Advice on where to stay in Boston
Dec 19th, 2013, 11:13 AM
#22
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wouldn't stay in Brookline. It is dull, residential, and far enough out on the Green Line to be obnoxious to get into the rest of town. Yes, there are some okay neighborhood restaurants, but that isn't enough to get me out there.
If you are looking for "ethnic" restaurants, my general view is that you can get decent to very good Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese fare. Korean and Thai is relatively competent. Indian food is generally poor, as is Mexican.
Extending "ethnic" to include European and American cuisines, there are a couple of decent Spanish tapas places, headlined by Toro. French and French-ish tend to be decent enough. "American" fare is generally decent, but nothing particularly regional in the foods, just general "American" stuff. For Italian, there are some good places, but a lot of out-dated red sauce places litter the market, especially in the North End.
The more I think about it, knowing that you may not want the typical sights, I might lean toward recommending the Hyatt Regency. The neighborhood is a bit business-heavy, but it is incredibly well-positioned for transit and is walking distance to a lot of places. Plus, it is pretty cheap for what should be a reliable stay. It is basically in Chinatown, so you could walk there for Chinese (Taiwan Cafe, Gourmet Dumpling House), Vietnamese (Xinh Xinh, Dong Khan; bear in mind that Dorchester has better but there is no other reason to go to Dorchester), Shabu Shabu (Shabu Zen, Q), and whatever the heck Shojo is categorized as. You could also walk easily to JM Curley for good dude food. O Ya is nearby if you wanted to break the bank on sushi (though I might prefer Uni to O Ya). Genki Ya has decent sushi at a lower price point. Nearby would also be Ostra - have not been, but the pedigree of the owners suggest it will be decent modern seafood.
Without regard for area, some places that I would recommend would be Erbaluce (regional Italian), Clio (modern fine dining + more casual bar menu), Uni (Clio's sushi bar), Asta (noma rip-off, but a competent noma rip-off from a chef that staged there), Deauxave (French-ish?), Oleana (North African inspired), West Bridge (small plates, seen it described as French, but I don't think that is very accurate), Puritan and Co (farm-to-table), Island Creek, Neptune Oyster, or B&G Oysters (Oysters, obviously, plus other seafood), Coppa (Italian), Toro (tapas), Myers + Chang (modern Asian-ish), Grill 23 or Del Frisco's (steakhouse), Legal Harborside first floor (simple, fresh fish), Bondir (modern American), and Hammersley's (American bistro, former Wolfgang Puck protege).
If you are looking for "ethnic" restaurants, my general view is that you can get decent to very good Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese fare. Korean and Thai is relatively competent. Indian food is generally poor, as is Mexican.
Extending "ethnic" to include European and American cuisines, there are a couple of decent Spanish tapas places, headlined by Toro. French and French-ish tend to be decent enough. "American" fare is generally decent, but nothing particularly regional in the foods, just general "American" stuff. For Italian, there are some good places, but a lot of out-dated red sauce places litter the market, especially in the North End.
The more I think about it, knowing that you may not want the typical sights, I might lean toward recommending the Hyatt Regency. The neighborhood is a bit business-heavy, but it is incredibly well-positioned for transit and is walking distance to a lot of places. Plus, it is pretty cheap for what should be a reliable stay. It is basically in Chinatown, so you could walk there for Chinese (Taiwan Cafe, Gourmet Dumpling House), Vietnamese (Xinh Xinh, Dong Khan; bear in mind that Dorchester has better but there is no other reason to go to Dorchester), Shabu Shabu (Shabu Zen, Q), and whatever the heck Shojo is categorized as. You could also walk easily to JM Curley for good dude food. O Ya is nearby if you wanted to break the bank on sushi (though I might prefer Uni to O Ya). Genki Ya has decent sushi at a lower price point. Nearby would also be Ostra - have not been, but the pedigree of the owners suggest it will be decent modern seafood.
Without regard for area, some places that I would recommend would be Erbaluce (regional Italian), Clio (modern fine dining + more casual bar menu), Uni (Clio's sushi bar), Asta (noma rip-off, but a competent noma rip-off from a chef that staged there), Deauxave (French-ish?), Oleana (North African inspired), West Bridge (small plates, seen it described as French, but I don't think that is very accurate), Puritan and Co (farm-to-table), Island Creek, Neptune Oyster, or B&G Oysters (Oysters, obviously, plus other seafood), Coppa (Italian), Toro (tapas), Myers + Chang (modern Asian-ish), Grill 23 or Del Frisco's (steakhouse), Legal Harborside first floor (simple, fresh fish), Bondir (modern American), and Hammersley's (American bistro, former Wolfgang Puck protege).
Dec 19th, 2013, 04:49 PM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow-such great suggestions! I will check them out both the food and hotel ideas. It might be fun to stay in Cambridge given the comments above about the food scene. But whatever we do I am definitely ditching the car on our way in so we won't need to hassle with that.
thanks again!
thanks again!
Dec 21st, 2013, 07:42 AM
#28
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't agree that Brookline is dull
To each there own, but I think it boring.
or obnoxious to get anywhere. Coolidge Corner is right there, so you have access to the T.
Not all T lines are created equal. Every Bostonian I know hates the green line. It is slow, crowded, and hot. The T from Coolidge Corner to the red line is 20 minutes and runs only around every 10-15 minutes outside rush hour, meaning it can take upwards of half an hour to get to downtown.
Plus, getting to and from the airport will be much more of a hassle from Brookline. It isn't worth the extra transit time, even if you wanted to stay in a residential neighborhood.
To each there own, but I think it boring.
or obnoxious to get anywhere. Coolidge Corner is right there, so you have access to the T.
Not all T lines are created equal. Every Bostonian I know hates the green line. It is slow, crowded, and hot. The T from Coolidge Corner to the red line is 20 minutes and runs only around every 10-15 minutes outside rush hour, meaning it can take upwards of half an hour to get to downtown.
Plus, getting to and from the airport will be much more of a hassle from Brookline. It isn't worth the extra transit time, even if you wanted to stay in a residential neighborhood.
Dec 21st, 2013, 10:31 AM
#31
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As I suggested above but did not come right out and say, "Brookline is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit there." I agree with Tabernash that it is a nice place -- I am sitting in Brookline as I write and will be through Christmas. Would I recommend it as place to stay for a tourist? It's a little bit far out.
But people stay far out in all kinds of cities. Trastevere isn't the most convenient section of Rome, but Americans love staying there because they are as interested in seeing how people live as they are in seeing the Famous Sites again. If you want to see how certain Americans live, then Brookline is probably better than the Back Bay and certainly better than Downtown, the Financial District, or the Waterfront, where I lived for ten years. Only the OP's know whether they are more interested in a certain kind of American life or seein' the sights.
And the Green Line is only bad during commuting hours in my now fairly extensive experience. Or before or after a Red Sox game. Sort of like the tram from Trastevere.
But people stay far out in all kinds of cities. Trastevere isn't the most convenient section of Rome, but Americans love staying there because they are as interested in seeing how people live as they are in seeing the Famous Sites again. If you want to see how certain Americans live, then Brookline is probably better than the Back Bay and certainly better than Downtown, the Financial District, or the Waterfront, where I lived for ten years. Only the OP's know whether they are more interested in a certain kind of American life or seein' the sights.
And the Green Line is only bad during commuting hours in my now fairly extensive experience. Or before or after a Red Sox game. Sort of like the tram from Trastevere.
Dec 21st, 2013, 06:40 PM
#32
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want to see how certain Americans live, then Brookline is probably better than the Back Bay and certainly better than Downtown, the Financial District, or the Waterfront, where I lived for ten years.
I can't imagine anyone is that interested in seeing how very affluent, middle-age and older people live. I mean, they live like you'd expect them to - comfortably.
I can't imagine anyone is that interested in seeing how very affluent, middle-age and older people live. I mean, they live like you'd expect them to - comfortably.
Dec 22nd, 2013, 02:26 AM
#33
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My last post on this issue, but by your standard, no American would ever visit Holland Park in London or George Square in Edinburgh or the 7th in Paris. What does not interest us as Americans may fascinate visitors from overseas.
Again, I wouldn't stay in Brookline as a visitor any more than I would stay in the 7th, but I might well visit there.
Again, I wouldn't stay in Brookline as a visitor any more than I would stay in the 7th, but I might well visit there.
Dec 22nd, 2013, 08:34 AM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Glad you mentioned Maine in April-I think we are going to shorten that stay 
and I definitely plan on Portland that time of year. I am thinking 2-3 nights will be enough to get some lobstar lust satisfied, does that sound right to you guys? As another poster mentioned, I can always have more seafood in Boston-although pricier I imagine.
Right now we have 4 nights in Boston, which I think is enough to at least get a feel for the area and not feel too rushed. I am still checking out neighborhoods but leaning a bit towards Cambridge.
and I definitely plan on Portland that time of year. I am thinking 2-3 nights will be enough to get some lobstar lust satisfied, does that sound right to you guys? As another poster mentioned, I can always have more seafood in Boston-although pricier I imagine.Right now we have 4 nights in Boston, which I think is enough to at least get a feel for the area and not feel too rushed. I am still checking out neighborhoods but leaning a bit towards Cambridge.
Dec 22nd, 2013, 10:13 PM
#38
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cambridge is nice, but it's not Boston.
Brookline ain't Boston either. Indeed, Brookline is less Boston than Cambridge. Brookline is basically suburbia.
From the OP:
"I am not so much interested in seeing the historic Boston as just being in a cool neighborhood for a few days with good restaurants, coffee shops and people watching, . . ."
And Brookline hits on pretty much none of those points. The restaurants are just okay and the people watching is (during the day) of well-heeled housewives and retirees and (at night) of well-heeled housewives, their husbands, and retirees. Brookline might have awesome coffee shops, though. I wouldn't know, since I don't drink coffee. If the point were to laze around a cup of coffee, though, I'd lean toward Cambridge or maybe even Davis Square.
Wulf's fish market is pretty good though, but New Deal in Cambridge is just as good.
Right now we have 4 nights in Boston, which I think is enough to at least get a feel for the area and not feel too rushed.
I'd agree.
I am still checking out neighborhoods but leaning a bit towards Cambridge.
Honestly, I wouldn't go out of my way to stay in Cambridge. Staying somewhere like the Hyatt in Boston would get you to Harvard Square in 15 minutes, including the walk and the ride on the T. Porter is the next stop, so maybe another 3 minutes, and another 3 onto Davis. No need to go past Davis to Alewife, which is really just a parking garage for the folks that live out west and has nothing of value to even the most off-the-beaten-path tourist. Taxis would be similar in terms of time, except during rush hour, which can last a while.
Of course, the converse is true, and staying in Harvard Square means you can be in Boston quickly but I'd think you will find a better value at a place like the Hyatt than the Cambridge hotels. The Cambridge hotels also tend to be a bit dated. They are fine, though - I've stayed at the Kendall Marriott a lot - just dated.
As long as you don't stay somewhere too remote <cough> Brookline <cough> then you'll be fine.
Brookline ain't Boston either. Indeed, Brookline is less Boston than Cambridge. Brookline is basically suburbia.
From the OP:
"I am not so much interested in seeing the historic Boston as just being in a cool neighborhood for a few days with good restaurants, coffee shops and people watching, . . ."
And Brookline hits on pretty much none of those points. The restaurants are just okay and the people watching is (during the day) of well-heeled housewives and retirees and (at night) of well-heeled housewives, their husbands, and retirees. Brookline might have awesome coffee shops, though. I wouldn't know, since I don't drink coffee. If the point were to laze around a cup of coffee, though, I'd lean toward Cambridge or maybe even Davis Square.
Wulf's fish market is pretty good though, but New Deal in Cambridge is just as good.
Right now we have 4 nights in Boston, which I think is enough to at least get a feel for the area and not feel too rushed.
I'd agree.
I am still checking out neighborhoods but leaning a bit towards Cambridge.
Honestly, I wouldn't go out of my way to stay in Cambridge. Staying somewhere like the Hyatt in Boston would get you to Harvard Square in 15 minutes, including the walk and the ride on the T. Porter is the next stop, so maybe another 3 minutes, and another 3 onto Davis. No need to go past Davis to Alewife, which is really just a parking garage for the folks that live out west and has nothing of value to even the most off-the-beaten-path tourist. Taxis would be similar in terms of time, except during rush hour, which can last a while.
Of course, the converse is true, and staying in Harvard Square means you can be in Boston quickly but I'd think you will find a better value at a place like the Hyatt than the Cambridge hotels. The Cambridge hotels also tend to be a bit dated. They are fine, though - I've stayed at the Kendall Marriott a lot - just dated.
As long as you don't stay somewhere too remote <cough> Brookline <cough> then you'll be fine.
Dec 22nd, 2013, 10:20 PM
#39
Check out the Museum of Science which is on the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. If you click on the map http://www.mos.org/
you see the entire Boston area.
Consider riding Amtrak into Boston North station from Maine and then using the T or taxi to get around town.
The demo of lightning from the Van de Graff generator is amazing.
you see the entire Boston area.
Consider riding Amtrak into Boston North station from Maine and then using the T or taxi to get around town.
The demo of lightning from the Van de Graff generator is amazing.
Dec 23rd, 2013, 06:49 AM
#40
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With all due respect, the Hyatt is about the last place I'd think of as being in "cool neighborhood ... with good restaurants, coffee shops and people watching." The Hyatt is not in any neighborhood at all; it's in the middle of a no-man's-land bordered by Downtown Crossing (an area that has no practical value to tourists), Chinatown (plenty of Asian restaurants), and Emerson College buildings. Beyond those places are the more interesting spots (Boston Common area, the shops/restaurants of the Leather District, etc., but the area with 2-300 yards of the Hyatt is just plain ugly and unwelcoming.
Compare that to an area like Harvard Square, where you can walk in any direction and find precisely what the OP asked for, or for that matter Beacon St Brookline between Washington Sw and St Mary's St, and I can't imagine making a case for the Hyatt. (If you do find yourself in Brookline, be sure to check out Hall's Pond Sanctuary a short walk from Coolidge Corner -- a jewel of a place. And check out the view from the top of Summit Ave, too.)
Compare that to an area like Harvard Square, where you can walk in any direction and find precisely what the OP asked for, or for that matter Beacon St Brookline between Washington Sw and St Mary's St, and I can't imagine making a case for the Hyatt. (If you do find yourself in Brookline, be sure to check out Hall's Pond Sanctuary a short walk from Coolidge Corner -- a jewel of a place. And check out the view from the top of Summit Ave, too.)
