Boston, an important historical, financial, sporting, academic and cultural centre in New England and America, holds a unique charm and allure for the millions of visitors who visit for various reasons. With a variety of attractions and icons such as museums, lush gardens, sports venues and universities located close to each other, it is no wonder that the diversity that makes up the city is a major attraction in itself.

If you are paying a visit to Boston and want to explore all that the city to offer, what better way to get started than to choose one of the many accessible hotels in the city to be your base. While there are many high-end luxury hotels and those that mainly cater to the academic crowd due to the presence of some of the most established universities here, you can still find a good variety of accommodation options, including cheap Boston hotels located in or near the downtown area.

The cheaper accommodation in Boston can generally hold their own against their luxury counterparts in terms of comfort and convenience, while providing unmatched affordability to the budget traveler. While these hotels may not be filled with the trappings of luxury, you will be able to find rustic furnishings and an old world charm that matches the character of the city. While the amenities are fairly basic but sufficient, you will certainly feel at home with the cozy atmosphere exuded by these hotels.

Something that you would have to take into consideration before booking your hotel in Boston is the timing of your visit. This is because during major events and festivals such as Patriot’s Day, Boston Marathon and Independence Day celebrations, and in September when the autumn foliage becomes an attraction in itself, the hotels near the downtown area in particular fill up very quickly and could leave you with fewer choices. The same can be said of the graduation weekend at the end of May as there are a good number of universities in the city.

Hence, booking your hotel in advance should be your priority if you wish to visit Boston during these periods and enjoy great deals at the same time. While you may still have options available if you book later, you may have to settle for hotels outside the city, which would translate into extra travelling time and costs.

If you want to be located close to all the main attractions in Boston which are within walking distance of each other, I would recommend that you find your hotel in the downtown area or Back Bay. Although hotel prices generally increase the closer you are to the city centre, there are still many cheaper accommodation options available from motels and bed and breakfasts to budget and mid-ranged hotels.

In the downtown area, you would be located in the vicinity of the financial district which is especially convenient if you are in Boston for business. If you are a tourist, you would also find many historical sights, shopping and dining options a short distance away from your hotel.

Back Bay, too, is recommended for being accessible by public transport such as the trolley and subway as well as by foot, and having many hip cafes and shopping opportunities in the area. Both areas are close to the theatre district which is a boon for arts lovers.