Are there any inexpensive yet nice hotels in Boston? Best to get around in a car vs. public transportation?

Question

I'll be there Oct. 15-17th, coming in from NY- not sure yet if by bus or car rental. I'm from Calif.; want to see the Boston sights but also would like to get to Hyannis Port. There are so many websites I've checked out - the info is overwhelming, but I'd really appreciate some personal experience feedback or info...other tourists? locals? Help!

Answer 1

there really aren't any inexpensive hotels in the city; you'll have to stay outside the city for that. since you want to explore boston and take a trip to the cape, i would reccomend this:

rent a car. to get around the city, drive to the T station nearest to where your hotel is. park the car there, and use the T to get around the city. it's not too expensive to park your car there for the day. it is not worth it to drive; you'll have a terrible time finding parking, and maps may not be accurate due to the big dig. you'll want to have a car for your trip to the cape, since there's not that much public transportation outside the city. and on your way to hyannisport, you should go for a stroll along the plymouth waterfront. have lunch at the lobster hut. it's fantastic! have fun :)

Answer 2

In general, follow cerridwen's advice except for God's sake do not rent a car when you are in Boston (why spend that money needlessly??).  When you are ready to go to the Cape** then rent a car for that purpose.

There are a few European style hotels in the city, or B&Bs that are renovated office buildings or residences that are (comparably!!) reasonable.  One that gets high ratings, though I have never been in it, is The Shawmut Inn, near North Station.  Keep checking Priceline and other dioscount hotel websites -- when excess Boston-area rooms are available they can be discounted as much as 2/3.  Another: The Buckminster.

_____________

** But, for heaven's sake, what the h-ll do you want to go to ordinary, bland Hyannisport for on October 15-17??????

That is the height of spectacular Foliage season in New England.  The closest area to Boston of absolutely incredible beauty is the Monadnock area of southwestern New Hampshire and the attached area of central Mass (draw a line on a map from Princeton, MA, to Sunapee, NH

and wander within 15 miles east and west of it).  An area full of lovely villages and country inns with fine restaurants as well.

Answer 3

Actually, there is a   centrally located hotel in Boston that I can highly recommend to you, if you are looking for something on the inexpensive side.

It is a small boutique hotel in the Back Bay, right on Boylston street, at Copley Square, across the street from the Library.  It is called The Charlesmark.  Here is their website:

http://thecharlesmark.com/

The rooms are very small, but it was brand new about 5 years ago.I rented 3 rooms for family who were here for a wedding.  Rates were about $135/night.

As for transportation around the city, I would DEFinately recommend using public transportation.  Boston is a very walk-able city and the subway system is excellent.  <Bring comfortable shoes---lots of brick sidewalks and cobblestones!>

You have chosen a perfect time to visit!  The weather should be glorious, with autumn color near peak.  As for your trip to Hyannis Port, will you really have time to toddle down there, if you are only planning to be in the area for 2 or 3 days?  Public transportation is not great, getting down there.  I recommend either renting a car or there is a bus that leaves from South Station and makes the trip a few times a day.

I moved back to Boston about 8 years ago and live in the Back Bay.  I keep my car garaged and only use it for out of town trips.  Not only is it unpleasant to drive around town, but finding affordable parking is a nightmare!  I walk everywhere, or take "The T" or cab it.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Answer 4

Downtown hotels are very expensive; try for something near public transit  outside the city.  Driving can be, to say the least, a challenge, unless you know exactly where you are, where you are going , and how to get there.  Cabs and the T are better (and probably safer).

Answer 5

I was in boston in June. As far as getting around: get a 3-day subway/rail pass. Look at the boston transportation website to get a feel for how the trains run. We used a week pass when we were there and getting around was a breeze and cheap! We were all over the city. Look at bnbboston.com, they are a bed and breakfast and private condo booking agency. We stayed in an adorable studio apartment in back bay (marlborough street). It was a brownstone in walking distance to shopping, dining, and a couple t-stops. We loved it and it was only 165 a night, which is half what you would pay at a downtown hotel. Have a nice trip!