Hello -

Although the boards haven't been to active lately (unfortunately, now that I actually need the help!), I'm hoping to throw out the question and see if anyone is able to provide some ideas...

 

I'm looking for a venue in a hotel (with the main goal of convenience for the guests) that is reasonably priced (under $15k for rental, food, etc. for about 150 guests).  Character, a nice setting, etc. would be a great plus and it would have to be about an hour to an hour and a half from Boston. 

 

So far, I've looked at the Newton Marriot and the Waltham Westin.  Any other suggestions along these lines?  I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you can provide!

 

Netsr

In response to netsr's comment:

Check out the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem.  We considered it, but it didn't suit our needs. They have a gorgeous facility. HTH!  There are also some nice places in southern NH.

In response to netsr's comment:

We actually had our wedding at The Hawthorne Hotel in Salem which was mentioned in a reply and it was FABULOUS!!! the staff was outstanding, the food was fabulous and the atmosphere was perfect, we got married in October on a Saturday afternoon and the guests where then able to enjoy Haunted Happenings after the wedding! 

I will second the Hawthorne!!  Truly a top rate beautiful location.  Rooms are "old" and not modern but wonderful atmosphere.

Hilton Boston/Woburn 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, Massachusetts, 01801, USA TEL: 1-781-932-0999

Right off Montvale Plaza - it's not as quaint as the Hawthorne Inn might be, but it has several choices for ballrooms, a nice pool, easy parking, easy from highway and airports, our wedding guests stayed here (nearly 6 yrs ago now, wow, time passes quickly) and they loved it!

Check out the Needham Sheraton.  The Quincy Mariott is pretty nice.  There is a new Hyatt in Braintree whiched replaced the Sheraton.

Yuo may want to also check out Lombardo's in Randolph.  Not in a hotel but one within sight and less then a 5 minute walk.

If Lombardo's has maintained it's quality over the last 15 years (since I was last there), I second that.  Lovely venue.

I was going to say the Hawthorn also.  Salem is a great place for out of towners to walk.  Shopping, history, museums, restaurants, clubs.   A beautiful park. 

Other ideas - the Emerson Inn in Rockport. 

York Harbor Inn in York, Maine.  Closer than it sounds and absolutely beautiful.

Hey, AB!!!