Boston is a great, compact city that's frequently on the top lists for business travel. So it's helpful to know which Boston hotels are best for business travelers. Like many cities, where you stay should depend primarily on where you think you'll be doing business. But Boston does provide business travelers some flexibility. It's frequently not that difficult to move around, both inside and outside, the city, so travelers have the option of staying right downtown, where the action is, and traveling during the day to their business meetings or clients.
Which hotel one is perfect for your needs depends on a number of factors, from location and price, to views and convenience. In any case, we're assembled a range of resources to help business travelers select the right hotel for a business trip to Boston.
Parking Problems
Like hotels in most large cities, when it comes to Boston hotels, parking is extra. If you're bringing a car to a downtown Boston hotel, you may end up paying anywhere from $30 to $55 extra per night for parking. Of course, one of the alternatives is to catch a cab or limo from the airport to you hotel, and take taxis around the city (or walk--Boston's a relatively easy city to walk in). Depending on where your hotel is, and where you're going, public transportation can also be an option, although the city's MBTA subway/train cars have limited routes compared to some larger cities.
In some areas it is possible to park on the street overnight for free, but be aware that the meters start at 8 a.m. and run through 8 p.m., so make sure you move the car or face an expensive fine. Be on the lookout for 'resident parking' signs as well, since you're not allowed to park in those spots unless you have a resident sticker.
For discounted parking options at garages and lots, consider trying the website BestParking.com. It offers discounted, predefined rates at a number of convenient parking lots.
Location, Location, Location
There are a number of ways to select a good hotel in Boston. One place to start is with an overview of Boston hotels by About.com's Guide to New England.
Some business travelers to Boston may find the need to stay near the airport. If so, About.com's Guide to New England has put together this list of of hotels near Logan airport. This is a good choice if you're flying out early, or can schedule a meeting at the hotel. But it's less good if you want enjoy the city or go out at night, since you'll have to travel through the tunnel (or via boat) to downtown Boston. In that case, you're better off paying more and staying in Boston.
Top Hotel Areas for Business Travelers
First-time business travelers to Boston should consider a few different areas. There's the financial district in downtown Boston, where many of the banks and financial institutions have their offices. Back Bay hotels tend to be more touristy, with lots of quaint buildings around, great shops and restaurants, and access to convention areas such as the Hynes Convention Center. There are few hotels near Faneuil Hall, which is also nearby the financial district. The Seaport District is relatively new, stretching out east of the financial district and anchored by a relatively new convention center and lots of newer hotels and waterfront restaurants. It's a bit removed, however, from traditional Boston landmarks such as Beacon Hill. There's also Cambridge, near MIT or Harvard, which can be good if you've visiting one of the colleges or one of the many bio, tech,or bio-tech companies on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.
Business travelers looking for a little sports action may want to consider staying near venerable Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox. Consult this list of hotels near Fenway Park if you're a baseball fan.
Top Ranked Boston Hotels
If you're looking for some of the best hotels in Boston, you can explore this list of the best Boston hotels, as identified by About.com's Guide to Hotels and Resorts.
