I'm a Boston native, so know the city well, but live elsewhere now. My family of four (kids 13 and 18) will stay in Boston for the two nights after Christmas.

We can stay in a 550 Sq. ft. king suite w/sofabed and a view at the Hyatt Regency Boston on Lafayette or in a standard 2 doubles at the Marriott Long Wharf for the same price. (using points for the suite upgrade at the Hyatt)

I'm familiar with Boston and know the locations, so I wonder if the comfort of the sleeping arrangements at the Hyatt outweigh the location OR is the more crowded sleeping arrangement at the Long Wharf worth the fabulous location?

At this point, I'm leaning toward the Hyatt since we'll only be in the hotel to sleep. I'd like to think the Combat zone of old is long gone, but I know the neighborhood is still a little skeevy. Then again, there are the Christmas windows nearby.

I love the area around Long Wharf, but wonder if it will be cramped with two teens.

Having never stayed at either property, it's tough to compare other than the location.

Bostonians and others, what say ye?

Tough choice... but the location of the Hyatt isn't as bad as it once was - the neighborhood has definately improved. It will be lively as the Nutcracker will be at the Opera House which is across the street. Also you are only 1 block from the Common with all the lights and skating at the Frog Pond. the new Ritz is also around the corner so that adds to the atmosphere. The Hyatt is closer to the Back Bay and to Downtown Crossing for any post Christmas shoppping you may want to do.

I'd choose the Hyatt. The old "Combat Zone" has disappeared just as completely as the skanky old Times Square. Wonderful article in last Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine about the impact that Emerson College has had on the theater district. The area is also being pressed-upon by the growing Tufts medical center and Chinatown population. No room left for low-rent activities.

Hyatt and the extra room.

The Hyatt looks great IF the sofabed can comfortably sleep two teens. We have not stayed at the Hyatt but have had problems with sofa beds in other places. Since the room is large, are you able to get a rollaway if necessary?

Sorry Anonymous, but the Combat Zone is alive and kicking. I work in the area inluding nights and weekends. There are plenty of junkies, drug dealers and ho"s and homeless, but the Ritz, the Opera House and the traffic during showtimes gives the impression that the neighborhood has cleaned up. That in my experience is not necessarily true. Ingeneral,though, the area is safer then ever.

I'd go with the extra room at the Hyatt, where you might want to also request a rollaway bed.

I was going to vote for Long wharf, but given the ages in your family I'd go for the suite at the Hyatt.
I have also heard that the Long Wharf over books and sends guests to cambridge. Not a good thing!!
Have you looked at Jury's Hotel? I am also a Boston native and have had great luck staing there.

I've stayed at the Hyatt and I think the location is fine. The beds were comfortable. We got a good deal on Priceline for $59/night. About a year ago, they were still doing some renovation work in the lobby. From the Hyatt, you're within a walking distance to the Common, Beacon Hill, and if it's a nice day, a long walk into the Back Bay and Newbury. I think those destinations are more attractive than Fanueil Hall and the Aquarium, which are closer to Long Wharf.

I would stay at the Hyatt. easier walking, I think, to lots of things with kids - and being that they are 13 and 18 I am thinking you won't be walking back to the Hyatt at the wee hours - Sistahlou is right, while the area has cleaned up tremendously, in the wee hours on certain side streets there is still plenty of shady action (my friend lives right there and can tell plenty of tales, but that is when he is wandering home in the very wee hours) .....

during the times I think (unless you are up late, late with the kids) you would be walking back to Hyatt I think you would be fine, - as fine as in any city and you keep your eyes open- esp at christmas with lots going on, theater, dinners, shopping, events, you should be fine.....just don't go out looking for those 24 hour diners by yourself at 3am

We've stayed at the Hyatt many, many times (and back when it was the Swissotel). You'd never know, now, that the neighborhood was ever known as "the combat zone". We've never once noticed any homeless, drug dealers, Ho's, or junkies during any of our stays, and we've often wandered "home" to the Hyatt late at night.

How would "two doubles" be "more crowded" at the Marriott?

What has disappeared from the old Combat Zone is the many porn shops - and as these are only starting to be replaced by more traditional businesses, the issue with the area is that it is rather deserted at night, except during pre and post theatre times - lots of semi-vacant real estate, some construction. There are probably somewhat more shady characters there than some other places in the city, but I would consider it on par with other less busy locations.

Boston in general is not a real hopping place after 11 PM or so, except in some areas populated by bars and those restaurants that stay open late. Combat Zone area is, however, one of several places where street prostitutes hang out in very late night or early AM hours - but since not much else is open, it is doubtful this would really be an issue for your family. (I used to volunteer on a medical van in that area in case you were wondering how I got to be drug and prostitute expert)

Thank you everyone for your advice. I've booked the 550 sq ft. suite at the Hyatt with a rollaway request. The king bed is in a separate bedroom, so that's a huge plus with teens (who will have their own tv as well)

The Marriott room was only 228 sq ft with 2 doubles. We've done that setup enough to know that we'll all hate each other by morning!

The sightseeing plans for this trip include the Christmas windows, Boston Common, and other downtown crossing spots, and possibly a show, so it's probably the best choice!

Thanks again for your valuable advice!

gail, lol -
your sentence
(I used to volunteer on a medical van in that area in case you were wondering how I got to be drug and prostitute expert)

gee, yuh, i was starting to wonder if you were beginning a new career or something....

momof2, I truly think that is a great plan. Glad you made an early request for the rollaway! I am sure you will be pleased with your choice of extra sqare footage.

The neighborhood is still dicey, but busy during regular hours. I feel completely safe walking from Boyleston up Tremont passed the movie theatre and taking a turn towards the Ritz and hustling to your hotel acroos the parking lot. I never feel intimidated in that area whatsoever. But I am ALWAYS aware of my surroundings and avoid alleys, alcoves and secluded streets.

You will have a wonderful trip!!!

However, djkbooks, although admirable that you have never noticed a threat in the area....well like I said I am in that neighborhood all yearlong at all hours of the day and witness the good, the bad and the ugly. You either have a wonderful set of rosecolored glasses or visited while police were cracking down on the neigborhood. It is quite likely they will do a sweep of the area for the holiday tourists, so momof2 will not notice like you, any shady characters or dealings. But passing the "homeless, drug dealers, Ho's, or junkies" is part of my everyday life. No drama, no exageration. Just life passing me by. We should not live in fear, but we should all be streetwise, and that is all I am trying to suggest with my brutal honesty here. Watch your backs!

I think perhaps everyone is right here - we are just using different words. In general, "homeless, drug dealers, Hos" I do not find especially dangerous, although they certainly are shady and do not add much to the ambience of an area. Junkies I would rank as somewhat more dangerous, since tourists can be seen as ATMs with legs for them.

As with any city, be aware, be careful, but not paranoid and you will be fine.

I just went to a luncheon/fashion show at the Hyatt yesterday. I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of food and service. It's a very nice property and such and easy walk to the T. Have a great time!

AND! it is much colder by the waterfront...I shiver thinking of it when I once worked part time at an art gallery on Long wharf.

Hi momof2, please post back after your stay, amd let us all know how it went. Thanks!

>>>Wonderful article in last Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine about the impact that Emerson College has had on the theater district. <<<

Proud to see that my old alma mater has had a positive influence on the old combat zone of my own college days! Granddaughter graduated last year...and she grew to love Boston, but she's a California girl.

Stu T. (EU, '51)

of course, it should be EC...Emerson College...

Stu T.