Where to Stay in Massachusetts

The best time to book depends on your travel season:

• Summer/Fall Foliage (June-October): Book 2-4 months in advance for best rates and availability
• Spring (April-May): Book 4-6 weeks ahead for good selection
• Winter (December-March): Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best deals

For popular events like Boston Marathon or Tanglewood concerts, book 6+ months ahead.

Hotel costs vary significantly by location and season:

• Boston: $150-400/night (downtown), $100-250/night (suburbs)
• Cape Cod: $120-350/night (summer), $80-200/night (off-season)
• Berkshires: $130-300/night (peak foliage), $90-180/night (winter)
• Western/Central MA: $85-200/night year-round

Luxury properties and peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.

It depends on your destination:

• Boston: No car needed. Excellent public transit (MBTA), walkable neighborhoods, expensive parking ($25-50/night)
• Cambridge: No car needed. Great public transit and bike-friendly
• Cape Cod: Car recommended for exploring multiple towns and beaches
• Berkshires: Car essential for visiting attractions and scenic drives
• Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket: Cars allowed but not necessary; bikes and shuttles available

Standard inclusions vary by property type:

• Always included: Basic room amenities, housekeeping, WiFi (at most properties)
• Often included: Fitness center access, business center, local calls
• Sometimes included: Breakfast (more common at B&Bs), parking (suburban locations)
• Usually extra: Parking (downtown), resort fees, room service, spa services

Always check what's included before booking to avoid surprises.

Cancellation policies vary by property and booking type:

• Standard hotels: 24-48 hours before arrival for free cancellation
• Luxury hotels: 72 hours to 7 days advance notice required
• B&Bs: Often 7-14 days advance notice required
• Vacation rentals: Varies widely, often 30+ days for full refund
• Peak season: Stricter policies, some non-refundable rates

Always purchase travel insurance for expensive bookings or non-refundable rates.

Payment timing depends on booking method:

• Hotel direct: Usually pay at check-in, credit card held for guarantee
• Booking sites: May charge immediately or at check-in (check terms)
• Prepaid rates: Charged immediately, often non-refundable but cheaper
• Vacation rentals: Often 50% deposit, balance due before arrival

Check your booking confirmation for specific payment terms.

Common additional fees in Massachusetts:

• Parking: $15-50/night in Boston, usually free in suburbs
• Resort fees: $15-45/night at some Cape Cod and Berkshire resorts
• Pet fees: $25-75/night at pet-friendly properties
• Extra person fees: $15-35/night for additional guests
• Early check-in/late checkout: $25-50 if available

Always ask about additional fees when booking to avoid surprises.

For first-time visitors, we recommend:

• Downtown/Financial District: Walking distance to Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, waterfront
• Back Bay: Beautiful Victorian architecture, Newbury Street shopping, Copley Square
• North End: Historic Italian neighborhood, close to attractions
• Cambridge: University atmosphere, easy T access to downtown

Avoid: Airport area (far from attractions), some South End areas (less convenient)

Best Cape Cod areas for beach lovers:

• Outer Cape (Provincetown, Truro): National Seashore beaches, dramatic dunes
• Chatham: Upscale town, beautiful beaches, great restaurants
• Dennis/Brewster: Family-friendly, good value, bay and ocean beaches
• Falmouth: Convenient location, ferry to Martha's Vineyard

Consider: Ocean side (cooler water, waves) vs. bay side (warmer, calmer)

Fall foliage timing and best locations:

• Peak season: Late September to mid-October
• Berkshires: Best overall foliage, stay in Lenox or Stockbridge
• Western MA: Pioneer Valley, stay near Amherst or Northampton
• Central MA: Worcester area, good value and beautiful colors
• Book early: Foliage season is extremely popular, book 3-4 months ahead

Pro tip: Weekdays are less crowded and often cheaper than weekends.

Staying overnight is highly recommended:

• Day trips: Rushed, limited to ferry schedules, miss evening atmosphere
• Overnight stays: Experience island pace, sunset dinners, morning beaches
• Martha's Vineyard: More affordable, diverse accommodations
• Nantucket: More exclusive, higher prices, unique charm
• Book early: Limited accommodations, especially summer weekends

Consider: 2-3 nights minimum to truly experience island life.

Top family-friendly options in Massachusetts:

• Vacation rentals: Space, kitchens, multiple bedrooms, often best value
• Suite hotels: Separate living areas, mini-fridges, pools
• Resort properties: Kids' clubs, family activities, pools
• B&Bs with family rooms: Personal service, local recommendations

Look for: Pools, complimentary breakfast, cribs/rollaway beds, proximity to attractions

Many Massachusetts accommodations welcome pets:

• Pet fees: Typically $25-75/night, some charge one-time fees
• Size restrictions: Many limit to dogs under 50-80 lbs
• Best options: Vacation rentals, extended stay hotels, some boutique inns
• Pet amenities: Dog beds, treats, walking areas, pet-sitting services

Always call ahead to confirm pet policy and availability of pet-friendly rooms.

Massachusetts accommodations offer various accessibility features:

• ADA compliance: Most hotels built after 1990 have accessible rooms
• Common features: Roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered fixtures, wide doorways
• Historic properties: May have limited accessibility due to age
• Best to call: Verify specific needs and room availability

Book accessible rooms early as they're limited and in high demand.