Boston, Massachusetts

Thousands of visitors visit Boston and the surrounding areas each year, especially in the spring and summer. Accommodations range from resort-like establishments to inexpensive hostels and motels. Business travelers can choose from locations near the heart of the Financial District or hotels in the high tech neighborhoods of Waltham and Lexington. An excellent public transportation system vastly increases your lodging options. Keep in mind that with many colleges and universities in the greater Boston area, room availability is tied to the academic calendar. If your travel plans require that you stay in Boston during the September or the May commencement seasons, book your room as early as possible.

Downtown

You can reach downtown hotels by taking the water shuttle directly from the Logan Airport, an excellent alternative to sitting in traffic in the Sumner Tunnel. In addition to a great location, many downtown hotels offer fabulous views and beautiful rooms. Business travelers will be close to the Financial District, and tourists are within walking distance of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the New England Aquarium, the quaint North End and the TD Banknorth Garden, previously known as the Fleet Center.

The Boston Harbor Hotel on Rowes Wharf is a beautiful and modern hotel with balconies and a rotunda overlooking the harbor. For a truly unique piece of Boston's history, be sure to check out the Omni Parker House, the country's oldest continuously-operating hotel. The Boston Marriott Hotel on Long Wharf is another splendid choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking modern accommodations and a great view. A little further inland is the Millennium Bostonian and Langham Hotel, both offering distinctive lodgings and impeccable service.

Back Bay

Back Bay lodgings tend to be pricey, but offer a location near downtown, Cambridge, the Theater District and exclusive Newbury Street. The deluxe Sheraton Boston Hotel on Dalton Street offers excellent service and amenities, along with the Hilton Boston Back Bay located across the street. For all-suite elegance, try The Eliot Hotel on the corner of Commonwealth and Massachusetts Avenues, with its marble bathrooms and polite doormen. The Back Bay is also home to such famous hotels as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Fairmont Copley Plaza.

The elegant Lenox Hotel is located on Exeter and Boylston Streets, parallel to Newbury Street and close to the Shops at Prudential Center. Also nearby is the more modern Colonnade Hotel.

Two mammoth hotels with slightly lower rates are the Westin Copley Place and the Boston Marriot Copley Place. They have fine dining on the premises, are adjacent to large shopping areas, and have comfortable rooms. There are also several brownstones in the Back Bay area that have been converted into modest bed & breakfast lodgings, which are available for long-term stays by both business persons and those on extended visits. One such place to try is 463 Beacon Street Guest House.

Theater District

This area also has some good hotels that are typically lower in price than its Back Bay and downtown neighbors. However, this area is a little rougher around the edges as well, particularly in the wee hours of the morning. Bordering Chinatown, the Public Garden and the South End, you will find many good nightclubs, lounges and restaurants within easy walking distance. The Courtyard Boston Tremont Hotel is a classy hotel located next to the Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Around the corner is The Radisson, which offers good rates, even during the summer peak tourist season.

Cambridge

Cambridge is an excellent alternative to high-priced downtown. Many hotels cater to families visiting students at nearby Harvard University and MIT. The Inn at Harvard, the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square and the Harvard Square Hotel all put you close to the prestigious campus. Harvard Yard is a stone's throw away from any of these lodgings, and the MBTA Red Line will take you to downtown destinations.

Featuring personal attention and an intimate setting, A Cambridge House is a beautifully restored mansion on a quiet, tree-lined street. The Hyatt Regency Cambridge is on the banks of the Charles River and has breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. Close to the Museum of Science is the high tech-oriented Royal Sonesta Hotel, with modern amenities like Wi-Fi.

Despite the city's wealth of options, Boston has an extremely low hotel room vacancy rate, especially between the months of April and November. Be sure to book your room early and check your reservation often. The good news is that despite the lack of competition for guests, the lodging establishments here have sterling reputations, and you are almost guaranteed a good night's sleep, wherever you choose to stay.

Boston is not a city where you take a tour merely out of a sense of obligation. You may find yourself simply inspired to wander around this architectural theme park of cobblestone paths, antique brownstones and 18th century buildings. Explore quaint neighborhoods and discover quiet corners within the city.

Freedom Trail Visitors to Boston take a walk down Freedom Trail to explore 16 of the city's most important historical attractions and monuments. Among them are the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Common, Granary Burying Ground and Copp's Hill Burial Ground. The West Street Grille is a welcoming place to stop for a meal at the end of the tour.

Museum of Fine Arts The Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1876 and is considered one of the best in the country. Behind the Museum, is a secluded park, Back Bay Fens, which is convenient for taking a stroll. Nearby Canestaro is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that is well-known for its quality. When you've finished your meal, walk over to Copley Place or the Shops at Prudential Center, two large malls that have hundreds of stores and restaurants to explore.

Boston Common Located in the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill is Boston Common, the country's oldest park, which also contains a public garden and frog pond. Also in this area is the Old State House, Boston's oldest public building. Stop into the nearby Museum of Science, which contains hundreds of educational and interactive exhibits, or shop at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which also offers many unique dining options.

Back Bay Back Bay is a neighborhood filled with brownstones and tree-lined streets. The Boston Public Library can be found in this area. The nearby Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox. The Brown Sugar Cafe is just a few blocks away as is the Boston University Observatory, where you can look through professional-grade telescopes and learn about the history of space.

Franklin Park Zoo With animals from all over the world, the Franklin Park Zoo is a popular attraction for families. The nearby Forest Hills Cemetery is filled with beautiful Gothic architecture. The Arnold Arboretum is just a few steps away, and contains hundreds of plant species. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contains many documents and artifacts from Kennedy's life and the Cold War era. The Fish Pier Restaurant & Market is just north of the Library.

North End The North End neighborhood is a largely Italian community that is filled with history. The Old North Church is the oldest religious building in Boston. Drop into Gelateria for some traditional, Italian gelato. Just up the road is Christopher Columbus Park, which features stunning views of the harbor. Lucca Restaurant & Bar is a nearby dining option where guests can enjoy some rustic Italian dishes.

Whether you travel by foot, trolley, bike or car, you are sure to bump into a museum, historic site or architectural gem at almost every turn in Boston and Cambridge. From Paul Revere's ride to John F. Kennedy's presidency, Boston has long been a place where history is made, and its popularity as a tourist destination attests to the ease with which you can explore it.

Self-Guided Tours Freedom Trail ( +1 617 242 5642 / +1 617 242 5689 / http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ ) Beacon Hill Walking Tour ( +1 617 523 9490 / http://www.beaconhillonline.com/ )

Guided Tours Freedom Trail Players ( +1 617 357 8300 / http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ ) Boston By Foot ( +1 617 367 2345 / http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/ ) Boston Duck Tours ( +1 617 267 3825 / http://www.bostonducktours.com/ ) Black Heritage Trail ( +1 617 742 5415 / http://www.nps.gov/boaf/ )

Culinary Tours North End Market Tour ( +1 617 523 6032 / http://www.northendmarkettours.com/ ) Boston Bike Tours ( +1 617 308 5902 / http://www.bostonbiketours.com/ )

Trolley Tours Discover Boston Multilingual Trolley Tours ( +1 617 742 1440 / http://www.discoverbostontours.com/ ) Old Town Trolley Tours ( +1 800 868 7482 / http://www.historictours.com/boston/ )

Boat Tours Boston Harbor Cruises ( +1 617 227 4321 / +1 877 733 9425 / http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/ ) The Charles Riverboat Company Tours ( +1 617 621 3001 / http://charlesriverboat.com/ )