Winter, 1776. Colonel Henry Knox and a band of gritty colonists arrived in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on what was perhaps the first and certainly the most arduous group tour in American history. Their itinerary: Fort Ticonderoga, Albany, across the snow-covered spine of the Berkshires, through Central Massachusetts, and on to Boston.

No sight-seeing for this bunch. Knox’s tour was arranged by none other than George Washington, who evidently did not know the meaning of the phrase “pack lightly.” Knox’s baggage included 60 tons of cannons, which General George wanted for driving the redcoats from Boston.

For two months, Knox and his men cajoled 80 teams of oxen over rutted and frozen roads. When the party finally reached Marlborough, the 300-mile journey was almost behind them. Only 26 miles to go. Even in 1776, Marlborough was a welcome sight for groups visiting Boston.

Groups love Boston. Group tour operators love simplicity. There’s just one way to combine the two: Marlborough.

Make your life easier by making Marlborough your “home base” hub for Boston and southern New England itineraries. Our 1,400 sparkling hotel rooms (the most outside Greater Boston) are conveniently located at the “Crossroads of New England™,” in the triangle of I-495, I-290, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. We’re a stone’s throw from Boston, Old Sturbridge Village, Lexington and Concord, Salem, and Plimoth Plantation. Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Mystic, Cape Cod beaches, outlet shopping, and whale watch cruises are short jumps.

Your group will be happier unpacking just once. You’ll be happier with fewer baggage transfers, fewer arrangements, fewer hassles.And what a value! Marlborough’s hotels are group-friendly and ready to work with you to fit your budget. In fact, we’ll save you an average 50% on hotel rates, compared to downtown Boston.

This year, when you’re planning your strategy for Greater Boston and southern New England, plan to make Marlborough your headquarters. We’ve welcomed plenty of heroic group tour generals in our time. We look forward to welcoming you too!

Marlborough is the region’s fastest-growing hub for New England group tours. Here’s why:

• It costs less. Save an average 50% on hotel rates compared to Greater Boston.
• 1,400 group-friendly hotel rooms — the largest concentration outside Greater Boston — priced to fit an operator’s budget.
• Located conveniently at the Crossroads of New England, in the triangle of I-495, I-290, and the Mass Pike.
• Easy highway access and coach parking.
• Direct 30-minute drive to Boston/Cambridge or Sturbridge along the Mass Pike, 20 minutes to Lexington/Concord,one hour to Plymouth and Salem/Cape Ann.
• Easy access to all of New England.
  

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