Bean Town

[tyler4178]

One of my good friends recently won the lottery for 4 tickets to see the Red Sox v. Yanks opening game on Sunday, April 4th. Since none of us have been to Boston I thought members would have some recommendations for reasonably priced hotels near Fenway and any "must do" bars or herf spots. We plan to be in town for a couple days to take in the NCAA championship game on the 5th at a local bar.

Thanks in advance

Cap'nT

[Colt45]

Your best bet for lodging would be to search online. Off the top of my head, the closest hotel to Fenway I can think of would be the Elliot, on the corner

of Commonwealth and Mass Aves. It probably is not overly inexpensive, but worth a look. Boston is eminently walkable, and would recommend not

driving in town if you can avoid it.

I don't know how much touring around you'd like to do - the closest cigar lounge would be Cigar masters on Boylston street. But within walking distance

(at least to me ) are Churchill's on North street and Stanza dei Sigari on Hanover in the North End (Boston's little Italy). No smoking indoors at other

bars - but there are plenty of other bars!

[88keys]

Howard Johnson is literally behind Fenway but not a great location for tourists. Colt is right about the Eliot - close, very nice and expensive. Search Sheraton Boston and Hilton Back Bay for deals. Both are easy walking distance. If you want cheap, try Midtown Hotel; almost like a motel but ok and still close. There are lots of others. It's easy to get to Fenway from anywhere near the Green Line. Don't drive. I still love Boston 14 years after a great job offer got me to move away. Opening night against the Yanks - you're going to have a great time.

[tigger]

Your best bet for lodging would be to search online. Off the top of my head, the closest hotel to Fenway I can think of would be the Elliot, on the corner

of Commonwealth and Mass Aves. It probably is not overly inexpensive, but worth a look. Boston is eminently walkable, and would recommend not

driving in town if you can avoid it.

I don't know how much touring around you'd like to do - the closest cigar lounge would be Cigar masters on Boylston street. But within walking distance

(at least to me ) are Churchill's on North street and Stanza dei Sigari on Hanover in the North End (Boston's little Italy). No smoking indoors at other

bars - but there are plenty of other bars!

I'm far from a native, but all three of the smoking spots Colt mentioned are worth checking out, IMO.

And I don't think you need to worry about staying near Fenway...the T and your feet make Boston easy to get around (the roads don't).

Might be worth doing the name your own price dealie for a room...I booked a room for a Sat night this month at the Copley Westin for $90 + tax.

And Ross, I don't think I'll have time this trip, but I may be traveling up there semi-halfway-a little bit-regularly in the future, and would really like to light something on fire with you!

[jawofboston]

I lived in Boston for many years and go back regularly. The Newbury Guest House is one of the best deals going; it's in a converted brownstone so it's less touristy than the bigger hotels. It's right on Newbury Street in the Back Bay neighborhood where you can grab a good meal, and then Fenway is only a short "T" ride away. The Fens itself isn't a bad neighborhood, but it's very loud/busy and the restaurant selection isn't great, so I wouldn't stay there. Boston isn't a big city so the neighborhoods are pretty close together.

[GP012]

And Ross, I don't think I'll have time this trip, but I may be traveling up there semi-halfway-a little bit-regularly in the future, and would really like to light something on fire with you!

I'm beginning to think Colt's just a figment of my imagination (and I've said this a few times now, LOL).

Stanzas is my favorite of the cigar bars in the city, Cigar Masters on Boylston (closest to Fenway) is nice, but smaller. Churchills near Faneuil Hall is ok, nothing special.

Walking or taking the T is fine for getting around, but keep in mind the T stops running at about 1 in the morning.

[Colt45]

And Ross, I don't think I'll have time this trip, but I may be traveling up there semi-halfway-a little bit-regularly in the future, and would really like to light something on fire with you!

Tim, just let me know when you're up and have the time

I'm beginning to think Colt's just a figment of my imagination (and I've said this a few times now, LOL).

Greg, I ended up going to Stanza on New Year's day and watched the winter classic there. I knew you had boo-boo head, so I didn't want to

shame you into it. I did feel a little rejected..... kinda. But I'll get over it....... eventually.

[jjeng]

Don't think it's been mentioned yet, but you should definitely check out Leavitt & Pierce across the street from Harvard. Pretty sure you can't smoke in there, but it's definitely a tobacco shop worth checking out. It's a charming little store with a lot of history behind it.

This is really touristy, but you could also do the Cheers trail. Start at the Cheers at Quincy Market and end at the original one near the Commons. They have maps at the locations.

Hope that helps.

[tyler4178]

Thank you all for your insight and recommendations. I am really looking forward to the game and exploring Boston.

Particularly since it is only the fellas and the wives are staying home!

So keep the suggesting coming.