Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches New England Off Topic-Thought you folks could help me out.

Hi All!

I'm a fellow CEG'er from the Chicago area. I have some questions about the Boston area and I thought this branch might have some insight for me.
My girlfriend and I are planning on heading to the Boston area for a friends wedding in the middle of July. We found round trip tickets from Chicago to Boston for about $210 per passenger. We thought that was a pretty good deal. Anyway, we've been looking at prices for hotels and we are having trouble finding anything less than $80-$90 a night per person. Do you guys know if that is a normal price for the area? We don't plan on spending much time at the hotel so we don't care if it's not very nice.
Anyway, just thought I might get some "connections" from some fellow contique enthusiasts. If any of you have some travel advice for the area or know of any "must see" attractions then that would be great as well.
Thanks!

Adrian

if you are looking for a hotel room inside Boston, I am surprised you found anything below $100. Prices might drop more if you were to look into someplace outside of Boston a little. Don't know of any prices off hand or the names of any cheep places to stay..sorry..

but anyway, hope you enjoy your trip to Boston.

You mentioned Boston Area. Exactly what town/city are you actualy visiting. I live in NH and consider it Boston Area.

Hey guys, thanks for your responses so far.
I think everything will be around the Northshore area. I believe the wedding is in Hamilton and the reception is in Beverly. Distance isn't a real problem because we might rent a car. Although I guess that depends on how good the public transportation is in regards to where we end up finding a hotel. Thanks for you help, I hope this info will provide some more insight.

Adrian

Not sure on places to stay but I know it is not going to be cheap. If your going to be there for a few days and are looking for somethings to do, heres a few ideas.

F1 Boston - A great go-kart track thats right outside of boston. http://www.f1boston.com/

New England Aquarium - Name says it all, a lot of fun http://www.neaq.org/

Boston Science Museum - a fun time, make sure if you go to check out the light shows, there great.
http://www.mos.org/

Blue Man Group - If you haven't heard of them before there a bunch of guys painted blue who do all sorts of musical things. They have shows in Boston almost every week. Check there website for times and stuff. I have'nt had a chance to go but Im planning on it. http://www.blueman.com/

Well....I worked in Boston for six months and, believe me, you are better off looking for soemthing OUTSIDE Boston! I have never heard of a room in greater Boston for less than 100$, unless you're in the western part of the State. (for some reason, people from Worcester east DO NOT consider the Western part of the State the same State....go figure) If I were you, I'd check and see what is available just off the Massachusetts turnpike, because that is the primary route that heads into Boston, and you might be able to find something reasonable just off the "Pike" as we call it. I know ther are a Days Inn, Sheraton, and a few other Hotels in the Springfield/Chicopee Area just off the Pike that might work for you. Check Masslive.com for more info.

BTW, I lived in Chicopee and it took me (on a workday-heavy traffic) about 1 1/2 hours to drive to downtown Boston for work. Anyway, have fun at the wedding! Boston is really a great city with much to do and some great food to be had!! If you have some time, check out "Durgin Park" restaurant next to Fanuel Hall....best "chowda" in Boston, IMHO

Adrian,

Like some of the members had mentioned, your best bet undoubtedly would be to look outside of the Boston Area. I am originally from Mass and personally recommend doing a search for hotels and or motels in the Saugus Peabody Area (Rt.1). There are Holiday Inn's, Comfort Inn's, miscelaneous motels. Saugus and Peabody are practically next door to Beverly and a hop skip and a jump from Boston. Log onto www.ask.com and do a search. If you need me too Ill run a search for you tonight.

Good Luck,

$80/night within 20 miles of Boston is a good rate. the benefits of being near the city involve access to the T. driving in and out of the city (especially with the big dig) is like holding your eyelids open with toothpicks until they dry our and start to burn. i live about 3 miles from the city and there is a hotel in my area that is $90/night for a double and it is the cheapest rate around.

while you're here, check out a couple "pubs":

cambridge: john harvard's brew house - a nice brew pub right in harvard square

back bay: vox populi - a 'high-end' restaurant with a young crowd and good music. not cheap,tho.

quincy market: the rack - pool hall and bar. formerly the hang out spot for the red sox, now they all go to whiskey park

north station: boston beer works - another young bar, very fun and not too crowded. try their blueberry beer!

north end: mike's pasteries - go here for dessert. they are open until 11pm, i think and have the best desserts in town

that's my short list. email me for more.

Wow, you guys are awesome! Thanks for all the suggestions. Five stars for you all!
I've still got alot of time to look around for rates but at least now I know where to look and what to expect. Also, feel free to keep posting any favorite spots you might have. I look forward to checking them out!

Thanks again,
Adrian