Boston and Northeast prices are always steep!
Have you looked at Hotwire.com if you are comfortable bidding for a hotel (like on Priceline) you might get a bargain. Have a look here- http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showforum=102& this site gives you an idea what prices are currently, and how to bid.
Boston- Look at areas like Copley, Theater district, Quincy Market and Waterfront districts. If you find something that sounds good you can check reviews on Trip Advisor and probably figure out which hotel it is for offer as they tend to sell the same ones frequently..... you will not know for sure which hotel you have until after you pay- you will get the area and the rating you stipulated, then if your bid is accepted the name is not divulged until charged.

Many thanks for that info, a great help.

You could also check out http://www.vrbo.com/ as an alternative to a hotel.

Ive just returned from Boston last week, we stayed in a studio apartment for $700 for 7 days, and we had full bathroom, kitchen a double bed and a sofa bed, ours was a bit out the way in South Boston (not to be confused with South End) 10 mins walk to the subway, 5 min subway ride to centre, a weekly card costs just $15.
It depends on what your after of course but I now book apartments where possible as you can eat in if you wish, have cereal for breakfast and not waste any money etc......

I dont know if you have been to Boston before, but I have a recommendation for you, eat at the Atlantic fish co http://www.atlanticfishco.com/ best Cowder we have tasted by far, the food is awesome!!

Elvis

I stayed in the hancock conference centre a few years ago (in the back bay area and it was reasonably priced in a great location) I found it on expedia if memory serves me correct