You can walk from the Marriot to the North End,; it's nearby.

Any hotel can have bed bugs at any time - since they come in with the travelers - and are not due to hotel problems (unless it's a real dump and they don't have it taken care of).

(A friend of mine and her children were bitten to pieces at an upscale resort at DisneyWorld - had to get rid of luggage and have all clothes dry cleaned or thrown out.)

I wouldn't let that deter you. But I would check for bugs before bringing luggage into the room (I do that at EVERY hotel.)

I live in Boston, so have not stayed in either hotel, but I have toured the Hilton. I can't think that the Marriott is a "much nicer" property. The locations are different, and in the summer I'd lean towards staying near the harbor but one is not necessarily better than the other. Check on-line reviews.

From the Hilton you can cross the street and walk entirely indoors to get to the Mandarin. That may be advantageous depending on when you are visiting.

Will you have a car or are you taking public transportation to Tufts and Wellesley? The commuter rail to Wellesley leaves from South Station and Back Bay Station so both are relatively convenient to both hotels.

What about staying in The Marriott Copley Place? I am a former Bostonian, and have stayed often in that hotel on visits to family. It connects entirely inside to The Prudential Mall, if weather is an issue on the day of your visit. Would take you about 15-20 minutes tops to walk from there to The Mandarin Oriental.

I don't know much about The Hilton other than location, but The Marriott Copley Place has nice rooms, and often runs specials so check for those too.

How "set" are you on dining in North End? there are plenty of very good restaurants in the Back Bay area! I think it's nice to be at the Hilton close to MO so you can see your family easily. If you still want to go to North End for dinner, just hop in a cab.

I used to live near Long Wharf. I would stay in the Back Bay, either the Hilton or the Marriott. More interesting area to walk around, Copley Square, commuter train to Wellesley then cab to campus; easy Green Line/Red line to Davis Square, cab to Tufts. Near museums and Symphony Hall.

I think every family planning to send a kid to college in Boston should try getting there and back by public transportation. Much grief could be avoided thereby.

I'd choose the Hilton and I've stayed at both hotels although not within the last 4 years.
The Marriott Long Wharf has an upstairs lounge that was very popular when we stayed there over New Year once but the rooms are nothing special just typical for Marriott.
I know it's a category 8 (all the Boston Marriotts have recently been pushed up a level) so will cost lots of points and IMO not worth it.

I think the Hilton is in the much better location and the rooms are of similar quality.

If you can upgrade at the Hilton or have status then ask for an executive floor near the top with a view of the Charles (or Fenway that interests you).

Oops. Thanks for all the replies. I wish I had read these before I cancelled the Hilton. I acted immediately when I called the front desk to ask about the bed bugs and was told that they often get them because of all the "international" visitors. But, had an exterminator come in two months ago. I'll try to hold it again with points. The Marriott Copley is sold out as is the Courtyard. We have lots of Hyatt and some Intercontinental points too.

I didn't realize that Copley square was a more fun area. Great idea on the public transport too.

Did you already reserve somewhere else? If you're not using points and still need a hotel, look at The Lenox. Only a few blocks from The Mandarin Oriental, and it sometimes has online specials. It's a great boutique hotel with lovely old school rooms, some with fireplaces and fantastic views of Bolyston Street. I stay there whenever I can. They also offer homemade chocolate chip cookies every afternoon in the lobby!

Thank you all for your replies, it seems like the majority suggested the Back Bay or surrounding area. I've been checking and the Marriott Copley Square has opened up! So, we'll stay there and save Long Wharf for a vavation. I checked out The Lenox and that seems wonderful too. However, I resolved to try to stick with points this trip. Many thanks!