Hilton and parking
Will be heading to Boston for 1 night in Nov. I get Hilton friends and family rate and my choices are Back Bay, Park Plaza or Doubletrer DT. The new Canopy does not have the FF rate available. I’d love opinions on which to choose.
Also, my son will be driving in from CT. It might be cheaper to park in a public lot that the hotel. Any suggestions on a lot?
Thank you all
Choosing among Hilton properties in Boston for a one-night stay in November depends on your priorities: location, convenience, and price with the Friends & Family rate. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
- Hilton Back Bay — Centrally located in the Back Bay area, close to Newbury Street shopping, Prudential Center, and Copley Square. Easy access to the T (Copley Station) and reasonably walkable to restaurants. The property is modern, and parking rates are typical for downtown Boston (usually around $60–$70/day for hotel self-parking, more for valet). Good option if you want a classic downtown experience and upscale surroundings.
- Hilton Boston Park Plaza — Located near the Theater District and Boston Common. Historically iconic hotel with larger rooms, but some rooms may feel dated. Great if you plan to walk to downtown attractions like Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, or Boston Public Garden. Onsite parking is slightly pricey, but the location is convenient for walking to many attractions.
- DoubleTree Downtown — Centrally located near Chinatown and the Financial District. Offers newer rooms and good value for FF rate. Walking access to Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and waterfront areas. Smaller footprint than the Back Bay or Park Plaza but modern amenities. Parking rates onsite similar to other downtown hotels.
Parking alternatives: If your son is driving from Connecticut, parking in a public garage near the hotel may save money compared to the hotel’s own parking. Some well-rated options:
- Icon Parking / Quincy's Garage (Downtown): Near Downtown/Financial District, rates often lower than hotel valet.
- LAZ Parking lots: Multiple locations throughout Back Bay and Downtown; check rates online—sometimes $40–$50 for 24 hours.
- Parcels & ParkBoston app: Lets you find short-term and daily parking rates; may be cheaper than hotel rates, and many garages are within a 5–10 minute walk to each hotel.
- Boston Common Garage: Near Park Plaza, convenient if staying at the Park Plaza hotel; walkable to Back Bay via the Common if needed.
Overall suggestions:
- If walkability and classic Back Bay experience is important, Hilton Back Bay is a top choice.
- If you want proximity to downtown attractions like Boston Common, Freedom Trail, or theater district, Park Plaza is ideal.
- If modern rooms and proximity to Faneuil Hall/Chinatown area matter, DoubleTree Downtown is convenient.
- For parking savings, compare nearby public garages via ParkBoston or LAZ Parking; they are often significantly cheaper than hotel valet/self-park rates.
Given it’s a one-night stay in November, any of these options works well; the choice mainly comes down to preferred neighborhood and walking access to the areas you plan to explore.
More Boston Travel Questions