Going to BU, Tufts and Brandeis in 2 days…need hotel for 2 nights-- what do folks think is the best area to stay in that will be fun and convenient to getting to these schools. thanks
You might want to check out some of the tips on this thread: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/2127909-going-to-boston-to-look-at-schools.html#latest
Not sure if it will be expensive to book last minute, but Hotel Commonwealth is near BU and the others would be easy drives from there.
The Boston Harbor Hotel is in the most centrally interesting area and waking distance to North End, harbor area and Fanuel Hall. Perfectly convenient for all. But it’s $$$. Copley is also perfectly located but more in a shopping zone. It’s also nice to stay near Boston commons and check that out and walk the shops of Newbury street. But remember, Boston proper is tiny. It grows a bit with the associated extended sections of the city. But not at all overwhelming. FYI. Brandeis is a bit more out of the city and traffic can be a bear.
Hotels in central areas of Boston are probably sold out by now (or charge exorbitant rates). Your best bets are hotels near the subway lines on the outskirts of Boston, or use your frequent guest points to book at hotel chains that don’t block redemption if standard rooms are still available for cash (e.g. Marriott/Starwood).
Sheraton Commander in Cambridge might be an option. It’s within walking distance to Harvard Square and the T Station.
The Charlie pass is useful for all public transit in metropolitan Boston. However the T does not go to Waltham. For a Brandeis trip you need to take a commuter train and the Charlie pass is not valid for that.
Maybe you can find an Airbnb?
I do recommend an Air BNB, look in Medford, Somerville, Everett, Malden.
If only two people are on this trip, look into B&B. Lot cheaper at good quality. In Boston, most hotels charge you separately for parking and Wi-Fi with no breakfast. I wouldn’t worry about being in the “center” of it all since their “T” system can take you just about anywhere of importance.
Agree with the comment above-you don’t need to be in central Boston. The T is convenient and will take you anywhere.
The OP should try to find accommodations closer to Cambridge or even Somerville/Medford as mentioned in a post above. I recall that one of the T stations that serves the area around Tufts is also a terminal for the commuter train that goes to Waltham and Brandeis.
Also if a BU visit is planned, I would consider BC as well, as the Green Line serves both BU and BC. Although Chestnut Hill is kind of out of the way.
It is possible to visit 2 schools in a day (Tufts is relatively compact and the tour goes pretty quickly). I recall my son doing 2 tours in a day for both Tufts and Brandeis. And if BU is the only other school under consideration in the Boston area, do the tour in the morning and spend the rest of the day sightseeing.
thanks all-- interested in where people would stay if visiting all three places regardless of cost (I will deal with that after). Should we spend both nights in Boston or Cambridge or stay near Brandeis one night…what areas of Boston are the easiest to park and get around and are lively
I would stick with Cambridge or Boston as a home base. No need to stay in the area around Brandeis for the night.
Boston people speak highly of Mike’s Pastries and the cannoli. And the area around Boston Common is lively and has historical significance. North Boston has Old North Church.
Parking in Boston is a pain, so just make use of public transportation.
I agree with @Hamurtle I would stay around Boston/Cambridge/Brookline. I am originally from Boston, have a daughter at BU. It depends on your price range of course
I have stayed at The Boston Newton Marriott. Convenient to 128, can get a good rate and parking is cheaper.
The Inn at Brookline, is also a good spot, decent price, on the C line.
I would probably not stay in Waltham or Medford if you want the Boston experience.
If cost is not as issue, try The Back Bay Hilton, they have a nice lot attached to the hotel. The Sheraton, across from the Hilton on Dalton Street. parking underneath hotel. The Copley Plaza Hotel, great spot with parking, also down the street from Northeastern if interested and on the edge of The Back Bay/Newbury Street. Parking in Boston is going to be expensive at all hotels 50+ a night, but I would still prefer that than staying in Waltham or Medford.
If you are not a fan of urban driving on one-way streets, I highly recommend using public transportation and/or Uber. I personally had no problem driving in Boston - but I’ve been training for it here in my neck of the woods with its crazy traffic.
I have spent a lot of time visiting Boston. None of the three schools you mention are in the center of Boston, so you will only make your traveling more difficult by staying there. Three schools in 2 days doesn’t leave a lot of time for exploring the city. Parking in central Boston (even at the hotels) is usually close to $50 a night (and some restrict in out privileges unless you valet park which is even more). I suggest staying near Brandeis the first night (I assume you are going there first) and outside the city near either BU or Tufts (again depending upon which you are scheduled to visit first). Then you will still have a pretty long trip to the second school on that second day (whether by train or car).
I always tell people from outside the area, if you are planning to drive, check google maps estimates for time of day. 7 miles isn’t a far ride in most areas but can exceed an hour around here!
Not sure whether this hotel has been sold out:
Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro
It’s address: 25 Charles St. (kind of southwest of Beacon Hill, not far from Back Bay) I think. It is almost next to Boston Common.
We have made reservation at this hotel.
The main reason for us to pick up this hotel is its location and we do not plan to drive while we are there.
It is our first time to reserve that hotel though. We do not know whether it is good. It is a 3-star hotel… Some complained that their queen-sized bed may be too small for two people. (Anybody ever stayed there before？ How about Bistro that is downstairs of that hotel?)
Somehow that tiny-sized hotel gives me an impression that it is a cross between a hotel and “Bed and Breakfast” which is locally owned.
Its main attraction for me is it’s location.
I think it is convenient to take the T to either BU or Tufts. (Maybe walk to one of them with some efforts.)
Two options imho. The Charles hotel/Harvard Square and the Harvard square Hotel. Valet parking. Walk to Harvard and enjoy Harvard square and the Coop is a must. Uber to Tufts. Short Uber to BU and BC. Don’t drive around. Look around.
The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is a stone’s throw from Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.
Since Tufts is in Medford, this hotel is not very convenient to Tufts. According to Google Maps, you will need to take the red line (a short walk away) to the last stop (Alewife) and then take the bus. 43 minutes if you don’t have to wait for a bus.
It will be easier to take public transportation to BU from here. Walk to the Park Street station and take the green line (per Google maps, 32 minutes).
I would second the recommendation to stay at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge and use Uber to get to Waltham (Brandeis) and Medford (Tufts). You could easily take public transportatiin to BU, but Uber would easier and quicker.