Beacon Hill vs. Jamaica Plain
 

I know Beacon Hill is closer to all the tourist attractions but is Jamaica Plain too far away? I like the place we found in JP much more and it will accommodate our family better. I don't mind 10 - 20 minutes into the city everyday unless it is a huge hassle. The orange line is 1/4 mile away. Would we be foolish to stay in JP? Thanks!

I wouldn't stay in JP. There are other areas to stay than Beacon Hill(which is lovely.) Have you looked at Mariott Custom House? THey are suites and it is in the middle of the tourist area.

I think with a family you would want to stay somewhere more central so you could go back to your place during the day if you wanted a break or just to drop things off.

If you post where you are considering staying, if would be easier to help.

Depends on which stop you'd be near for the Orange Line, but it will probably take you about 20 minutes to Back Bay station (near Copley Square). About 10 minutes longer to go to Haymarket, which is near Faneuil Hall. This is my estimate for time on the train--doesn't include walking there or waiting for it to come.

Not a bad commute but not one that I would want to do with a family on my vacation. JP is a wonderful place to live--lots of open green space and good restaurants--but stay in the city, especially if this is your first trip here.

Where in JP? For how long? And what do you hope to see on your visit? Will you be exploring outside of Boston as well?

We have two teens and none of us mind walking. We don't generally need breaks back in the room since everyone is old enough to put in a full day.

The Marriott Custom House will not accommodate us. My teens are boy/girl and are beyond sharing a sofa bed!

The JP place is on Lee St if that helps. It says the bus stop is right across the street. Are the buses quick and reliable?

The place in Beacon Hill is 2 bedrooms(twins in the second bedroom) 1 bath. The JP place is 3 bedrooms/2baths. Yes, we are spoiled on vacation and like our space. I hate fighting for the shower with teenagers. That is factoring into it!

Don't stay in JP, it's just plain inconvenient for a tourist. The bus can take forever. You'll be a million times happier in Beacon Hill, which is a great neighborhood, where you can walk to almost everything.

I think you're closer to the Orange Line, Green St. stop, than to the 39 bus, which runs on Centre St. In any event, the Orange Line train is faster for getting into Boston. The bus runs on a busy route and can take quite a long time depending on the hour. And the bus ends in Back Bay. The Orange Line can bring you either to Back Bay or downtown.

The train runs often, you would never wait more than 10 minutes or so.

Agree with everyone else here that JP is not central to the primary Boston/Cambridge area sights and eateries. Bus and subway service can be found nearby and it isn't all that bad, but this can be time consuming, especially connecting up to anyplace in Cambridge.

Wandering side streets later at night in this part of JP (and this qualifies as a side street) may prove a little dicier than you might like, though this is certainly a better part of JP than some. Plus, the bus and Orange line go through some dicey areas on the way to JP from downtown.

Unless you're keen to be fairly close to the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond for some reason, I'd choose Beacon Hill in a minute.

Back with more questions. How long are you staying and when are you staying? And how are you hoping to plan your time? What's the agenda?

With enough time, and a late spring to early autumn visit, staying in JP could be an interesting experience. You could spend hours walking the arboretum, and stroll to Centre street for dinner. To stay in JP, I would think one would need the luxury of time to be local, cook a meal or two, send the kids ahead and meeting up with them an hour or two later - that kind of experience thanks to the joy of cellphones!

Now if you are talking a few nights, then stay in Boston proper as the luxury of time and hanging local will be lost.

That's my opinion.

Thanks everyone! It looks like we are going to squeeze 7 nights out of this (we might only have 5 but I think we will end up with 7). Assuming we have 7 nights, we would like to spend one day in Lexington/Concord and one day in Salem. We would rent a car for those trips.

The kids want to walk around all the college campuses to dream about the colleges they don't stand a chance of getting into! lol

We will do things like the Freedom Trail, Haymarket, Faneuil Hall, tour Fenway. I doubt we will take in a game since we will be missing our home team by a week.

We would love to rent bikes (the place we are looking at has two available) and spend a day on bikes just checking out neighborhoods.

We will go in May.

We will cook 99% of our meals in our rental. We have special dietary needs that warrant that so restaurants aren't a big concern for us.

We are pretty laid back on vacation. We like to see the touristy things but we just like the atmosphere of new places and don't care if we don't see it all. We always stay in a rental as opposed to a hotel and tend to stay in actual neighborhoods.

But, with all that said, it sounds like JP is not a smart option. I will look around for a bit and if I can't find something else, I will book the 2 bed/1 bath in Beacon Hill.

I think Beacon Hill is a great option.

Just want to correct bachslunch on the "dicey" transportation areas. The Orange Line does pass through some not wonderful (but not horrible) areas--the bus does not. The bus ride and route are perfectly safe.

Thousands of people take these routes daily,

I fall in the category of thinking that there is absolutely nothing wrong with staying in JP,--depending on the location-- but that if you want a "vacationy" feel as opposed to kind of "pretending for a week that you live in Boston" feel, then you are better off staying on Beacon Hill. Much closer to tourist places and places that will give you a sense of having traveled to Boston.

Socialworker - We always go for the "pretending for a week that we live there" feel instead of the "vacationy" feel. We like coming back to our place and having a nice, quiet neighborhood feel.

I definitely don't want to be in a bad/unsafe neighborhood or want to end up traveling through dangerous places. On the other hand, we are originally from Detroit and we are pretty vigilant about knowing our surroundings and not doing anything stupid. I doubt very seriously that we will ever be out when it is dark.

cw, I see a difference between dicey and dangerous.

That being said, the #39 bus goes through a dicey stretch between Brigham Circle and Angell Animal Medical Center, and I for one do not feel comfortable walking in this area. And the region surrounding the Orange Line stops at Roxbury Crossing and Jackson Square are definitely not good.

Is it possible to walk in these regions and not encounter a problem? Sure, one can say that about anyplace, anywhere -- there are no absolutes anywhere. Would I send a tourist strolling through these areas? No way.

Can you take public transport through here without issues? Yes -- I can and have done so. But why take the chance when you're a tourist and don't have to at all? That's what safety questions are often about, after all.

bachslunch, I agree that we all have our levels of comfort, and ours aren't in sync.

I've always found a lot of foot traffic around the huge VA hospital and around some of the nursing homes and other institutions on So. Huntington and the bus full of people going back and forth to work. Somewhat related, did you know that one of the nursing homes near the VA is becoming (at last report) a Comfort Inn?

Okwdvc:
I vividly remember the old JP when I lived in my native Quincy. It was to be avoided (1930's and 40's). I also am told it has become somewhat gentrified now..overused descriptive word, IMO. But having gone to school in Beantown (Emerson and BU) and been back to Boston several times over the years since I was "exiled", I intend to agree with <u>Bachslunch</u>..Beacon Hill is the essence of patrician Boston and couldn't be more convenient to most sites of interest. My granddaughter, lived on the Hill, off campus across the Commons from Emerson, loved it...as did her "roomate" who is now her husband. The unique Boston experience has to be felt within the city.

By the way, if visiting the Boston area campuses, <u>OKwdvc</u>, have the kids drop in to Emerson College, a unique city school (4,000 students) with the beautiful Commons for a campus. Different, to be sure. If you want a tour, I can arrange it from here (L.A.). I suggested that to my granddaughter back in '01, she fell in love with it, graduated, ran three Boston Marathons.<i> Her husband Syd and his new band are touring the country and performing at Cafe 939 on Boylston on 4/15..drop in, Bostonians.</i>

Stu Tower

What kind of vacation is it when you're never out after dark?

No restaurants for dinner? No shows? No evening activities at all?

BostonWill, it would be full disclosure to include that you are a first-time and one-shot poster on this forum. We do have folks who fit that description who put up posts that are shilling for some purpose. Am wondering if that fits your situation, especially since you seem to know the person who owns the accommodation the OP is considering, are yourself a vacation rental owner in JP, and therefore clearly have a proverbial dog in the financial hunt here.

Boston Will - What about safety getting into Boston from JP? Are we really going to be traveling into unquestionable areas and risking life and limb?

nytraveler - Sorry, but we all vacation differently. We don't intend on seeing any plays since we just got back from NY. Eating out is not our thing. We have lunch out most days and maybe a dinner. That is enough for us. We are out at the crack of dawn and by the time it gets dark out, we are ready to call it a day.

Which orange line stop? If we can see that, it would be helpful for assessing the level of safety in the neighborhood. "Risking life and limb" does not seem to be likely in most parts of JP. There is one area with a housing project that I would not choose to vacation near, but even then, it is hard to imagine being hassled in the daylight.

JP is a very popular neighborhood for young professionals and recently the Globe etiquette columnist had an online chat in which the topic that came up was stroller etiquette on the narrowed snow-packed sidewalks of JP. Clearly, if there are enough young mothers with strollers on the streets of JP to create a congestion/etiquette problem, it is not--generally--an area where those same mothers are risking the lives of their babies/toddlers. However, it is a relatively large area and varies a lot from one set of streets to another.

I for one am glad to hear Boston Will's opinion and appreciate their full disclosure.

I'm one of the few people on this thread who still thinks that a stay in JP sounds like an interesting option for a family like okwdvc, and no more dangerous then downtown crossing. Sure public transportation passes thru a couple of what I would describe as economically depressed areas, that is not the area of the rental and local public transportation at all. Because I am less familiar with the area then someone who has lived there for 17 years, I appreciate their input. They have witnessed a huge transformation of restored neighborhoods and some worldclass architecture saved from the wrecking ball. There is just no getting around the fact that JP is a wonderful neighborhood. Boston is filled with wonderful neighborhoods!

socialworker, I think Lee St. is between Green St. and Forest Hills. Green St. stop would be the easiest, I would think.

I am truly sorry that my question has created some arguments! That certainly wasn't my intent.

We are used having tons of accommodations to choose from. That doesn't seem to be the case with Boston. So many places are only 1 bedrooms and many of the 2 bedroom places only have 2 beds. My boy/girl teenagers would rather have root canals than share a bed!

I have only found two places (both in Beacon Hill) that will accommodate us. I have emailed the first place and asked for an invoice. If she emails me back, we will suck up having just one bathroom and take it. The other place seems overpriced compared to places in that area. It does have 1.5 baths but I am having a hard time justifying the cost.

I have found multiple places in JP. I will have to use those as a fall back if the first place doesn't come through.

Everyone has their priorities when vacationing. We like our space! We like hitting the touristy spots but we don't have a need to be in the center of it all. I certainly don't want to be an hour commute each day or risk my life getting there but I don't feel the need to be in the heart of Time Square, for example. As a matter of fact, when in NY, we would never consider staying in that area but we recognize we aren't the norm!

Have you ever been to Boston? No place in Boston is like being in Times Square! :) Beacon Hill is sedate, for the most part, and would give you nice areas for strolling in the evenings, if you do decide to venture out after dinner.

BTW, maybe you are new to Fodors. Arguments are to be expected, no matter how benign the topic!

Depending on the time of day, it could certainly be the better part of an hour (and very unlikely to be 10 or 20 min) of commuting from around the end of the Orange Line--where the Green St stop is--to, for example, the North End/Waterfront.

Don't feel like you have to justify what you want to do on your vacation. It helps to explain what you want, so as to get the best info, but it is YOUR vacation, and unless smomeone else is paying for it, you do not have to get their approval.

Boston is one of those really difficult towns to get hotels. There are not enough to meet demand, so they can charge an arm and a leg.

Our daughters used to fight when they shared beds. We solved it by splitting them up and making them share with us. It meant mom and dad didn't sleep together, but kept things a lot more peaceful!

Absolutely agree, lcuy and I certainly hope OP does not feel any need to justify! I think most here are merely trying to offer input on what will be most conducive to an easy trip from home base to touristy spots.

I am starting to feel depressed now! I have convinced everyone that the Beacon Hill location is better in the long run and they all agreed. Unfortunately, the person has not emailed me back yet. I will try again tomorrow but I am starting to think it was rented out.

Ugh! First we thought we only had five days to vacation so we were just going to do something local. Then, we found a week that works for everyone so we decided on Boston. Now, we can't find a place to stay.

I agree, socialworker, that most are really trying to help. I was referring to the comment:
<i>What kind of vacation is it when you're never out after dark?No restaurants for dinner? No shows? No evening activities at all? </i>

You might look at the John Jeffery House:
http://johnjeffrieshouse.com/

or Buckminster hotel:
http://bostonhotelbuckminster.com/

I know several people who've stayed at these, and said they were basic, but clean and in good locations. Both are near T stops. Perhaps you can get the space you need there.

I think one reason everyone told you to stay on Beacon Hill is because if any of us had the money that's where many of us would live (with enough left over for a weekend house, of course!).

It struck me though that you did not give the Beacon Hill location. I don't know if local owners stretch the definition of Beacon Hill and where it is exactly.

Have you looked at other options for neighborhoods? I know you need two bedrooms and a kitchen. Many parts of the South End and all of Back Bay would be convenient.

Staying in JP would not be a risk--especially if you're not traveling late at night and you've found a place that you'd like to be.

"Are the buses quick and reliable" NO. No ground transportation in the Boston area can be considered quick or reliable - Boston consistently ends up on lists of most congested city. 5-10 miles can take 15 minutes or it can take well over an hour, depending on traffic, weather, stupid drivers, endless digging up of streets. And it is rarely predictable. Only you can decide on your tolerance for that.

People commute from JP to downtown Boston all the time for work - most I know allow at least an hour for the commute if they must be someplace at a certain time.

Jamaica Plain is an always changing area - and a few blocks can make a difference. As far as noise and congestion, you will find far more in many areas of JP than in some areas of downtown - there is one main street (Centre Street/South Street) and it is constantly congested with people beeping horns recreationally. There are many cute shops and ethnic restaurants in JP - and it is considered a desirable place to live for young adults without kids. Since it is part of Boston, many move when their kids get old enough to attend school. Most housing is in older duplexes and triple deckers with great variability in condition - I would also have some concern that your rental might be in an old heap rather than a nicely renovated building. It borders Dorchester - some parts OK and some in the "do not go there" category - and the Orange Line first runs through some of those areas as it winds into Boston. Still, you are likely to be safe staying in almost any area that is truly JP.

I empathise with your sticker shock regarding hotels and lodging alternatives in Boston - first sign of Spring on Fodors is posters looking for less expensive alternatives to staying in downtown Boston area that is also convenient - it just does not exist. You always will end up compromising among cost, convenience, space. There is no magic hidden gem hotel or area that has all 3. The reason for this is that, similar to NY, there is limited space - water on 2 sides, major highways on another, and industrial areas blocking in a limited downtown area.

With 2 opposite sex teens for travel we have often decided to have Dad and son share a room/bed and Mom and daughter do the same - found it can really cut costs. You might check Priceline for 2 rooms and do this if it would work for your family. Understand the special diet considerations - but a microwave and refrigerator might help with breakfast and some lunches. We admit to eating take-out or pizza in our hotel room on quite a few trips to either save money or our feet from walking one more step.

Boston is truly a fun city - but for a city of its size, not cheap

I believe self-catering is a big plus for you (and for us too, as it cuts down the cost of dining out 3 meals/day). If you can't find an apt, check out Residence Inn. All rooms come w/a kitchen, and I assume they have suites as well. I'd recommend the one at Tudor Wharf.

I lived on Beacon Hill and loved it. You can take the subway there (Charles station) to Harvard Square where the students give tours of the campus.

We're going to Boston!! I booked the Beacon Hill location. Thanks for all the help in deciding. I decided against the JP location because I was afraid the commute into the city would take a lot longer than the 8 - 10 minutes quoted on the rental.

Thanks for all the help!

You wrote you are coming here in May.
The farmers'markets will have started, go the the Copley Square one located across from the library-Tues and Fridays.
You have a Whole Foods on the Hill on Cambridge Street (on the way to Goverment Center)Curious on, what street is the place you rented? I lived on Philips St, not the most chic.
If you lik, specials like Boar, rabbit, pheasant
or clams, oysters, shrimp, There Savanor's market, on Charles street, steps away from the subway stop.

Great time to come to Boston - although be aware it could still be cool, so bring some sweaters, etc. On weekends near Faneuil Hall area check out the pushcart produce vendors (Haymarket) - adjacent to North End (Italian area).

Good decision; 8-10 minutes from JP to downtown Boston is nonsense - unless rental comes with its own private helicopter.

I'm glad you've chose Beacon Hill. You will love the neighborhood. 8-10 minutes into the city from JP is laughable. I'd wonder what else the owner was seriously embellishing.

Mimi: Is the Old Corner Bookstore on Charles still open? Hope it has survvived.
stu

I think you will be happy with the Beacon Hill location. It is a charming part of the city, much more convenient than JP.

Adding my two cents, perhaps too late to be of any use - JP area described is safe in my opinion, but too much travel time if you wish to spend days/nights in Boston proper.

Beacon Hill is one of many neighborhoods that would be much more convenient to the sites.

There's the Back Bay and South End (not to be confused with So Boston), as well as communities that are adjacent to Boston such as Cambridge and Brookline - which are very reasonable for travel into and out of Boston by public transportation.

For either rental properties or traditional lodgings, be certain to check a map of the local area. Rental property owners and hoteliers embellish. Be certain the sites and services you will need are within reasonable distance (i.e., grocery, coffee shop, restaurants, etc).