America holiday

doshsaving

I'm travelling to the US next week with a friend; we're both students. Need to keep costs down as flights already £450. We're mostly staying with friends but need a hotel in Boston - since it's our only hotel would like a bit of luxury (a pool) but not much expense!
Anyone know other ways to save money? We're travelling with an Amtrak 15 day pass. Going to NY, Boston, Philadelphia and toronto. Anyone know restaurant vouchers? Local Transport discounts? Nights out which don't involve drinking? Time saving gems? Good ways to spend the 12hr train journey to Toronto?!
Cheap ways to call home on my mobile?(I'm on Orange)
Thanks in advance.

blindman

If you're over 21 you can use Priceline for accomodation in Boston.

The two 4* hotels (Hyatt and Hilton)at the airport come up at about $60\65 + taxes ($15).

jenniferpa

Boston has pretty good public transport which is just as well because it's an awful city to drive in. Wherever you choose to stay, check to see how far you are from a MBTA trolley stop - it will make your visit much easier. http://www.mbta.com/

I'm sorry I don't have a recommendation for you - we last stayed at the Best Western Terrace Inn, which was fine, but doesn't have a pool.

student100

Well if you want opulent hotel luxury it's probably not what you're after, but I have stayed in the Boston Hostelling International hostel and thought it was very good. Great location too.

http://www.bostonhostel.org/

I think about $30 per person per night. Apparently includes pastries and things for breakfast but I think I got up too late and missed it... however there are two Dunkin Donuts on the same block as the hostel so you can't starve...


Cheap way: Don't use your mobile to call home! Use a phone card or a "virtual" phone card like:
http://www.click4prepaid.com/
which I have used and can recommend.

You can call the UK for 4 cents a minute (plus 50 cents per call if you're using a payphone, which are everywhere in US cities). If you're being really cheap you can get home to call you at your friends for pennies using one of the numbers in the call checker.

doshsaving

Thanks everyone. I guess we'll have to stick with either good location or good hotel! I don't understand this priceline thing, how does it work? We could ask an over 21 to do it for us. Thanks again.