Does anyone know anything about this place?

This seems to be the only place available when we will be in Boston. Should I go outside of Boston for a hotel. I've read mixed reviews of 82 Chandler B&B. Please, does anyone have an experience at this place to share? I'm a little leary. Should I stay outside of Boston if that's the only thing else I can get?

I have no info, but see that you have posted several times - it appears no one has info. What if you kept your reservations there, find out if you could cancel after first night if the place stinks, and make a cancellable reservation outside Boston for the second night onward.

Did you check tripadvisor.com for reviews?

I think tripadvisor is where he is getting mixed reviews - I read them out of curiousity and half say it is wonderful and half say it is the worst place in the world.

It's also parent's weekend at MIT and probably at several other colleges. Several hotels on MIT's list are marked sold out, but several are still available. Some are close to a T stop, but you would have to ask for the MIT Family weekend rate.

Royal Sonesta $199
Hotel Marlowe $229
Radisson Cambridge $169 (this one is not close to a T stop, but has shuttle to MIT where you could catch the bus or T).

A bit of a walk to the T is the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge $119 and further, but I think on a T stop, is the Best Western Tria $139.

These rates are supposed to apply for MIT families Oct. 12 - 15.

Kybourbon gives some great alternatives. If those don't work I'd give the Chandler a try, I think someone else on this board recommends it. In my opinion, an avergae hotel in Boston beats a nicer hotel outside the city.

Yes, Gail. Its the amazing range of opinions on TripAdvisor that are making this such a hard decision. They have a 20 day cancellation policy. So if I make the reservation, I'm stuck. I would prefer to not have to go outside of Boston for a hotel. I will check in to the MIT family weekend suggestion. Thanks.

I think the MIT family thing makes sense - plead stupidity at check-in if they want some sort of MIT connection proof.

I know others here may disagree, but I have rarely arrived at a hotel so gross that I could not spend a night or 2 there - a Days Inn in Toronto and one in Savannah came close, but considering that there is so little available, while a little mildew in bathroom or missing remotes for TV might be gorss and annoying, they still would make the hotel better than staying in some outlying location. I guess it would depend on your low-quality tolerance. My take is that in my younger days I have lived in seedier apartments in more dangerous areas than anything I have ever encountered on the road.

I can't imagine being asked for any proof. My daughter is a student at MIT and they certainly don't provide me with any type of ID. I do think you would have to call the hotels direct and ask for the MIT rate.

The Sonesta and Marlowe are just across the Charles River from Boston so it would not be a problem getting anywhere on the T or bus. Most Cambridge hotels have free shuttles to the T stops or nearby tourist sites.

Thanks for the scoop kybourbon. I reserved the Sonesta for $199. Not as convenient a location as I wouldv'e liked but the price is good.

Please know that those "shuttle" services at Cambridge hotels may not be reliable. Often there is only one vehicle which makes only a few trips a day and is "full" ("you needed to make a reservation yesterday"). And, if the driver calls in sick all bets are off.

If your hotel offers shuttle service, be sure to "reserve" as soon as you check in.

The Sonesta is an easy walk to the MBTA Lechmere station.

The Sonesta is actually a very nice location. Only 1 block from the T stop that will take you to Fanueil Hall, Back Bay,etc. If it's a nice day you can also walk across the bridge to the Beacon Hill area.

Thanks. That's very reassuring.

Sonesta is fine location - not as close as downtown area, but as Anon states, can get to MBTA from there.

The Lechmere T is closest(green line), but there is a big mall next to the hotel -
http://www.cambridgesidegalleria.com/
A free shuttle (called the wave)is offered during mall hours from the Kendall T (red line)stop by MIT and the Cambridge Marriott to the mall.

Haha - Since you got the parent rate, I think you will need to go visit my daughter!