Hotel recommendation

Question

Hello, visiting Boston next July for 5 days before driving to other New England cities. Wondering if anyone can recommend a good hotel. I am traveling with my teen son who is very interested in history and museums. We plan on walking as much as possible, will not rent a car until we leave Boston so don’t need parking, would love a centrally located hotel in a good area.

I’ve been looking at the Encore Boston Harbor because of great experiences at their other hotels but not sure if it’s worth the price and also not sure if the location is walkable?

I appreciate any help!

Answer

For a 5-day stay in Boston with a focus on history, museums, and walking, location is key, especially if you’re not renting a car. The Encore Boston Harbor is a luxury property with excellent amenities, but it is located across the Mystic River in Everett. While the hotel is beautiful, it is not particularly walkable to Boston’s historic sites or museums, so you would need to rely on a taxi, rideshare, or the ferry to get into downtown. For a trip centered on walking and exploring historic neighborhoods, there are better options in central Boston.

Recommended neighborhoods and hotels for your criteria include:

Back Bay / Copley Square: This area is centrally located and walkable to the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, and Newbury Street shopping. It also has easy access to the MBTA for exploring further. Consider hotels like:
- The Lenox Hotel – historic charm, very walkable, excellent service.
- Boston Marriott Copley Place – modern, convenient location, close to attractions.
- Fairmont Copley Plaza – iconic hotel with a classic feel and central location.
Downtown / Financial District: Great for access to the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and the waterfront. Some options:
- Omni Parker House – historic, steps from the Freedom Trail and historic sites.
- Hyatt Regency Boston – modern, near the waterfront and walking distance to historic attractions.
Seaport District: More modern and trendy, with waterfront views. Walking options are more limited for historic sites, but museums like the Institute of Contemporary Art are nearby.
- Seaport Boston Hotel – modern and comfortable, good for evening walks along the harbor.

Tips for choosing:

Prioritize being within walking distance to the Freedom Trail, museums, and historical neighborhoods for your teen’s interests.
MBTA access is useful for reaching museums or neighborhoods a bit further away (like the Museum of Science in Cambridge).
If luxury is important, but walkability is also key, Back Bay options like The Lenox or Fairmont Copley balance both.
Avoid hotels across the river (Encore Boston Harbor) if you plan to walk to attractions frequently, as you’ll spend time commuting.

In summary, while the Encore is luxurious and has excellent service, for your purposes, a centrally located Back Bay or Downtown hotel would be more convenient and allow you to maximize walking around Boston’s historic and cultural sites with your teen.

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