I am doing my research on where to stay and will be reserving hotels soon, as I would like to visit next month. I have never been to your fine Capital, so am unfamiliar with the areas & neighborhoods that are better to stay in. I appreciate suggestions on areas... but can do my own research on the actual hotels (I'm pretty picky on aesthetic). So where are you, as Gentlemanly callers, more inclined to venture to for an incall appointment? Are Bostonians more interested in quality of neighborhood or accessibility? North End, Beck Bay, Beacon Hill....?
thanks fellas (and ladies!)
In Boston proper, I believe the most visited hotels by those on tour include Back Bay, Copley, Theatre and waterfront.
Cambridge across the river is another favorite spot. And Metrowest where you might want a car is also popular.
Each area has its on pluses and minuses.
thanks Foodyguy
I am more interested in where is most central and convenient for hobbyists?
I am going to be here for tour, not on holiday. I mean if I have time in-between swinging from the chandeliers I might go sight see tho ;-
They could use the boost after being shut down for over a week on account of the Marathon bombings.
It's also as central as you can get, and has the best hotels, dinning and shopping for my money.
It may be pricier than other areas, but I think it is worth it.
Depending on long you're here, you could do city and 'burbs, maybe 2 days in each. In the city, Copley/Back Bay is definitely the best bet. If the 'burbs, then Waltham/Newton. Lots of hotels and accessible from both 90/95. If you had to pick though, I think you might do better in Copley
Wiki lists 21 neighborhoods and I think us locals have opinions and preferences regarding each one. Some I would rule out NOT because they are bad neighborhoods but because I don't see many listings there, which means other providers have chosen not to set up shop there. Some I would rule IN because of lots of nice hotels, convenient public transit (the "T"), just a short-hop taxi fare from downtown or available and affordable parking.
1. Allston/Brighton - No. Too far out.
2. Back Bay - Yes. lots of plusses: "T", parking, hotels, ...
3. etc.
In the suburbs, Metrowest is often mentioned probably because the Mass Turnpike (Rte 90) easily gets you to Rte 128 and beyond. I don't do that commute, but I guess that guys find it convenient to go to Newton or Waltham (Rte 128) and take their "detour" there before getting back on the Pike or 128 to head home. Or, from 128, they head North (Burlington ...) or South (Dedham ...) to their "rest stop" before heading home.
Some people may mention districts within neighborhoods that are also popular: Theatre District is close to Chinatown and is a good choice. But Leather District, also near Chinatown, doesn't have the hotel options.
Per usual, Foodguy and Mr Fisher have come up with some good advice a lot more succinctly than my spiel
the PM's coming in, and emails and Twitter suggestions are all mostly looking like Beck Bay & Copley are the favorites.
Cambridge too, but from what I have read from others is Cambridge is it's own town, sort of independent of Boston. Also the most pricey
For the provider, Copley Square is the best because there's a lot to do during the day. Warning, be careful not to spend all your hard earned cash on shopping. Also you're near the T so it's easy to go to go downtown or over to Harvard Square in Cambridge.
Now for the client well Newton or Waltham are in most ways better. Access by car is way better and the parking is free. Also it's much cheaper to stay at hotel in Newton or Waltham. But you're ability to sightsee is reduced as most providers don't have a car and taxi's aren't cheap in this town.
Some providers stay in Burlington because the hotels are nice, the parking is free, and you're close to the Malls. This kind of provides the best of both worlds. But a mall is a mall and not as interesting as the city.
Hope this helps.
Fccisme....are you a teacher? You relayed that info in a very succinct way. thank you!
I have heard from multiple sources how parking is so poor at best in Back Bay & Copley Square.... and I know many fellas drive to their appointments.
Perhaps Newton/Waltham area is better in which case....and since I tend to schlepp around cities via trains & buses....(living on the edge!) staying in Newton or Waltham might not be so bad?
I try to get rentals when I tour new cities vs. staying in hotels.....
so then between Newton/Waltham/Copley....residential apartment areas?
thanks so much!
Parking in a downtown hotel's garage typically $40/night for guests. Parking in a private garage during the day, $29 the first hour...ridiculous I say.
Plenty of nice major hotels along Rt 128 (now also known as Interstate 95). Most providers stay in the areas from Burlington to Waltham along 128. Plenty of free and easy parking at all these hotels. PM me for specifics if you wish.
I think I've got the memo....apparently Boston sucks for parking! Duly noted, I will never ever ever drive in Boston haha
do many residents own cars & drive? Maybe you're all used to it and that's the nature of the beast....
I thought Chicago had it rough with parking issues.
Well at any rate, I would prefer to have host an incall that is easier for you fellas. I'll do my best :-
There are 3 large garages that are very easy to access from the Mass Pike.
One is at the Copley Plaza, enter from the Marriott entrance. Another is under Lord and Taylor, enter from Exeter Street. The third is under the Prudential Center, take the Huntington Ave exit and it's right there on the right as you emerge from the tunnel.
I've never had a problem finding a space UNLESS there is a Red Sox game going on. Then all bets are off.
Sure, free parking in the surounding towns is better for us clients, but I like the urban environment. It's a nice change from all the tweeting birds out here in the 'burbs.
If someone commutes by car and has parking at or near their downtown office building (e.g., Financial District) they do NOT want to hop in the car and take a short hop over to Copley just to spend 30 minutes looking for another expensive parking space. They'll leave the car at work and take a taxi or T over to Copley (or Waterfront or Fenway or even Cambridge). Then back to the office, pick up the wheels and head home. That's part of the advantage of being downtown near the T. Guys who do NOT work downtown and have to commute in will face the parking problem. For TRAFFIC reasons alone, I've sometimes parked elsewhere and taken the T to downtown meetings.
(In New York City, out of towners sometimes stop and park in Westchester County and hop Metro-North to complete their trip. Same idea.
The guys who live or work downtown and take a cab or public transport prefer downtown appointments. You won't see them if you visit the burbs.
Guys who live or work in the burbs and go everywhere by car. Most hate driving/parking in town. Many refuse as there are plenty of women in suburban locations. They will be your regulars outside of town
I hear the guys in the burbs are better looking, funnier, and better tippers than the guys downtown.
hahaha that made me laugh out loud, aren't you cheeky!
....I do so love a bit of competitive natured verbal sparing
Anyone (most) living outside the city has to have a car. Sorry but I have only ventured into Boston 3-4 times since '05 because of the hassle for me. The lady has to be VERY special
As DT said Burlington is a great place for access and very easy to park for free. Hotels just off major highways.
JMO
Copley - Prudential area without question. Upscale hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping, coupled with anonymity thru crowds. Second only to Vegas strip for hobbying venue, IMHO.
Re: parking, there is no easier place to park in the city then copley. Park in the Pru, buy drink on way in or out at Legals or elsewhere, get validation for to bring 2hr parking to around 10bucks.
I have no idea why people complain about parking around copley... my only guesses are either: a. they don;t know and just assume Boston parking sucks, based on a bad experience looking for spot in north end or somewhere once, b. they are adverse to paying to park, which in the context of Olivia's 'consideration' increases overall cost by 2%..