New York and Boston

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DH and I are off to America in April staying five days in New York and five more in Boston visiting DD who is at college there. Any recommendations for nice places to stay in both cities would be appreciated. Also we would like to travel from New York to Boston by train. Do we need to book ahead and can we take suitcases on the train?

There are loads of nice places to stay in NYC - the limiting factor is really your budget. I really like the Hilton on 53rd and 6th. Nice hotel close to everything, but not in the middle of the craziness that is Times Square.

For the train journey, I would book ahead, although it isn't strictly necessary. Sometimes the trains get very full. You can bring suitcases. They have racks at the end of each car for large ones and overhead bins for carry on sized ones. Be prepared for boarding to be crazy, as they announce the track number and everyone runs to get to the one escalator and on to the train. It can feel a bit like a stampede! The trains are really comfy though, and I wouldn't go from NYC to Boston any other way. Plus, there are some amazing views in Connecticut.

Thanks very much for that. Very helpful.

We're going to new york in December and I've picked Distrikt hotel. Not been before but it looks really nice

We stayed at The Colonnade in Boston - it was really lovely. It is very central, easy walking distance of everywhere.

Has anyone been to boston in february? We are thinking for next year. Would it be bitterly cold. Been to new york a few times but later in the year.

Thanks precious. I thought so.

DD stayed at The Mercer Grammercy Park, NY, and liked that very much. I would stay somewhere with reasonable access to the Highline and the Meatpacking District or SoHo if I was going now. Boston is absolutely great and there are some great hotels now. When we went many years ago I was a bit disappointed with ours so will not recommend it but try and stay in the Back Bay Area. The underground train system is also good in Boston.

We took the train from Boston to New York, but the slower, cheaper one that stopped a lot. Agree about the views on the way and arriving in New York with the skyline full of skyscrapers is iconic NY. There is an express train but it is quite a lot more money. We had no problem with bags on board. Just a woman sitting opposite who did not stop talking to us for 4 hours! I think you arrive at Penn Street station which is no great arrival but I think these two cities make a great holiday.

Boston is normally very very cold in February.

I don't think the Acela Express (the fast train) is worth the extra money. The time difference isn't huge, and it is just as likely to be delayed.

We flew from new york to boston. Cheap or cheaper than the train, quick, easy and a full luggage allowance!

Would def recommend flying.

Quite a few years ago but I stayed at the Lennox hotel which was very central in Boston.

We actually stayed at The Lennox too,but you can do better now. The major advantage of the trains is that you depart from Central Boston and end up in Central New York so transfers are kept to a minimum. The cost can really mount upon NY. It is also more fun and less waiting around.

I stayed at the Copley park plaza in Boston about 10 years ago. It was lovely.
To the person asking if it will be cold in feb? Definately!

We stayed at The Liberty in Boston, great converted old prison (very comfy though! ).