We’re headed to Boston in June for some tours. We’re doing Northeastern/Harvard one day and BC/BU the other day. Not sure that’s the best route to go but that’s just what was available at the time. Would love some convenient, clean, and nice hotels that would serve our purpose. We’re from Los Angeles so we’re not too familiar with the area. Thank you in advance.
Your itinerary is just fine. BU and BC are a perfect pair. And northeastern to h is close enough too. Uber, not by foot. The T will take too long imho. The T on day two can work. But give yourself 45 minutes to be safe.
The Liberty Hotel on Charles Street is really a good location. It’s the old city jail. And Harvard square hotel is a nice spot in Cambridge. You can enjoy Harvard square and use it as your base.
We did a similar trip from the bay area over spring break and stayed at the Residence Inn Back Bay/Fenway (next to the park, not as much in Back Bay). It was convenient and clean and reasonably priced so I would recommend it. It is right next to BU. Our friends who went at the same time stayed at the Hilton Back Bay.
And if you want the full on Boston tourist experience. Boston harbor hotel (big bucks) and fanueil hall area hotels are fun at this time of year.
How much do you want to spend per night?
There are a few hotels close enough that you can walk to Northeastern and T or uber to the other colleges - they are Hilton back bay, sheraton Back bay, and the colonnade. My advice would be to try all 3 and go with the one that is the cheapest for the dates you will be there (sometimes they have significant differences in prices despite all three being within spitting distance of each other). The nice thing is that that location is also easy to get to the sights, restaurants, and stores in the evening after your tours.
If you choose a hotel close to Massachusetts Ave ( as @kiddie suggests) the number 1 bus would take you easily from hotel to Northeastern and Harvard on Day 1. You could walk to BU on Day 2.
Actually, I was going to mention the number 1 bus. My daughter used it quite a bit when she was at Northeastern as a quicker way to get to Cambridge (vs.taking the train with a transfer) .
We were hoping not spend more than $300 a night but really have no idea the cost. And we’re going to be out and about most of the time so it doesn’t have to be a five star hotel we stay at. Sounds like driving is a nightmare so we were hoping to be centrally located and take Uber and/or public transportation. A lot of good options expressed here, so thank you.
Looks like everything is about $400 that time of year
Buckminster is a popular option near BU. Can usually get decent rates on hotel broker sites.
You might have better luck at your price point by looking at hotels in nearby suburbs and taking Uber in to the various schools. For example, look at hotels in Concord, MA (there’s a Marriot Residence Inn and a Best Western) or Lexington, MA. Another option is Bedford, MA.
When we visited Northeastern University oh so many years ago we stayed happily at the reasonably priced well located Hampton Inn and Suites (Boston Crosstown Center), but when we returned at a more popular time - I think it was first day of classes when the entire city is flooded with parents dropping off students - we were shocked at the high price the hotel was charging.
While hotel rates in central Boston are exorbitant it may be worth it if this is your student’s first trip to Boston. It would be advantageous for the student to experience being in the center of a very walkable city.
I’ve used “Hotel Tonight” (an app) in several cities including Boston with success. I’d plug in your dates and see what’s available. The closer to the date, the cheaper too. Good luck!
I agree with being in the center of things to get a feel for the city. I have been traveling to Boston for many years for my daughter (first shopping for college, then 4 years of college, and now 3 years out of college still living there.) The $200 hotel room in the dead of winter is $450 in the summer months. Also, the Boston hotel taxes are high (like in most cities) so make sure you get a complete rate when doing a comparison (some sites don’t include the taxes on the rate listings and some do). I am now also seeing some hotels in Boston/Cambridge doing that dreaded activities/spa/resort fee with an additional $25 or more a night.
What about Airbnb or something like that?
I agree that being in the heart of the city is very alluring since we have never visited as a family. And my daughter is pretty sure this is the area she’d like to attend college.
I use Hotwire when staying in Boston and always do well. Westin, Sheraton, Hilton and other brand names are usually available. Use Copley Square, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Downtown, Theatre District or Fanueil Hall as your locations. For example, June 13-15 (Th-Sat) there are several 4* hotels for around the $175 mark. You really can’t go wrong with any 4* hotel in those areas, all that will be within walking distance to public transportation.
That’s great ! Thank you