General Chat

What a great city! We have been home about a week and had a great time. It was VERY cold but we saw all the sights - the Kennedys' church, Quincy Market, the Holocaust memorial, the Aquarium of New England, the Science Museum, Harvard Uni, lots of restaurants, the 'T', the Charles River (frozen solid), the ocean, The JF Kennedy aircraft carrier, passing through, the USS Constitution, the USS Cassin Young, I could go on and on. We all got a horrible dose of flu but found a few hundred rellies including a bishop, and what a lovely place to visit. Much recommended!! Thank-you to everyone who helped us with our trip.

n

The Vault: the first place I go when looking for something fancy. It's where you can get designer gear at sample sale prices. Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Barneys, Alberta Ferretti, Chanel, D&G. You'll find it there. The only other place you'll find so many names in one spot is probably Louis Boston, but really do you want to pay full price for last season's dress? Yes, it can be crowded; yes, it is extremely messy; yes, you're waiting for 20 minutes for a coveted mirror in the boundary-less fitting room. However, what has me always returning are the most unbelievable deals. Dana Buchman blue cropped sweater: $25. Via Spiga black cashmere/wool blend extra long peacoat with leather trim: $91 (originally $700). Citizens of Humanity 7- jeans cropped pencil leg: $20. Cable & Gauge sweater jackets, long sleeve work tops: $3.50 I luckily found all of these purchases soon after the discounted 75% off. You can too, if you have the mindset to search and the afternoon to do it. Happy pickings! steals: *skip the shoes & vacation & purses *head for the lingerie (CK & wonderbra selection around $10) *automatic discount racks in women's or in junior's department (if you're small enough) *watches, coats & dresses - strong selection OK, I've been shopping at Filene's Basement since I was a kid and my grandmother would take me downtown for a summer day adventure. Pay attention to the date marked on the price tag, the longer the item has been on the racks the cheaper the discount. You can't have too many particulars in mind here when you come shopping because that's not what bargain hunting is about but I am certain that you'll find something that will make it worth while, if and only if you like to shop. LIVE for the basement--the Vault specifically. While tons of stuff in Filene's (basement--who goes to the store? it's so bad it's bankrupt) is pretty cheap-o to begin with (Nautica, Calvin Klein, Jones New York) there are plenty of real designer bargains to make it worth your while. Head straight for the vault in the back of the lower basement--this is where they keep the half price D&G, Prada, etc. Stopping by about once a month ensures you can catch any big shipments from a particular designer. This is the only way a normal income person like me could own most of this stuff, and any dressing room or crowd inconvenience is totally worth it.

Anyone think we should tell her about Filenes Basement! Filene's Basement - Boston - YelpFilene's Basement Reviews - 'Forget Saks, Neimans and Sephora (Oh my, did I just say that?)! Filene's Basement has a great selection of men's and women's ... www.yelp.com/biz/O7MoEihwkbulznrTpCEEzA

Hi Boston is great city to visit we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast (google boston b&b there are loads) and were able to walk in to the center or use public transport. the Boston Duck tours are great fun way to see the sites and a trip on the Charles river www(.)bostonducktours(.)com enjoy your visit Sue

Debs, good tip, I was looking at the hotels' own websites so will be paying in dollars. And I was wondering how cold it will be so thank-you all for your help. I'll send you all a postcard!!

n n n n Nudge Claire xxx

Yeah, I forgot to add, you don't know what cold is until you've been to Boston. When it gets cold it also gets super windy and it's a killer. I had to buy a whole new wardrobe for the winter. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. http://www.weather.*com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USMA0046?from=search_10day Rose

Helen, We have just come back from Hawaii this is what I found when booking through Expedia.com we paid in $'s to go from here (ok I know its a lot further) but to go from the UK they wanted in pounds what we paid in dollars. Remember the pound is really strong nearly 2 dollars to the pound, so you might be best to book direct with the hotel with a UK cvredit card. Believe me you save money. I have a UK CC and an American bank account and it makes sense for me to pay big items in pounds and then pay that off than the other way around. Hope this helps. I would also keep an eye on the weather - its not too great at the moment with the snow forecast. Debs x

n

Thanks Debs, have got lots to look at! Dawn, of course you can come but only if you leave the kids at home as the one I'm taking is my youngest and I work with pre-schoolers!

Helen can I curl up in your suitcase please. Lived there for 6 months when I was 5 or 6 loved going to supermarket and seeing the security guards with guns as never seen it before. well when you are that age anything different is fun. Also digging worms to go fishing with my dad I hate worms now lol have a good time d xx

I have to agree with Debs DC. The Hilton hotels have the best deal for your money. Debs mentioned the Embassy Suites (Hilton), I can also recommend Homewood Suites (Hilton). We stay at Homewood Suites in the Seattle area when we go away (going in 4 weeks again). I can only speak for the one that we stay at, but I can't see it differing much. There is a hot breakfast every morning and a managers reception Monday to Thursday evenings 5pm - 7pm. At the managers reception (very informal) there is a hot 'light dinner'. They usually have hamburgers/salad/tortillas etc along with tea/coffee/juice /soft drinks. Also they serve complimentary wine and beer during this time. Coffee/tea/soft drinks are available (complimentary) 24 hours. With the price of eating meals out, you will save quite a bit of money. The rooms are clean and comfortable and have a kitchenette. I have always found the staff very accomodating. If you do plan on staying at a Hilton hotel, sign up for their 'Hilton Honors' system. You will earn points for ever night you stay, that can be redeemed for future nights. This program is world wide. I have just been on the Homewood Suites site. For a room in their Boston hotel the rate is aprox. $220 USD per night for a 2 bedroom suite. Forgot to add if you are an AAA member (BAA) there is a discounted price. Have fun on your trip. Deb

This is great. Thank-you so much to everyone!

Brilliant ideas (I think!!!) so will print this out and show it to hubby. But where shall we stay??????

I can recommend buying the Boston Frommer's guide. You can view the online version here: http://frommers.*com/destinations/boston/0004010007.html Rose

from Expedia.co.uk Boston Park Plaza Hotel Boston, MA Area: Back Bay Historic hotel at the edge of Back Bay Located in Park Square just east of the prestigious Back Bay area, this hotel is one block from the Public Garden, two blocks from Newbury Street shopping, ... More hotel info Enjoy rates from £65.81 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices Boston Omni Parker House Hotel Boston, MA Area: Theatre District/Downtown Crossing Historic hotel at the foot of Beacon Hill Located on the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston, this classic hotel is three blocks from Quincy Market, two from the State House and Boston Common, and ... Enjoy rates from £86.22 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices Langham Boston Boston, MA Area: Quincy Market-Financial-Waterfront (Boston) Landmark hotel 5 blocks from Faneuil Hall Formerly the Federal Reserve Bank building, this financial-district hotel is within 5 blocks of Faneuil Hall shopping and dining, the Freedom Trail, and the ... More hotel info Enjoy rates from £94.38 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices Club Quarters in Boston Boston, MA Area: Theatre District/Downtown Crossing Tech-ready hotel near the Old State House Situated in the financial district, this restricted-entry hotel is two blocks from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and Post Office Square. More hotel info Enjoy rates from £73.46 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices The Colonnade Hotel - Summit Hotel Boston, MA Area: Back Bay Back Bay hotel near shopping and restaurants This 285-room Boston hotel is next to Copley Place shopping, one block from the Hynes Convention Center, four blocks from the Theater District, and one mile ... More hotel info Enjoy rates from £86.22 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices Hotel 140 Boston, MA Area: Back Bay This hotel is in the YWCA building in downtown Boston, three blocks from Newbury Street shops and boutiques. All 40 guestrooms offer ... More hotel info Enjoy rates from £55.61 per night between 13-Feb-2007 and 14-Apr-2007. Availability & prices Hilton Boston Financial District Boston, MA Area: Quincy Market-Financial-Waterfront (Boston) Art-deco landmark in the financial district In the center of Boston’s historic financial district, this hotel is just 3 blocks from Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the New England Aquarium. More hotel info Rooms/units may be available Availability & prices

I forgot, the Red Line goes though Quincy so it wouldn't be too bad to stay there. http://www.mbta.*com/schedules_and_maps/subway/ Rose

Was told this is the best way to spend five days in Massachusetts. Spend a half-day getting to know Boston either by walking the Freedom Trail or taking a Duck Tour. Have lunch at Quincy Market and spend the afternoon at one of the city's spectacular museums. On day two, spend the morning touring the Harvard University campus in Cambridge. Return to downtown Boston for lunch at Cheers Boston. The former Bull & Finch Pub was the inspiration for the television show Cheers. After lunch, take a swan boat ride in the Boston Public Garden. In the afternoon, visit another of the city's museums, shop for antiques on Beacon Hill or tour historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and the 'Green Monster.' In season, depart on day three from Boston via passenger ferry for a day in Provincetown on Cape Cod. Visit the Pilgrim Monument, which marks the site of the Pilgrims' first landing in the New World. Stroll the town's main thoroughfare, Commercial Street, and sample its shops, galleries and restaurants before returning to Boston by ferry at the end of the day. Rent a car and drive north to Concord on day four and spend the day reliving the Revolution at Minute Man National Historical Park. Also visit Walden Pond, former well known home of Henry David Thoreau. On day five, spend the morning taking in some of the spooky sights in Salem. The Salem Witch Museum provides the best overall orientation to the drama surrounding the 1692 witch hysteria. In the afternoon, drive north along the coast and visit Rocky Neck, America's first art colony, in Gloucester.

Try Expedia for hotel names (and possible good deals). It's often worth contacting the hotel directly to get their best rate. Boston is an interesting city - I only had a brief trip there unfortunately - enjoy yourself!