Early Summer Trip for Family

Question

We are looking at a weeklong trip and early June and want to do all of the Boston sites and then Lexington in Concord and probably Salem and the cape. We were thinking we would rent a car and try to stay outside of downtown Boston and use the subway to go into town and then have the car for the other trips. Any suggestions for where to stay at a nice hotel outside of Boston?

Answer

Your trip sounds fantastic! Boston and the surrounding areas have so much to offer. Staying outside of downtown Boston while having easy access to public transportation is a great idea to make your trip more relaxed and affordable. Here are some hotel suggestions that are close to transit and provide a nice base for exploring Boston, as well as places like Lexington, Concord, Salem, and Cape Cod.

1. Cambridge Cambridge is just across the river from Boston and offers a great combination of charm, convenience, and excellent public transportation options into downtown. The Red Line subway takes you straight into downtown Boston in just a few minutes, making it a perfect base for exploring both the city and the surrounding areas.

Hyatt Regency Cambridge – Located on the banks of the Charles River, this hotel offers fantastic views of the Boston skyline and easy access to both public transport and the attractions of Cambridge, like Harvard University and MIT.
Hotel Veritas – A boutique hotel in the heart of Cambridge, offering modern accommodations with easy access to public transit into Boston. It’s close to the Harvard campus and the Alewife T station, which makes commuting easy.
The Charles Hotel – A luxury hotel located in Harvard Square with a great vibe. It’s in a great location for exploring Cambridge and also offers easy access to the subway, making it simple to visit Boston and other nearby areas.

2. Brookline Brookline is another great neighborhood to consider staying in. It’s a quiet, residential area but offers easy access to downtown Boston via the Green Line of the subway. Brookline also has several parks and is close to attractions like the Coolidge Corner and Fenway Park.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre and Inn – This quaint inn offers easy access to the Green Line, along with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for a quieter place to stay, while still being close to the action.
Holiday Inn Boston Brookline – A more affordable option with comfortable accommodations and easy access to the subway, making it convenient for getting to downtown Boston and other destinations.
Longwood Inn – A charming, family-friendly inn located in a quieter area of Brookline. It offers easy access to the T (subway) and is close to parks and great dining options in the neighborhood.

3. Somerville Somerville is another area located just a short drive or train ride from downtown Boston. It’s a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene and great restaurants. The Red Line subway provides easy access to the heart of Boston, while also being a short distance to other destinations like Lexington and Concord.

Somerville Hotel – A comfortable option located in the heart of Somerville. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the artsy and fun vibe of Somerville and have easy access to Boston.
Holiday Inn Boston - Somerville – A larger hotel with modern amenities, free parking, and easy access to the Red Line, which will get you to Boston’s main attractions quickly.

4. Quincy or Braintree If you are planning to explore the South Shore or drive to Cape Cod, staying further south near Quincy or Braintree may be a good option. These areas are a little more suburban but still well connected to downtown Boston via the Red Line, with easy access to highways to head south toward the Cape and other historic sites like Lexington and Concord.

Best Western Adams Inn – Located in Quincy, this hotel offers easy access to the T and is a great base for heading south toward the Cape or other areas like Lexington and Concord.
Hilton Garden Inn Boston/Braintree – This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is a great option for families, with easy access to public transport to downtown Boston and to the highways for day trips outside the city.

5. Waltham If you’re looking for something a bit further out, but still close to Boston (about a 20-minute drive), Waltham is an affordable and convenient option. It has plenty of hotels and is close to major highways, and the Commuter Rail connects it to downtown Boston.

The Westin Waltham Boston – This hotel offers a quiet and comfortable stay with easy access to Boston via the commuter rail, making it perfect for family trips. You can also easily visit places like Concord and Lexington from here.
Courtyard by Marriott Waltham – Another good option in Waltham, with easy access to public transportation, making it a great base for a family trip to Boston and beyond.

6. Other tips for your trip:
- Public transportation: Boston’s T subway system is very easy to use and can get you almost anywhere you need to go in the city. Most hotels listed above are within walking distance of a T station or have easy access to a station by car.
- Parking: If you rent a car, make sure your hotel offers parking, as it can be expensive in downtown Boston. Many of the hotels outside the city offer free parking or have lower rates than downtown hotels.
- Day trips to Cape Cod, Salem, and Lexington/Concord: These places are easy to reach by car from the locations mentioned above. While Cape Cod will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach by car, Salem and Lexington/Concord are much closer (30 to 45 minutes).
- Weather: June is a lovely time to visit, with warm weather but not overly hot. It’s the perfect time for sightseeing, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities.

Overall, I recommend staying in Cambridge or Brookline for their combination of proximity to Boston and charm, but Quincy/Braintree or Somerville could also be excellent options if you're looking for something quieter and more suburban. Enjoy your family trip to Boston and the surrounding areas!

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