In Boston for a convention, help me choose between two hotels (Cambridge: theater, restaurants)

[travelino]

Hi, I will be in Boston for five days at the end of March. I have narrowed down the hotel choice to these two:

- Hotel Le Meridien Cambridge-MIT, on Sidney St at the edges of MIT campus
- Chandler Inn on Chandler St in Back Bay

Which would I choose? I'd like a safe, walkable area with plenty of restaurants and easy access to public transportation for reaching the Boston Convention Center. Thanks.

[Cliff Clavin]

Based on location...Chandler Inn. No question.

[gf2020]

Why only those 2 choices? Neither is very convenient to the convention center.

[travelino]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Why only those 2 choices? Neither is very convenient to the convention center.

I have good rates on these two and I don't really have time to shop for better deals....

[travelino]

Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin

Based on location...Chandler Inn. No question.

Thanks. Do you mind elaborating a bit?

[Kramer68]

It depends on what your priority is, if it's getting back and forth to the Convention Center you should probably stay at the Le Meridien and take the Red Line to South Station where you can walk to the Conv Center or take the Silver Line. If you stayed at the Chandler Inn you'd have to take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing, switch to the Red Line and then take that to South Station.

If you're priority is finding things to do when you're not at the Convention Center you should stay at the Chandler Inn because there is more to do in the Back Bay than at MIT.

You should also consider the ratings/reviews of the two hotels. I'm assuming they are equal, but if they aren't that should also have some influence on your choice as well.

Here is a map of the MBTA lines....

http://www.childrenshospital.org/bcr...mbtaMapBig.gif

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by travelino

Thanks. Do you mind elaborating a bit?

The Chandler is in the South End, on the boarder of the Back Bay. Right between Tremont and Boylston Sts, and a stones throw from the theater district. The location is tough to beat. Safe and plenty of eateries within walking distance. There isn't a whole lot going on in that section of Cambridge, although it is improving.

As far as transportation to the Convention Center, might not be the easiest. But really, any hotel outside the Seaport would be a bit of a hassle as the Convention Center is served by a rapid bus line. Personally, I'd rather stay in the Back Bay (especially in March) and pay the $10 cab fare to and from the Seaport. If it weren't March I'd suggest walking. It's only about 30 minutes on foot.

[travelino]

Cliff, Kramer, thanks for the input. From your answers I'd say that Chandler St. is worth the slight extra hassle in getting to the Convention Center.