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:
What kind of vacation is it when you're never out after dark?No restaurants for dinner? No shows? No evening activities at all?

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).