Boston Budget Hotels
For those on a tight budget, there are several relatively cheap or budget hotels in downtown Boston. Such hotels can be considered less expensive in terms of price, and are at least two stars to be mentioned here. Boston is a walking city, and just about all the budget hotels are located near multiple attractions, and have quick access to the subway system.
The way to save money on lodging in Boston is to shop around and plan ahead. Boston is a financial center, and one should avoid areas that have pricing structures supported by businesspeople. There are many conventions in Boston, which can limit hotel space and increase prices. Boston is a huge sports city, so prices and congestion increase on days when the Red Sox or Celtics are playing. Weekend rates are usually less expensive than weekday, and deals can be found during the non-summer season such as in Spring or in Autumn after the foliage season. The following are budget or moderately priced hotels in downtown Boston listed by district:
North End - The most popular budget hotel in the North End area is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites located in 280 Friend Street. The building itself was originally a brick warehouse, constructed when the waters of the Charles River used to lap up to nearby Canal Street before landfilling was done. The hotel location is very good as TD Garden stands only about 500 feet away to the north, and the ever-popular Faneuil Hall Marketplace food and shopping complex only a few blocks south down Congress Street. The Freedom Trail can be accessed at Hull Street, and the Old North Church located a few blocks over Copp's Hill. North Station, the commuter rail station, and the MBTA subway stop, are also close to the Holiday Inn Express. The hotel is located in a relatively safe area, but in general it is not a good idea to wander around late at night in most parts of downtown Boston.
West End - The main budget hotel in the West End District is the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill located at 5 Blossom Street. The hotel is only one block away from the renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. Just south up Cambridge Street is Government Center and Boston City Hall. Charles River Esplanade, where free concerts take place each summer at the Hatch Shell, is a short walk to the north. The July 4th Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular celebration takes place at the Esplanade, with the hotel within walking distance to the park (Longfellow Bridge at the base of Cambridge Street is shut down to vehicles for the 4th, with many people viewing the fireworks display from the bridge). The hotel is located in a relatively safe part of the city, but during high unemployment, extra care in knowing your surroundings is warranted in all parts of downtown Boston at night. Charles River station on the MBTA Red Line is just north of the hotel.
Back Bay - There are fewer choices for budget or value hotels in the Back Bay district. The Prudential Center, Hynes Convention Center, and Copley Place complexes make the Back Bay district a bustling place. Midtown Hotel at 200 Huntington Avenue is physically more in the style of a motel, but is located close to the Prudential Center. Access to other parts of the Back Bay is easy by just walking through the mall to Boylston Street, or by walking up Huntington Avenue to Copley Square. Symphony Hall is only two blocks away in the opposite direction. It's worth noting that relatively unsafe areas exist south and west of the hotel, especially at night. Subway stations are located 5 to 15 minutes away on foot, with Copley Station on the Green Line having the most frequent service, and Prudential and Symphony stations located a bit closer but with less frequent service due to their being part of the E-branch trunk line.
Fenway - The triangle-shaped Hotel Buckminster in Kenmore Square is probably the most popular budget hotel in the area. A great view of the Green Monster wall at Fenway Park can be attained from the outside rooms on one side of the hotel, with the famous giant Citgo Sign lighting up Kenmore Square on the opposite side. The campus of Boston University is located a few blocks west along Commonwealth Avenue. It's worth noting that the Buckminster is often sold out when Red Sox home games take place during summer, as the hotel is located only a block away from the ballpark. Kenmore Station on the MBTA Green Line is just across the street from the hotel, and allows quick access to downtown Boston and all parts of the subway system. Kenmore Square is relatively safe, but crowds can fill the square before and after baseball games, and at night when people visit nightclubs along nearby Lansdowne Street.
Again, to find budget hotels in Boston, one should: (1) shop around for rooms in budget priced hotels, (2) plan ahead and book during non-peak periods or when few conventions or sports events are taking place, and (3) seek weekend rates and periodic hotel discount offers. Also, a page will be added in the near future describing budget hotels that are located in the suburbs of Boston, offering further options.
Book Downtown Boston Budget Hotels:
 Holiday Inn Express Boston Garden ★★★☆☆ 280 Friend Street, Boston 02114 Area: North Station, Map Pin "A" check availability $$  |
 Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill ★★★☆☆ 5 Blossom Street, Boston 02114 Area: West End, Map Pin "B" check availability $$ |
 Midtown Hotel ★★☆☆☆ 220 Huntington Avenue, Boston 02115 Area: Prudential Center, Map Pin "C" check availability $ |
 Hotel Buckminster ★★☆☆☆ 645 Beacon Street, Boston 02215 Area: Kenmore Square, Map Pin "D" check availability $ |
