<p>Boston is expensive, and thumper is absolutely correct that there is always something happening every day. Just and fYI - you might want to rethink your travel plans if they fall on April 18-22. </p>
<p>If you find a good rental via one of those private listings, you might want to try to strike some sort of a deal wih the owner about future rentals if you know your travel schedule. If I had a rental unit and a business traveler with whom I had good experience inquired about periodic rentals, I’d be willing to let them reserve the unit for a small prepay or something like that. Good luck </p>
<p>Also, you don’t want to travel to Boston any time in May (college graduations), any time there is a HOME Red Sox game (check the schedule) and definitely NOT on august 31-September 1 which is a HUGE move around day for college apartment dwellers (and their family helpers).</p>
<p>Again, I’m suggesting…if your trips are for the same purpose, contact the folks you will be seeing IN Boston. If repeat visitors are common, they may have some suggestions for you.</p>
<p>One of the hugest traffic jams that I have ever been in my entire life was in Boston on a Saturday of Labor Day weekend Sept 1, with a Yankees Red Sox day game… We had a family wedding southeast of Boston on Sunday so we came on Thursday night, toured Brandeis and Tufts on Friday, did a Harvard Square/MIT drive-by on Saturday morning and made a major mistake when DH decided to do a drive-by look at BU… </p>
<p>Another option is to find a reasonably priced hotel and then call them directly (if a chain) and explain your situation. If you can “guarantee” a certain number of nights, they may be willing to give you a deal. I have not stayed at a hotel in Boston for less than $200. </p>
<p>Wow. Thanks re the heads up about traffic - so probably better to stay in the suburbs so I can paaaark my ccaaaar (I just LOVE the Boston accent!!!) and then take the T into the city</p>
<p>Quest…even in the suburbs, you are not going to find a $50 hotel room…not even at a Red Roof Inn. Was driving outside of Erie yesterday…and the Red Roof Inn about 20 miles outside of Erie was $60 a night…and Erie, OA costs are FAR less than anything close to Boston. </p>
<p>Check Motel; 6 in Braintree. It is right next to the Red Line T. I live in Braintree and admit to reading about a lot of drug arrests at this motel. OTOH I see a lot of tourist walking over to the T every day. Yes, I would stay there if I was a tourist. </p>
<p>Airbnb user here. No, there is no service where they will email you when something opens. If you will be there irregularly, I’d suggest finding a possible date far into the future, and emailing a likely host with more than one room, to explain your situation, and ask for notification if they have future availability. </p>
<p>Another idea is to post on CL housing wanted. Hopefully someone sounding both kind and communicative will answer and offer an option. On occasion, I rent rooms and have found some good folks who have posted on housing wanted. I’d prefer to not list a room myself. </p>
<p>Feeling for your situation here, as I was stuck in Boston myself during the 1981 air traffic controllers strike. The price of lodging for a poor student was budget ruining. I stayed in the YWCA, though would not recommend that option these days. </p>
<p>Are you part of a church congregation, a sorority or professional group, or other organization? If so, you might try contacting an affiliated group in Boston to ask whether they have any members who might have a room to rent or if they’d place a “lodging wanted” notice in their bulletin. Sometimes people who don’t typically invite strangers into their homes will make an exception for an individual with whom they have a connection. Good luck to you.</p>