Places to stay in Salem, Boston and Plymouth MA?

Question

Hi, i'm a student coming from England (Plymouth actually) to Massahusetts in Febuary. I'm trying to find out cheap places to stay while in there. I'm dong a history reasearch project so i will be staying in each of the above for a few days at a time and i'm flying into Boston.
Also any recomendation of great museums, historical places would be brlliant!!
Thanks
Claire

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with accomodations in and around Boston, but I did see a site called goboston.card (see link below), listing attractions, accommodations and a discount card. It includes admission to Plimoth Plantation (the old way of spelling Plymouth) (which is a must!).

The Boston Globe (one of the largest newpapers) has an interesting article on a "Muggles" (Harry Potter) convention in Salem (sadly it was in Oct., so you missed it, but the link has other good info. (Link #2)

The third link (salemweb.com), has a list of lodgings, mostly "Bed & Breakfasts", which can be pricey, but sometimes not, especially "off-season". They're nicer than a motel, for some people, homier, w/breakfast included usually.

If you like siteseeing, a great museum is The Museum of Fine Arts. It has one of the largest collections of Impressionist Art. (mfa.org) Also, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which is a reconstructed, Italian villa.

One thing to remember: the areas outside Boston are less expensive (hotels, etc.), but the public transportation is not good. If you plan to stay in Plymouth and Salem and do any siteseeing without a group, rent a car!

If you DO plan to take the subway (yes, it's called the "T" or MBTA), there's a link below to show you routes and schedules. It DOES go to Salem, but I'm not sure how pleasant it is to use the subway now in Boston. Last time I used it, a guy tried to steal my luggage! Hopefully they've cleaned it up...?

Answer 2

In Plymouth I've stayed at a Best Western, and it was pretty decent and cheap. As far as for when you're in Boston you might want to try to stay a little outside the city and take public transportation in to the city, it'll save you a LOT of money, and the train system is great really. Try the Hampton Inn, which is located in Cambridge. It's basically right across the street from the Green line of the train, which will take you anywhere you need to go downtown in about 15 minutes. Also, it's a REALLY nice hotel in a good area, and much less than anything downtown. Any relatives that visit me from out of state have stayed there and been very happy overall. Also it's very close to the Museum of Science which is a must see. Make sure you walk the Freedom Trail, even though it will be very crowded, you'll learn so much about the history of America, and the Revolutionary War, etc. I'm sure you'll love it!

Answer 3

Hi there- I am going to throw another suggestion into the pot. A cheaper place to stay, and one that will offer you some further historical sites to visit, is Quincy. Just south of Boston, there are several hotels, including a Best Western Adams Inn and the Marriott Quincy. Rates are usually less than in the downtown Boston area. Quincy is right on the "red line" branch of the subway, with direct access to both Boston and the commuter train to Plymouth. I know that both of the hotels I mentioned have shuttle buses that take you right to the nearest subway stops.

Quincy was the home of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and drafts of the constitution were witten here. The Adams mansion, summer whitehouse during the time Adams was president is here, along with the birth and burial places of John and Abigail Adams. I do think, however, that the tour of the sites shut down in the winter. So you may not be able to go inside the houses. Check out http://www.nps.gov/adam for more info and hours and such.

I am afraid that you may find some of the attractions closed in February in Plymouth as well. A good web resource is
http://www.visit-plymouth.com/attractions.htm

I wish you well on your trip. Boston and the surrounding areas are rich with history and the arts. I hope that you enjoy your visit here! Bring your hat, scarf and gloves, though, because one thing that is certain is that it will be cold! :-)

Answer 4

Dear Claire:

There are NO "cheap" places to stay in metro Boston. None. I suggest, however, you check with the city-funded tourist agencies of both Salem and Plymouth, give them the same information as in your Question, and ask them about helping you locate possible reduced weekly tarifs in private homes and B&Bs that are normally closed in winter months.

Unfortunately, ShouldBeW is not quite correct about the train system vis a vis Plymouth: there are only 4 trains a day (from Boston) and they only go to North Plymouth ("Cordage Park" station), which is a 3 kilometre walk to the downtown and historic areas and the local bus system is anemic. Transit is far better - half way to London standards - in Salem, with both frequent trains to Boston and local and express busses.

As for museum and historical place recommendations I suggest you buy a couple of good guide books - Boston is unsurpassed for an American city for history (I presume you know that) - the American revolution started in Boston - but it is "under-museumed" compared to large cities in Europe (though there are a couple of great ones).

Also, be prepared for the possibility of immense winter storms. Mid-February is the height of the "nor'easter" storm risk. Snowstorms of 50cm are not unusal and can approach 70 cm. Even though it is only 60km north of Plymouth Salem gets hit twice as often (just a couple of km along the Massachusetts coast can make all the difference whether a winter storm will be all snow or snow that changes to rain). A severe nor'easter of the sort described hits about once every two years in Boston city, although some years there are 2 or 3 of them whilst other years there are none. Last year there was one, in January. As noted, historically more hit in mid-February than at any other time.

Answer 5

I live in Plymouth and you can get some pretty good deals in February...Try The Governor Bradford,(on the waterfront), the Comfort Inn,(on a busy street), the Best Western(just outside of downtown), the Governor Carver (near downtown)these are just a few in the area. Good luck.

Answer 6

Try staying in Newton, MA and taking the T (public "subway" system) into Boston. It is a short ride, and might be cheapter than staying in the city of Boston. Not sure for the other places, sorry!

Answer 7

Copley Square is pretty close, or you could try the Hyatt in Cambridge on the Charles that is just over the bridge to and a block from Kenmore square. Do the Duck Boats! Places to eat: Finales (for dessert), Fire and Ice, Legal Seafoods or Jimmys for Seafood

Answer 8

whatever you do DO NOT stay at the Salem Inn in Salem, MA. Was there over the late Summer and it was a complete waste of money. Never, never again will we stay there. Oh, it was just horrible.

Answer 9

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