Boston Hotels

February 17, 2005 10:01 PM

I would like to go to Boston for Spring Break. I am 20.5. Do you know of any hotels that do not have a 21 check in policy in Boston?

I do not drink. I do not plan on having parties. I just want to see the historical sites in Boston/Cambridge/Salem. I was wondering if anyone knew of relatively cheap places I could stay (no hostels, they're gross)

posted by moooshy to Travel & Transportation around Boston, MA (13 answers total)

If you've got a credit card, you're gold pretty much anywhere -- unless of couse you look really young. The typical check-in process involves the following:

I say this while handing them my credit card: "Hi, I'm checking in for my X-night reservation."

They take the card, see my name, and say "Hi, Mr. Bukowinski"

They usually don't check your ID.

But I assume you're asking this because you've already had problems getting a reservation? If you book ahead online, you shouldn't have any problems, but if they turn you away at the reg desk on the day of your reservation, tell them you're there on business.
posted by pmbuko at 10:28 PM on February 17, 2005

OK, I lied. They usually butcher my last name, but the rest is true.
posted by pmbuko at 10:29 PM on February 17, 2005

I stayed in lots of hotels from the ages of 17 to 21, and beyond. As long as the hotel has know that I can pay, age has never been an issue. I've never heard of a 21 and up hotel problem.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:39 PM on February 17, 2005

Seriously, I'm sure hundreds of Australian and European backpackers visit Boston every summer, and lots of them are under 21. Are they supposed to sleep on the street?

Your age should not be a factor. Just find somewhere on hotels.com or stay in a youth hostel. Don't worry about being under 21.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:40 PM on February 17, 2005

The HI hostel in Boston is decidedly not gross, BTW.
posted by letitrain at 10:54 PM on February 17, 2005

Just to confirm what others have already said, you should be fine pretty much everywhere, especially if you have a credit card to speed things along. The only places I've ever really seen a 21+ hotel check-in policy are Vegas hotel/casinos.
posted by Mrmuhnrmuh at 11:43 PM on February 17, 2005

I've been in several quite nice youth hostels in boston. It was about $60 cheaper than a hotel, and the rooms were basically dorm rooms with a few bunks. If it's not a crowded week, you'll probably have the room to yourself. hostels rule!
posted by JZig at 12:24 AM on February 18, 2005

The biggest problem you might encounter is that some hotels won't put under 21s in a room with a non-locked mini-bar. If it's a heavily booked-up night at a hotel with such mini-bars, and you arrive late, that could crimp your style, or even lead them to dishonor the reservation.
posted by MattD at 8:23 AM on February 18, 2005

Boston Hostels
posted by ericb at 8:39 AM on February 18, 2005

hostleboston.com
posted by ericb at 8:40 AM on February 18, 2005

I second everything said here - I haven't stayed in Boston, but in New York, San Franscisco, and San Diego, all between 18-21, and I haven't had any problems.
posted by muddgirl at 9:11 AM on February 18, 2005

A friend stayed at the Boston YWCA recently and thought it was a fantastic deal - the YMCA has similar rates.
posted by soplerfo at 9:28 AM on February 18, 2005

moooshy - off topic, but related.

I highly recommend that you get a hold of Walt Kelley's "What They Never Told You About Boston (Or What They Did That Were Lies)". It's a fascinating, easy read...and will make your exploration of Boston that much more enjoyable.

BTW - Walt Kelley's personal history is fascinating:

"Boston born and raised, Walt Kelley graduated from the oldest high school in the United States - Boston Latin School - and then graduated from the oldest college - Harvard. He was employed by the oldest (naturally) bank in New England, The First National Bank of Boston; as executive vice president of MetroBank and Trust, and then joined First Security as vice president and controller. After thirteen years in finance, he changed fields and opened a family business which sold sports cards and sports memorabilia. Over the next six years he formed two more companies, one of which failed and caused the other companies to collapse. After the setback, he joined Town Taxi of Boston, where today he drives a cab - he won the 'Best Cab Driver in Boston Award in 1987. He and his wife, Linda, live in Boston". [from his biography page in the book].
posted by ericb at 8:32 AM on February 19, 2005 [1 favorite]