jet88

At the last minute, going to a conference at the end of March. Debating between two hotels: 463 Beacon Street Guest House or Copley House. Which is closer to the convention center? I'll be by myself at nights and heard it's fairly safe. Any recommendations on one over the other? Thanks in advance.

escargot

I don't know anyone who has stayed at either one, but if it's the Copley House I'm thinking of, it's near Botolph St/ - and I would probably say stay at the 463 Beacon St...I think it's a better walk at night time for you and/or if you get anytime to take a walk and explore. They are both close to the Hynes.

However, you are surrounded, I think, by better walking areas at the Beacon Guest House than the Copley (I think walk would to Beacon Guest House would be something like Boylston/Fairfield/Gloucester/Beacon from Hynes but they can tell you when you check in, it's just a few blocks)

You would still be ok at the Copley House, heading in some directions (towards the convention center, Huntington, down to Copley Place, Symphony) but I wouldn't want you to go for a walk in the other direction at night - heading towards Columbus Ave, etc - where there is not so much to attract you and plenty in the other direction - or unless you were familiar with the area and knew where you were - some might say I am being too cautious, but I grew up in Boston, went to college there, and still live nearby - so I would say you could stay there too, but I would tell you where not to wander.

This is not to make you nervous, Boston is safe, but it is a city, so you would take the same precautions at night you would anywhere, and every city has corners that are better than others. I'll check back tomorrow, maybe someone more knowledgeable than I will have answered you, in the meantime, I'll ask a friend who lives near Symphony, close to the Copley House area (if it's where I'm thinking) and what she thinks and post back in the a.m.

Anonymous

First of all, neither place is a hotel, strictly speaking, they seem to be short-term rental apartments. Second, Copley House claims to be in the Back Bay, but it's not -- it's in an area of the South End that is "in transition" and has been so for decades. I wouldn't walk in that neighborhood at night. Third, they're about equidistant from the Hynes and 463 Beacon is in a lovely area, so there would be no contest for me.

P.S. Boston has 3 convention centers, so there will be times when you want to be sure to specify the Hynes, which is the oldest and smallest.

jet88

Thanks to Escargot and Anonymous for responding so promptly. Yes, I am aware both places are not hotels but more like apartments which is what I want. Also, by registering late, the only hotels available are the expensive ones and since I'm paying for this trip on my own, I figure, as long as it's clean and safe, I'm okay. Having a microwave and frig will save me money. The last time I went to Boston, it was over 12 years ago and it was just for one day.

Sounds like Beacon Street Guest House will be better for me. I am used to walking by myself at night when attending conventions but it's good to know from a "native" that Beacon is a better walking place at night than the Copley. I have a feeling I'll be walking back and forth between Hynes and other "big" hotels in the evenings for my meetings and what not.

I understand the "t-line" is nearby as well. Do you recommend taking the t to and from the airport or taxi? The person I spoke to at Beacon says taxi.

cw

jet,

I think the 463 Beacon may be a better location for you, but I would respectfully disagree with escargot's concern for walking back to the Copley House.

Copley House is almost directly behind the Colonnade Hotel, between St. Botolph and Columbus Ave. I walk in that area often because it is filled with lots of great restaurants. I have never felt unsafe. Years ago it could be an iffy area, but now it is the spot for new restaurants and a desirable place to live.

I have friends who love staying at the Copley House when they come to Boston. They have a favorite Thai restaurant (can't remember the name) that is right down the block on Columbus.

You can take the T from the airport. Take the shuttle bus to Airport station, blue line to Government Center, and change to the Green Line (B, C, or D train), get off at Hynes/ICA. (If you were going to Copley House, you would take the E train of the Green Line and get off at Prudential.)

There is a large Shaw's supermarket in the Prudential Center if you want to buy some groceries.

CW

escargot

My friend thinks from the sounds of things you would be more comfortable with the 463 Beacon location. I was not concerned with you walking back to the Copley House, but I just wanted you to be cautious about some of the area surrounding that location should you be the type that would venture out just to explore and stroll. cw is right, there are many up and coming restaurants near Columbus Ave, and I have walked there at night, but with a group and with knowing all the cross streets and where I am going - but I still think there are some iffy corners and streets, especially at night, should you make a wrong turn. I just didn't want you to go out for a late night stroll and suddenly perhaps, be in an area where you might feel uncomfortable and be alone.

Now, there are iffy people everywhere, but I think the night walk back to 463 Beacon is more active in general, more well lit, etc. From there you can, if you have any free time some day, walk down Beacon to Charles St, the Charles River, Marlborough, Boylston, Newbury, many interesting and lively cross streets or straight down to the Public Garden and Boston Common.

I hope you enjoy your convention and have some free time to take a nice walk and see some of Boston.

cw gave you exc T directions, I would just add it may depend on how familiar you are with mass transport, and remember if you are landing during rush hour it will be more harried (and at same time, take longer in a taxi) and if late at night more empty, although all safe lines. Depends on how much you have to lug to (suitcase, briefcase, presentation materials, etc) - but you always have the option of a taxi, they are easy to find at airport.
You can always ask the cost and then decide if that is a factor.

cw

I agree with escargot that I wouldn't go out at night and take a long walk through the South End if I didn't know where I was going.

I was thinking that walking to Copley House from the Prudential area and maybe strolling down Columbus Ave. would be safe. As with anyplace, you want to take basic precautions.

With the new Ted Williams tunnel it is a pretty quick ride to the Back Bay area by taxi, and is definitely convenient if you are carrying a few bags. The Hynes/ICA stop does have some stairs to get to street level, but then you would have a fairly short walk to Beacon St.

Enjoy your time in Boston.

cw

jet88

Thanks so much Escargot and CW! Haven't had a chance to reply due to the major flu! Your information have been EXTREMELY helpful. I haven't booked my flight yet. I'm debating if I should take the red eye or not. If I do, I'll be in Boston at 7am (!). I need to call Beacon to find out if I can check in early. I can't wait to check out the restaurants and do hope I will have time to walk around and what not.

I'm going to look into the T. I will likely have one suitcase and a backpack.

escargot

are you coming from LA? If so, then the red eye, for me, depends on how you do on a plane - I can take either back to Boston - but if I land late afternoon, I don't have to sleep on plane, and can still stay awake and just get an early nights sleep and am fine - if I take red eye, then it depends - sometimes I can sleep a bit, and then get through the day, go to sleep after an early dinner and with one good 8 hr night I am good to go, but if I can't catch a few hours sleep on the red eye, I am one of those who can go without a nights sleep and catch up the next night, so I think it depends on what you know you can do and still be fresh for your meetings. If you question how you would do on the red eye, then I would opt for the late afternoon arrival the day before your meetings start.

Sorry about the flu...I suppose the bright side is you have it behind you

Anonymous

It's unlikely that you'll be able to check in so early -- but do you really need to check in , or just drop off your luggage?

jet88

No, coming from San Francisco. Well, after much debate and playing around with the flight schedules, I'm taking a day flight. I'm not happy about it but it'll work out. I did call Beacon who doesn't open until 8:30am and can leave my luggage which was nice but I'll be in around 5pmish so I'll be okay.

Unfortunately, I had the flu twice, 2.5 weeks apart! And, looks as if I'm coming down with it again! ARGH!

Now, I have to plan for my New Orleans convention. I guess I'll have to put another post since it's been over ten years since I have been there!

Thanks again to the both of you!

escargot

maybe try that "airborn" before the flight - I don't know if you can take it when you actually aren't feeling wellm but if you are better by then it might be a good precaution - some people swear by it when flying.

jet88

Airborne is GREAT if you take it right when you start feeling the symptoms. But, once you have it, forget it. Another good one is emergenC which my friend recommends. But, she says don't take it at night - you'll never sleep! =)

escargot

I do drink EmergenC - but never tried Airborne - I suppose it's the same advice granny gave us years ago - if we took care of ourselves all the time eating right / foods with vitamins, etc and getting enough sleep (sleep?) we wouldn't need all this extra stuff.....but sometimes you just need that extra boost !

mnatella

You can visit www.VRBO.com and search for apt. rentals in Boston. Just keep it to the Back Bay area and you will be all set.