Suggestions for hotels, parking, Salem, attractions

Hello, everyone.

We are looking to take a road trip to Boston from June 26 to July 3. We want to leave Boston before July 4 because I’ve heard it’s very busy there that day, but unfortunately that was the only week I could get off work so I’m thinking we may be slightly affected by increased rates.

I’m looking for several suggestions. I know it’s a lot but figured I’d get everything out at once!

1) I’m having trouble picking a hotel. Ideally we would like to be downtown, but prices, along with parking have proven to be high. Looking at betterbidding.com’s calendar of wins, it looks like I could possibly get the Hilton Quincy Market for $100 per night plus taxes and fees using Priceline but then there is still $38 parking for each night. That of course, is non-cancelable, so I’d like to book a cancelable back up before I bid for that in case something comes up and we can’t go. We are not interested in bed and breakfasts, as my husband doesn’t like to go on vacation to hob nob with other travelers!  Are there any other suggestions for hotels? We are not interested in fancy hotels, just a convenient, clean place to sleep!

2) Any suggestions for alternative parking for the week? When I went to Manhattan, we found a lot close by to the hotel that was cheaper than the hotel lot, but I have a newer car now, so I am slightly reluctant to do that, but interested if there are safe public lots downtown that may be cheaper. Also, are there any hotels outside of the city that may offer free parking for the week if we stay our first and last night there? Or any suburbs that I may want to check in for an arrangement such as this? We’re coming from the West on 90.

3) I really want to visit Salem, and I’m wondering if it makes sense to drive there and stay a night or 2 there instead of just day tripping from Boston. Is there enough to do there? Would that save money? If so, any hotel suggestions? Is it better to leave the car in Boston %26amp; take the ferry or train?

4) Any “must do” Boston attractions? I have already decided I’m going to do the Freedom Trail including the USS Constitution, and a whale watching excursion. “Maybe” attractions are the Gardner museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, JFK Library %26amp; Museum, and Samuel Adams Brewery Tour. We are 2 thirty-something adults who enjoy viewing history, museums, and mansions while on vacation. Any comments on my maybe’s or suggestions for other can’t miss locations?

5) Any local restaurants, wineries, or brewpubs that may be close to the attractions above that we shouldn’t miss?

Sorry for so many questions, but I am at the beginning of my research process! Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Suggestions for hotels, parking, Salem, attractions

Whle it`s not in downtown Boston, The Hampton Inn Cambridge could be a good option for you. It`s located diagonally across the street from the Lechmere T (subway) station and a quick train ride (10 minutes or less) to downtown Boston. It`s also within walking distance to The Boston Museum of Science and The Cambridge Galleria shopping mall. The hotel is located in a safe area on a somewhat busy street so I would request a room at the back of the hotel. On your dates you can get a room for $109 which includes a breakfast buffet each day and free parking. This is a great value. It`s also cancellable.

Suggestions for hotels, parking, Salem, attractions

Good suggestion by basing.

I would not stay in Salem overnite and would drive. Having a car can be a great benefit. After Salem you should visit Marblehead. On the way back from Marblehead you follow the water. Nahant is a nice drive. Follow signs to Revere Beach and stop at Kelley%26#39;s Roast Beef.

Lexington and Concord are easy enough to get by car.

Do Concord First and Lexington if yo have time. On the way back from Lexington you can even take Mass. Ave all the way. Off Mass. Ave in Lexington is Wilsom Farms. Stop here to get great oranges and produce.

Mass. Ave leads into Havard Square. Getting a parking space is not too difficult. From here you can take Memorial Drive back to the hotel. The view of Boston at night is very nice.

$138 or so downtown with parking during that time of year is not a bad deal at all. I%26#39;m not sure what the Hilton Quincy Market is -- probably the Hilton in the Finanical District?

You can find a garage that is cheaper than $38 a day, but not that much cheaper during the week, maybe the best you could do is $25 or so at the Boston Common garage or the open lots down on Fan Pier.

The Hampton Inn deal does sound like a decent alternative. Although you won%26#39;t be able to walk out of your hotel and be smack in the middle of downtown, the Lechemere T is right across the street.

heavy makeup