Which is the better area to stay while in Boston in September? South End or Beacon Hill?
Thanks.

Good question. It depends where in the South End. If you don't know the city, I would go with Beacon Hill. You will have easy access to Downtown, North End and Quincy Market as well as the subway.
Parts of the South End are a little dangerous if you wander down the wrong road.
I do love the South End at night, the restaurants on Columbus Ave. and Washington Street are great. As well as the Jazz at Bob's and Wally's. Overall if you are not with someone who really knows the area, go with Beacon hill.

I would also go with Beacon Hill, primarily because what some hotels call the South End is not really what Bostonians think of us the South End and not a great area. Beacon Hill is not really adjacent to any sketchy areas.

If you have the address let us know. It could be the South End/Back Bay border which is great or the South End area between the hospitals and the highway, which is awful.

You have gotten very useful feedback here, cimarron. I would also vote for Back Bay as a great tourist base.

Sorry!! That was a Freudian ( or should I say Fordorian) slip. I meant Beacon Hill, as that was your question. Back Bay *is* a great tourist base, but I meant to write Beacon Hill.

Definately Beacon Hill (Charles Street Subway stop) or Back Bay (Prudential, copley or mass ave stops)
South End is great for dining but getting to transportation is not so easy.

I have a place in the South End, but I would tell you as a visitor to stay in the Back Bay/Beacon Hill/Prudential area for a visit - most likely the things you want to see and do are more easily accessible from these locations.

There are some great restaurants, cafes, things to do in the South End, but more of a neighborhood type of visit and not full of the sites or shopping most tourists are looking for - but a visitor would enjoy the area that surrounds Hammersley's, Union Park, the Washington St/Tremont St restaurants, etc

- the area as one mentioned sandwiched between the hospitals and highway (South End/South of Washington St area, now sometimes referred to as SoWa )that while in the midst of a rebirth with some marvelous restaurants and shops, galleries, etc but is likely not what you have in mind as a visitor and if you aren't acquainted with the area it borders areas you may not be comfortable in at night.

You don't mention budget, but as a start I would look into hotels in the are of the Pru, Copley Place, Commonwealth Ave (The Westin, Eliot, Copley Plaza, Faneuil Hall - areas with easier access to visitor sites)