Customer Reviews

Boston for Dummies

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this because I've read some books in the Dummies series. After finally figuring out where we wanted to stay in Boston (location/hotel), I realized that this is all this book is good for. Yes, it does include a lot of tourist information, but the layout of the book just makes it hard to read. Or uninteresting. I used it just for the location of stay and that's it. I'm going to buy Frommers book on Boston and use it during my trip since Frommers' book layout is much better and includes the same types of maps. I've used Frommers many times for different trips.

I think if you just need a starter book to get your trip going, then this is a good book to look at, but I wouldn't bring it along while you're on the trip. Maybe go visit your public library instead of buying it or try to find it used. And, if you're comfortable with the internet, you could just find out the information you need before going on your trip by using some of the travel sites available to get info and opinions.

I live in Boston but keep a copy of this book on my desk. It's an incredible resource. I find myself using it all the time. The author shares information about sites, events and destinations that my husband and I, with a combined 40 (yes forty!) years of living in Boston, hadn't heard of. I use it to find out about great day trips and "new" (to me) places to take my kids. A must-have if you're visiting Beantown, or even if you're a resident.

This book is written where it helps novice and experienced travelers alike. Having never been to Boston before, I examined at least a dozen tour guide books before selecting this one. It offered more information in an easy to understand format than any of the others. Along with lots of maps, it also has phone numbers and website addresses of the numerous attractions that Beantown has to offer. While in Boston, I frequently referred back to this book, saving lots of time and frustration. Well worth the price.

Hard to use and poorly laid out. Doesn't list attractions and restaurants by neighborhood, so you are out and about but you can't find a recommended restaurant in the area. Very frustrating. This book is best used to hold the hotel door open while the bellman unloads your luggage. If you go to Boston, have fun!...but DON'T BUY THIS BOOK. Froemmer's does it better in their sleep.

Like most Dummies books Boston for Dummies has neither in-depth content nor genuine humor. What it does boast of is a low price. There is a lot of information in the book -- information you can also find online for free or in other guide books. My personal favorite is the award-winning "The Rough Guide to Boston," which features better writing and better editing than this one. If you are visiting Boston or plan to go to school there, get the Rough Guide to Boston to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.

I was surprised to see other reviewers having such a strong dislike for this travel book, though I can see their points. I've been to Boston once before, and I'm not sure this book would make as much sense to someone who hasn't already been to beantown.

I found the hotel information to be the most helpful. And the book is sprinkled with many practical, locals tips.

The restaurant section was ok, but the recommendations didn't seem very diverse and (as one other reviewer pointed out) things aren't laid out by neighborhood unless you look at the one page index at the end of the chapter.

This book coupled with active internet searches works well. Many of my searches began from links found in the book.

Alternatives to this book that I can recommend are both the Frommer's 'Boston' or their 'Irreverent Guide'. Both are solid with good tips for the first time traveler.

Sure, there are glossier books, more compact books, and niche books for budget and underground traveling in Boston. When you want to get down to basics and do some armchair planning, Boston for Dummies is a great resource. Could you get a lot of this info off the Internet? You bet. Pair this with something sexier like a Lonely Planet Guide, and you are all set, though.

The opening chapters follow a natural chronological progression through the steps of trip planning-picking the time of year for your trip, roughing out a budget, planning accommodations, and getting to Boston. The dining chapter is a so-so index of restaurants sorted by neighborhood, by cuisine, and by price. All the famous spots are represented, as well as some lesser-known restaurants, and everything is depicted on a large city map. Author Marie Morris then delves into the top sights of this historic American city, followed by specialized attractions for kids, teens, art lovers, sports fans, and those who prefer guided tours.

For those who want guidance but not a full guided tour, Morris provides dozens of sample trip outlines that range from shopping expeditions, to 3 day Boston and 5 day Boston trips, to Boston with kids, and a series of great day trips in the Boston area. My chief complaint about other Boston-area books is that they assume a knowledge of the outer boroughs and mention places which are really only practical for dedicated day trips, not as a part of the experience of Boston proper. Morris succeeds by listing attractions outside Boston along with advice about how to get there, get the maximum enjoyment out of your day trip, and how long to devote to travel time.

Nightlife is mentioned, but for anyone looking to party in Boston, seek out a more specialized guide book and make use of Internet services like Citysearch. There is plenty of basic information, but any party-hearty tourist is going to need more information, especially if staying more than a few nights.

Morris concludes her guidebook with something everyone is going to need after a few days in the Northeast-the top 10 free Boston-area attractions.