Choosing a Neighborhood

Choosing a Neighborhood

Some of the most luxurious hotels are clustered near the Boston Common and Public Garden in Beacon Hill,Back Bay,and Downtown. These prime locations offer access to the Theater District, Chinatown, the shopping meccas of Newbury and Boylston streets, and the Downtown Crossing shopping district. Stay close to the theaters at the Boston Park Plaza or the Radisson, or near the water at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Fairmont Battery Wharf, or Marriott Long Wharf. The Hyatt Regency and the Omni give you easy access to the shops of Downtown Crossing (although, sadly, Filene's Basement is still closed for renovation) and the seasonal perks of the Common. The Kenmore Square area has a distinct student vibe. Adjacent to Fenway Park is Lansdowne Street, a strip of college bars and nightclubs for young adults. The Fenway offers beautiful parks and community gardens. A short trolley ride east will bring you to the heart of Boston, and a short ride west will bring you to the suburbs of Brookline, Brighton, and Newton. Consider the Hotel Commonwealth in this area. Cozy B&Bs are your best bet in the South End,well known as a gay-friendly area strewn with boutiques, excellent restaurants, and cafés. Inns such as the stylish Clarendon Square and the bargain 82 Chandler Street B&B blend perfectly with the neighborhood's brownstone- and tree-lined streets. For an active vacation, stay at a riverside property in Cambridge. Several larger hotels here give you easy access to Memorial Drive and the Charles. Closed to traffic on Sunday in summer Memorial Drive becomes an excellent venue for biking, running, and in-line skating. Hot spots in Harvard and Central squares are minutes away.

The suburb of Brookline is largely residential with lovely homes and parks, but there are still several bustling areas such as Coolidge Corner and Washington Square that give you plenty of shopping, dining, and recreation options. Most of the lodging selections in this area are B&Bs. The subway offers quick access to downtown Boston.