The Copley Square or Quincy Market areas are both good choices. Every hotel from 3* up in Copley and all the 4* in Quincy Market. Transportation is very easy in Boston whether you are walking or taking the "T". You will have easy access from both these locations. The Quincy Market area will put you closer to the waterfront/aquarium, the North End (Italian) and points along the Freedom Trail. The Copley Square area will put you in the heart of shopping and closer to Fenway. Regardless of where you stay, you are not far from anything. If you have any questions I'd be more than happy to answer them. As for prices, if you look at some advance purchase prices on hotel websites, they are not too bad. For example, The Radisson is offering an advance purchase room for $591.30 total for the dates you are looking at. I also see that someone has won the Sheraton Copley Square/Theater District for one of the nights at $95. This hotel is right in the Theater District (small district, not like NYC). It is close to Chinatown with access to the Orange line and only one block south of Boston Common (Red and Green lines).
