Getting There | Why Boston? | Weather | What to see while you're there

Getting There

Logan International Airport (BOS) is the main airport serving Boston. From there, Massport shuttles can get you to public transportation. Logan is the closest and easiest airport to use, but if you plan to rent a car, you may be interested in checking out flights into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is north of Boston in New Hampshire, or T.F. Green Airport (PVD), which is south of Boston in Rhode Island. Those two alternatives can be significantly less expensive to fly into.

Airlines:

United Airlines is the official travel partner for Red Hat Summit and is offering attendees special discounted reservations unavailable to the general public. Call United's toll-free number (800) 521-4041 seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST. Please refer Meeting ID Number 515GB to take advantage of promotional fares that give you the greatest discount.

The same discounts apply on United Express. Mileage Plus members receive full credit for all miles flown to this meeting. If you reside outside the United States, please call your local United office to receive these savings.

Hotels:

Hotel costs are not included in the Summit registration fee this year. We have, however, arranged rates with the hotels listed below. Due to the proximity of the event dates, please contact your desired hotel directly regarding availability. When calling refer to the Red Hat Summit to get the lowest possible rate.

  • The Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers
    50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street
    Boston, MA 02116
    Phone: 617-457-2423 / 800-225-2008
  • The Colonnade Hotel (Across the street to the Hynes Convention Center) - SOLD OUT
    120 Huntington Avenue
    Boston, MA 02116
    Phone: 617-424-7000 / 800-962-3030
    Room rates/night
    • Single: $269
    • Double: $299
  • Sheraton Boston Hotel (Connected to the Hynes Convention Center) - SOLD OUT
    39 Dalton Street
    Boston, MA 02199
    Phone: 617-236-2000 / 800-325-3535
    Fax: 617-236-1702

    The Sheraton Boston Hotel is in the Back Bay, one of Boston's most popular areas. And how's this for convenient? It's only four miles from Logan Airport. Once you're there, you can walk from the hotel to the scenic Charles River, Newbury Street's shopping and cafes, or Fenway Park.

    Room rates/night
    • Single or double: $219
    • Club: $269
    • Suites: $350+
    • Additional person: $40
  • Hilton Boston Back Bay - SOLD OUT
    40 Dalton Street
    Boston, MA 02115-3123
    Phone: 617-236-1100 / 800-874-0663

    The Hilton Boston Back Bay is directly across from the Hynes Center. Also located in the Back Bay, four miles from Logan Airport, rooms on the upper floors have views of downtown Boston and the Charles River. If you need your workout in the morning, the Hilton recently renovated its workout room into a 5,000 square foot fitness center.

    Room rates/night
    • Single or double: $239
    • Triple: $259
    • Quad: $279

    To find the best route to your hotel using public transporation, try MBTA's trip planner.

Why Boston?

Boston is rich in American history and for centuries has been a hub of innovation:

  • 1634: Boston Common became the first public park in the country.
  • 1860: The world's first aerial photograph was taken.
  • 1875: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in Boston.
  • 1897: Boston built the first subway system in the U.S.
  • 1948: First instant camera was created.
  • 1954: First successful kidney transplant.
  • 1971: First use of the @ symbol in email addresses.

Boston is also the home of the first U.S. post office, public library, lighthouse, and annual marathon. Read more about Boston's history of innovation.

In June, we'll be continuing Boston's story of invention and creation at the Summit.

Weather

Thanks to its cozy spot between Boston Harbor and the Atlantic, Boston seldom has the temperature extremes of inland cities. And even if the summer afternoon starts to get toasty, the eastern sea breeze will be there to cool you off. The average temp in June is in the upper 60s.

What to see while you're there

There's something in Boston for everybody. Are you a...
  • History lover? You are in the right place! Start with the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail that takes you to 16 historic sites, from churches to meeting houses, parks, and even a ship.
  • Sports fan? Boston is home to five professional sports teams: the Boston Bruins (5 Stanley Cups), Boston Celtics (16 NBA Championships), New England Patriots (3 NFL championships), Boston Red Sox (7 World Series wins), and New England Revolution (2007 Open Cup champions).
  • TV junkie? Visit the Bull and Finch, also known as the bar from Cheers. Then drop by 14 Beacon Street to see the exterior used for Ally McBeal's law office.
  • Movie buff? Good Will Hunting, Amistad, Glory, and the original version of The Thomas Crown Affair are but a few of the many movies filmed in Boston. Tour guides offer visits to the Boston Movie Mile, a 1.25-mile stretch where more than 30 movies and TV shows have been filmed.
  • Foodie? With the famous Johnson & Wales in nearby Providence, you can bet there's plenty of great food in Boston. Boston is known for its neighborhoods, which have retained their distinct cultures and personalities through Boston's long history. And each has its own great cuisines to offer. See how many you can try before you leave!
  • Theater lover? Boston has an entire district for you. See the Boston Ballet, one of the best in the world, the Boston Symphony, or the popular Boston Pops.
  • Model train builder? Charles Ro claims to be the largest train store in the world.
  • Nature lover? Boston Common is fifty acres of nature and Boston history. The New England Aquarium has one of the largest penguin exhibits in the world. And the Franklin Park Zoo, one of the country's oldest zoos, is home to thousands of creatures, including the rare Grevy's zebra and Amur leopard.

Learn more about what to do while you're in Boston.

Summit 2008 is produced by IDG World Expo.