Cheap Summer Vacations in Boston

Boston can be one of the most expensive cities to visit in the US due to high parking fees and expensive hotels. While some hotels can be found in a comparative bargain price range, for some, these prices are still too much to pay.

One option is to seek out hotels just on the outskirts of Boston that have shuttle services and some reasonable prices amenities. These hotels are close enough to the sites without breaking the bank on parking.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Boston Somerville is less than 5 miles from Boston center, and amenities include guest laundry, complimentary continental breakfast and free newspapers. They have high-speed Internet. La Quinta has reasonable rates and great rates for nights with low bookings. Rates available online are sometimes as low as $39 a night, but rates typically run about $85 to $115 a night. It is worth checking LaQuinta to see if there is a deep discount hotel room the night you want to stay in Boston, or check a range of dates if you are flexible with your travel schedule.

Homewood Suites is one of my favorite hotel deals because there are so many useful amenities. Homewood Suites by Hilton® Cambridge-Arlington is 5 miles from the center of Boston; it is close to both Harvard Square and Downtown Boston. Homewood Suites offers one and two bedroom suites with kitchen areas, living room area, dining table area, pullout couch, free breakfast buffet that would easily cost you $10 - $15 per person in other hotels, and on Monday through Thursday there is a light dinner and drinks. Coffee, tea and some refreshments are always in the lobby. The free food and kitchen facilities makes for real savings in a town like Boston, if you go out to eat you can take your leftovers and keep them in the fridge in your room. There are also some nice free amenities at Homewood Suites, which is a good perk when staying in the city. At a recent stay I had at Homewood Suites, they had a delicious tea amongst the free beverages in the lobby, and when I looked up the brand when I got home, it turns out to be an expensive tea typically only available in spas. There are also several free business amenities such as free wireless internet in your room as well as an office center with copy machine, fax, and computer and printer. The hotel also has a game room, pool table, a large public area living room with fireplace, and some suites have fireplaces. While the room rate itself is not as cheap as some hotels, it is inclusive of much of your food needs and saves money on your overall Boston trip. Summer Rates for a Suite bedroom with separate living room on the weekend run around $180, and about $209. This type of suite can hold up to six people (2 Queens and a pull out couch) or a two bedroom can have up to eight people (four in the two bed queen bedroom, two on the pull out couch, two on the King bed room). The two bedroom suites cost more but is cheaper than renting two rooms if you have a large party. There is also a Homewood Suites in Peabody (13 miles from Boston center) at about $135 a night.

The Econo Lodge in Malden is 5 miles from the center of Boston and rates start at $79 a night. Econo Lodges are generally clean but simple rooms, low on amenities but suitable for those are more interested in seeing the sites than staying in luxury. They have a complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, Free Newspaper on weekends.

Visit each hotel's respective Web site for details on special travel packages and availability.

The Prescott International Hotel and Hostel, just on the edge of Boston is technically a hostel, but at about $40 - $45 a night per person, it must be the cheapest place to stay in Boston. It is safe neighborhood with some local Brazilian and Chinese restaurants with reasonably priced meals.

Restaurant.com has gift certificates for Boston area restaurants at a deep discount. Search online for a coupon code and get a $25 gift certificate for $2. Another idea for savings is the Entertainment Book which is currently on sale for about $15. The Boston Entertainment book has two for one coupons good at Boston area restaurants, entertainment, and hotel discounts.