Advice and tips for Boston

Thanks LG

We have been going to Boston twice a year for about 20 years. Hotel prices have really gone up recently even with a decent exchange rate and are looking very high for this year. We have been in many hotels. Currently we do Ritz Carlton club suite with just 2 of us. We do Loews (was back bay -doyles) for family trips. Loews has just been refurbished and prices have gone up- Virgin had it at £129 a night but it wouldnt book (booking error message)- next day it was back but had shot up. Loews has easy access to malls, take away food etc

New Years Eve is great- you buy a Boston Button (badge) and get to go to loads of events,aquarium etc Big parade, fireworks

We then go to maine usually.

We will be in Boston next february for a couple of nights. I'm thinking of using airbnb or similar to rent a house/apartment as we are travelling as a family group. Any suggestions about areas which would be good to stay - is there anywhere out of the city which still allows easy access to downtown by public transport/taxi (we won't be hiring a car)?