuppie capital of the city, and tons of new condos and restaurants have opened up. Its a nightlife mecca, especially at the clubs and bars along Lansdowne Street. Nearby, theres Kenmore Square, where youll find some pretty great museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall.
Best Places to Stay in Fenway
- BUDGET: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway This is an extended-stay hotel near Fenway Park, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites. Each one has a kitchenette where you can save money by cooking at home rather than eating out. Perfect for when youre traveling with groups!
- MID-RANGE: The Verb This might be the hippest place to stay in Bostons city center, complete with a large vinyl library exclusively for guests. Theres definitely a party vibe around the pool in the summer. It has wonderful rooms with natural light, art, and modern fixtures free Wi-Fi and a fantastic fitness center.
- LUXURY: Hotel Commonwealth This swanky spot is the official hotel of the Boston Red Sox. The rooms are modern and ultra-luxurious, with plush covers and usually a couch. The on-site restaurant is the swanky Eastern Standard. The hotel also has a great lounge overlooking the city.
Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel
When it comes to the best luxurious boutique hotels in downtown Boston we have to mention the 4-star Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel.
This property features elegant and well-furnished rooms and amazing facilities for a truly unforgettable stay.
If you stay at this hotel you simply cant miss the Better Sorts Social Club that offers delicious gourmet bites in a sophisticated setting.
The guests can also enjoy hotel bikes, a 24-hour fitness center, spa services, laundry, and dry cleaning services, full hotel concierge services, and much more.
When it comes to accommodation you can choose between 190 guestrooms and suites.
Take a look at the wonderful hub suite and a penthouse suite with luxury amenities and lavish furnishing.
Things To See And Do In Back Bay
- Visit the exquisite and iconic Boston Public Library.
- Take a stroll along Newbury Street to explore the unique boutiques and local independent shops.
- Take a stroll through Copley Square.
- Climb up to the Skywalk Observatory and enjoy 360-degree, unparalleled views out over Boston.
- Browse the shops, bar and restaurants that line bustling Boylston Street.
- Enjoy a few drinks and bowl a few frames at Kings.
- Watch the game and drink a few pints at The Pour House Bar and Grill.
- Dine on delicious French dishes at Mistral.
Back Bay Where To Stay In Boston For Your First Visit
If youre visiting Boston for the first time, theres no better neighborhood than Back Bay. Centrally located and well connected, Back Bay is close to everything.
It is within walking distance of Bostons coolest attractions and is also where youll find incredible shopping and delicious restaurants.
Some of the areas most iconic landmarks include the Boston Public Library, Prudential Centre, and the John Hancock Tower. The Back Bay is also packed with independent shops and unique boutiques.
Where To Stay In Boston For Luxury
Although Bostonians are known for their lack of ostentation and show, the city certainly doesn’t lack fine luxury hotels, whether you prefer classic continental grandeur or chic contemporary style.
The undisputed grande dame of Boston luxury hotels is the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston, a landmark of elegance since it opened in 1912. Its location doesn’t get much better, overlooking beautiful Copley Square, with the stately Boston Public Library and Trinity Church as its neighbors. The interior is nothing short of sumptuous, and the service matches.
Just around the corner and with quite a different style but equally luxurious is the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. The art collection displayed in its spacious lobby, restaurant, and public rooms is spectacular, and the guest rooms are elegant with exotic touches.
With rooms overlooking the leafy Public Garden and its famous swan boats, Four Seasons Hotel Boston exudes style. The spacious lobby is decorated with magnificent floral arrangements, and the rooms are stylish and supremely comfortable. The house car for local transport is a welcome amenity.
Things To See And Do In South End
- Visit the vibrant SoWa Art + Design District and browse a variety of artist studios, art galleries, independent boutiques, showrooms and restaurants.
- Explore Harriet Tubman House.
- See more than 10,000 original vintage posters from around the world at the International Poster Gallery.
- Browse the shops, stalls, food trucks and breweries at SoWa Open Market, the largest local market in Boston.
- Take in a performance at the Boston Center for the Arts.
- Sip incredible wine and eat delicious Spanish food at Barcelona.
- Enjoy fresh and delicious oysters and seafood at B& G Oysters.
- Dine on innovative Italian fare at Coppa.
- Kickstart your day with an incredible breakfast at Mikes City Diner.