Page 134 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Boston

132  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

Boston offers the visitor almost every type of Boston has a perennial hotel shortage, which
accommodation: modest guesthouses, luxury keeps prices high and makes it difficult to
hotels, chain motels, Victorian brownstone book rooms during peak times. Even in
bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and designer winter, it’s rare to find rooms under $100
“boutique” hotels. Many older hotels have per night; in summer, “budget” rates can
been renovated to provide traditional charm approach $200 or more. It is advisable
with modern conveniences, while new hotels to contact the city’s tourist information
keep opening in the city. Nevertheless, offices for room availability and prices.

or restaurants, and may be less during the winter months, but
expensive. However, some at the Boston hotels are busy in May
higher end of the price scale and June for college graduations;
now have amenities, and prices, July and August for summer
that rival the best hotels. Most vacations; and September and
large hotels have at least a basic October for the fall season.
fitness room, while some have
arrangements with nearby clubs
for guest use. Swimming pools Hidden Extras
are less common, except at the If you have a car in Boston, you’ll
big hotels, and outdoor pools pay dearly for parking. Ask your
generally open only between hotel if parking is included; if
The elegant Omni Parker House, set June and early September. not, budget at least $20–50
along the Freedom Trail (see p135) One recent development that extra per day. Taxes in Boston
travelers may find beneficial is will also add 14.75 per cent to
Where to Stay that Boston’s hotels now house the hotel bill. If breakfast is not
The centrally located Back Bay many of the city’s top restaurants. included, expect to spend at
has the greatest concentration High­speed Internet access, wired least $3 for coffee and a pastry
of hotels and is convenient for and wireless, is standard but in a nearby café, or $15 and up
tour ists as well as business may incur a fee. for a full hotel breakfast.
travelers. In the gentrified South
End, an increasing number of
restored Victorian brownstones How to Book Discounts
have been converted to B&Bs. Most hotels have toll­free Hotel prices vary significantly
Accommodation in the Financial reservation numbers, and some with the seasons, with the low­
District, close to the waterfront, offer discounts for online book­ est rates found in January and
caters to business people during ing. Room rates are often quoted February. Through the year, many
the week, but often offers good for two people sharing a room, hotels catering to business trav­
value to vacationers on the week­ not including tax or breakfast, elers, such as in the Financial
ends. Across the Charles River, although some places provide a District, in Cambridge’s Kendall
Cambridge has a large number breakfast. Prepay only the first Square, and around Hynes
of hotels, particularly around night in case the place does not Convention Center offer discount
Harvard Square and Kendall meet expectations. There is some weekend rates. B&Bs may offer
Square. In the more suburban last­minute room availability better prices mid­week.
Brookline, situated a little way
west of Back Bay, there are
several guesthouses, as well as a
selection of more upscale B&Bs.

Hotel Grading and Facilities
Boston does not have an official
hotel grading system. While
higher prices generally indicate
more amenities, some lodgings
in prime locations, or with unique
historic features, may command
prices that exceed what the faci­
lities might otherwise warrant.
B&Bs generally do not offer
fitness facilities, business services, Stylishly furnished room at the Revere Hotel, Theater District (see p134)
The bustling Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market

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