POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: AMG Coordinator on September 19, 2008, 10:43:59 pm
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Hello All,
Please take a few moments and assist me in researching hotels for AMG 2009 in Boston. Post your suggestions below, along with a link directing me and other members to the hotel website for review.
From this list, I will contact the sales department to request a group rate, and then present a few from which we can all choose from.
Please assist me with this as soon as possible. I'd like to secure a hotel and dates within the next couple of months if possible.
Dennis
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My suggestion is the Chandler Hotel. The Chandler Hotel is a gay friendly, boutique style hotel. Hotel was recently renovated in 2007 and is located above a gay bar. From my research, there appears to plenty of dining and shopping options in the neighborhood.
http://www.chandlerinn.com/ (http://www.chandlerinn.com/)
Ciao,
Dennis
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Hi Dennis...The hotel in San Francisco was very centrally located and worked out well in terms of being able to get to any destination in town easily....Your hotel choice in Mexico City was phenomenol, well located, safe, and a real bargain for what we got.
I don't know much about Boston but I say the Chandler sounds great.
Jody
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The hotel looks fabulous! The only issue I'm seeing is that for me, Hubby, and Mini, they require us to have 2 rooms. I'm not sure I'm willing to put my 8yr old in a room by herself or split Hubby and I up when there's no guaruntee we'd even be on the same floor (kind of defeates the purpose of bringing the family). I know that we're the only ones with this issue, so we'll go with what everyone decides. We've got no problem booking our own hotel if necessary.
Mum
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Thank you for the bringing the room occupancy limits to my attention.
This is why I'm asking the group to submit hotel suggestions. My time is limited and it's impossible for me to search out hotels in the entire Boston metro area.
From this grouping of hotel suggestions, I will gain a better understanding of what the group is looking for.
If I may suggest, visit Expedia, Travelocity, etc. and look at the hotel offerings. Review their locations and amenities. Once you find one or two that will suit your needs, post below.
Dennis
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The hotel looks fabulous! The only issue I'm seeing is that for me, Hubby, and Mini, they require us to have 2 rooms. I'm not sure I'm willing to put my 8yr old in a room by herself or split Hubby and I up when there's no guaruntee we'd even be on the same floor (kind of defeates the purpose of bringing the family). I know that we're the only ones with this issue, so we'll go with what everyone decides. We've got no problem booking our own hotel if necessary.
Mum
I wonder if you gave them a call and asked about rooms for families with children, they might have something suitable. It's worth a try at least.
RAB
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I stayed at the Chandler about 15 years ago. That was before the renovation, and back then it was a decent budget hotel. The rooms were very small, but comfortable enough. I'm sure it's much nicer now after the renovation. It is close to the Back Bay subway station, so the location is convenient.
As Mum says, the rooms do not accommodate more than two people. Each room has either a queen-sized bed or two twins. When you try to make a reservation for two adults and a child, you get a notice that two rooms are required. My guess is that's because the rooms are just too small to squeeze in a rollaway bed.
As RAB suggests, it wouldn't hurt to ask if they have a room that could accommodate three people.
Allan
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I stayed at the Chandler about 15 years ago. That was before the renovation, and back then it was a decent budget hotel. The rooms were very small, but comfortable enough. I'm sure it's much nicer now after the renovation. It is close to the Back Bay subway station, so the location is convenient.
As Mum says, the rooms do not accommodate more than two people. Each room has either a queen-sized bed or two twins. When you try to make a reservation for two adults and a child, you get a notice that two rooms are required. My guess is that's because the rooms are just too small to squeeze in a rollaway bed.
As RAB suggests, it wouldn't hurt to ask if they have a room that could accommodate three people.
Allan
Hey Allan:
Thanks for the info. I was thinking the hotel might have something like the room Jan and Bonnie shared in SF. Bonnie had her own separate room, connected by a door, but only Jan's room had a bath. Sometimes in these older hotels (like the Powell) they may have some irregular configurations.
Dennis:
I've taken your suggestion and had a quick look see on the various travel sites, but I have no idea what area we want to stay in. Also I am suffering from a little sticker shock over the prices, but then we were warned that Boston hotels weren't going to be cheap. YIKES! So far I'm pretty much useless in terms of specifics.
Personally I'm pretty flexible, I'd love to stay in an area that's centrally located to the good stuff. I guess my priorities are (in this order):
1. A price range of $125.00 - $150.00 (though that may not be possible--which concerns me the most)
2. Clean clean clean!
3. I don't need a lot of amenities like a pool, or a gym (well o.k. I'd like a gym but probably wouldn't get much chance to use it considering how busy we are).
4. Can't we just stay at the Hotel Gouvernor Place Dupuis again and commute back and forth? ;D (I loved that hotel!)
This is where we really really could use the help of someone local, or at least someone with a knowledge of Boston.
RAB
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Rab (and everyone else),
At this point and time, do not focus so much on the price of the hotel. Do try to stay with a 3 or 4 star hotel though. All I'm asking everyone to do is have a look at what is available to us, pick one or two that you like, and post below.
Also, keep in mind we are a year away and most hotels only have their rack rate posted, if they even have rates for next August posted at all. Even the rates you see on the large travel sights are not a true representation of rates for August of next year.
Once people start posting their suggestions for others to review, I'm sure some members will chime in about what is good or bad about the posted hotels. Somewhat like Mum and Allan did with the Chandler hotel.
Again, all I'm asking for is some help. However, if you all would like me to make this decision on my own I'd be more than happy to.
Dennis
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Would September be cheaper in Boston as folks go back to school or more expensive for that reason? I know the difference between August and September for most people is a big deal so are we set on a month?
Jody
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This is another topic that is a major issue year after year. Just like the USA vs Europe we have the inevitable August vs September. It was to my understanding from our discussions in Mexico City we were sticking with August. Those who voted for September all stated they could/would attend if AMG was in August.
If the collective group would like to hammer this out (IN A SEPERATE THREAD), feel free to do so.
Again, all I'm asking for HERE is hotel suggestions. Let's try this another way.
If YOU were to go to Boston tomorrow and were forced to book a hotel, which hotel would you make your reservation at?
Dennis
Would September be cheaper in Boston as folks go back to school or more expensive for that reason? I know the difference between August and September for most people is a big deal so are we set on a month?
Jody
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Radisson Hotel Boston
http://www.radisson.com/bostonma (http://www.radisson.com/bostonma)
Jurys Boston - This one looks promising
http://bostonhotels.jurysdoyle.com/jurys_boston (http://bostonhotels.jurysdoyle.com/jurys_boston)
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This is where we really really could use the help of someone local, or at least someone with a knowledge of Boston.
RAB
Bucko spent half of his life there. Ask him about general locations. There's a subway there so you shouldn't have to stay right in the middle of everything.
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Radisson Hotel Boston
http://www.radisson.com/bostonma (http://www.radisson.com/bostonma)
Jurys Boston - This one looks promising
http://bostonhotels.jurysdoyle.com/jurys_boston (http://bostonhotels.jurysdoyle.com/jurys_boston)
These do look like pretty good options.
I worked and lived in Boston for a number of years. When we go back now (which isn't too often), I prefer to stay in the Copley Square area. We usually choose Marriott hotels for their consistency and to rack up reward points (getting us a free room in Lisbon for 2 nights before our cruise in November) -- there is a Marriott and a Courtyard in the Copley Sq. area. There also is a Sheraton, Westin and another, that I can't think of at the moment, in that same area.
Copley Square is a great location -- close to the South End (gayest part of Boston), the Boston Common and Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade (a great place to walk, run and watch the boys). It's close to a number of subway stops and the Back Bay Amtrak station. Also, lots of shopping, restaurants and a short subway ride or healthy walk to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Basically, a pretty central location for touristy activities.
Mike
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Looking back on our fabulous hotel in Mexico City the only thing that disappointed us was the lack of complimentary wireless Internet access. Look for this service when researching hotel locations.
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I would definitely recommend against the Radisson. It was very convenient for a particular event so tried it three times but... guess it is that the price they charge is a few stars more than the quality of the hotel -- its gloomy, got a sort of concrete box feel to it and a little whiff of mildew every once in a while. It would make a perfectly adequate Motel 6 -- but then would expect to pay a Motel 6 type price instead of their rates.
Stayed at Jury's once I think and it was nice -- the Fairmont is lovely (but maybe not affordable without a really good discount ). Most of the other Copley Square hotels (Marriott, Westin) are also nice but pretty pricey.
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Boston Marriott Copley Place
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosco-boston-marriott-copley-place/ (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosco-boston-marriott-copley-place/)
The Midtown Hotel
http://www.midtownhotel.com/ (http://www.midtownhotel.com/)
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Hey Dennis
Thank you so much for the suggestions. It looks like the Midtown would probably be the most economical cause it looks a little "retro" (though I'm only speculating). The Marriot Copley is beautiful and Jury's Boston the same. The rooms look very nice, the lobbys gorgeous. And I think they both said they had in room WiFi (though there may have been a daily charge which I didn't catch).
Any of these three would probably suit us well. They all say their location is good for access to landmarks and transportation.
RAB
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The Marriott has a fee of $12.95 per day for WiFi and free local calls.
The Jury's has free WiFi and is the most economical of the two. Out of those that I posted, I'm leaning more toward the Jury's.
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The Marriott has a fee of $12.95 per day for WiFi and free local calls.
The Jury's has free WiFi and is the most economical of the two. Out of those that I posted, I'm leaning more toward the Jury's.
That does look like a nice one. I don't care as much about pool / gym type of amenities. I'm more concerned with location, cleanliness, and of course free internet! I really liked our previous AMG hotels and would be happy to stay in any one of them again (it's unlikely I'll go to M.C. again anytime soon, though) and doubt we'll be unhappy with whatever we choose. I really like the mezzanine area that we were able to use in S.F. That sort of gathering location would be a big plus.
David
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I'm really liking the Jury. Never been inside it, but have always been intrigued. As I've stated, I usually go with Marriotts, but would definitely be willing to try this one out.
Some information on the Midtown that is worth noting -- while it's not that far out, it is a little further out than most of the the others that have been mentioned (although, it is the closest to the Museum of Fine Arts). It's also on the subway's Green Line 'E' track, which is really the line with the longest wait times.
Mike
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Thanks Mike. I'm really liking the Jury's as well. It's located in the heart of the Back Bay area. Is this pretty centrally located and close to transportation? I was in Boston once about 8 years ago but don't recall that much about the different locales.
One cool fact about this property is that it is housed in the old Boston Police Headquarters.
(http://www.dilos.com/picture/hotel/85905)
(http://www.venere.com/img/hotel/3/6/6/4/224663/image_hotel_exterior_entrance_1.jpg)
(http://www.tripkick.com/img/hotels/full/137.jpg)
Here are some stats on the Hotel for everyone's review.
Hotel Amenities
225 elegantly appointed guestrooms
Two Executive Suites
One Presidential Suite
Evening turndown service
The lively, chic Stanhope Grille
Cuffs - an Irish bar
Il Barista coffee bar
24-hour room service
Five dedicated meeting rooms
Full audio, visual and complimentary wired and wireless internet service
Fitness gym with state-of-the-art equipment
Business center, complimentary to in-house guests
Valet parking
ADA accessibility
All non-smoking rooms
Accomodations
225 Elegantly appointed guest rooms
Our elegantly appointed bedrooms offer guests the following in room facilities:
Complimentary wired high-speed internet access
Multi-head showers (available in most rooms)
Desk with ergonomic chair
Luxurious, down-filled comforters
Refrigerator
Nightly turndown service
Professional valet service
In-room safes to accommodate laptops
Bathrobes
CD players
Alarm clock
Umbrella
Heated towel racks
Foam or feather pillow
Windows that open and allow for fresh air
Two-line telephones, data port and speaker phone
Iron and full-size ironing board
Hairdryer
Terry cloth bathrobes
Movies on command
Complimentary access to fitness gym
Complimentary cribs available on a request basis only (Rooms with King Beds only)
Roll away beds also available on request (one per room at an extra charge of $20.00)
Dining
Il Barista coffee bar and lounge
Serving coffees and teas, Il Barista also offers a fabulous range of freshly baked pastries and muffins, straight from the oven.
The Stanhope Grille
This three-meal-a-day, cosmopolitan restaurant serves a variety of freshly prepared food selections, from hearty, authentic Irish breakfasts to a full a la carte dinner selection.
Cuffs - an Irish bar
Cuffs is an Irish bar where one can savor the spacious bar area or find a cozy corner to call your own. Cuffs is ideal place for a pint or an appetizing snack. Named "Best Hotel Bar" from Boston Magazine and Improper Bostonian.
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All non-smoking rooms
Crap Crap Crap! >:(
RAB
Who will go with whatever the group decides though.