We are going to Boston in mid-June. Is the Hilton Back Bay a good place to stay? (We'll be staying w/ 2 kids). Thanks

I'm from boston and just booked my brother into this hotel for mid-june, too. It's in a good location; probably one of the safest. Around the corner from Newbury St. which has all the trendy shops and bistros, and near the Boston Commons. Good hcoice!

We rented an apartment in this area (755 Boylston) for our family in mid June. Is it safe to walk around at night? What about restaurants open late at night? Thanks. S

Re - safety at night. As long as you use normal "city precautions" it is about as safe as one can get in a major city. I would avoid Public Gardens and Boston Common more secluded areas after dark - but that is a precaution also reasonable anywhere - not exactly dangerous, but you might wake up a homeless person. (To Sharon - Boston is not a great late night city). Great area - have a great trip.

Thanks,Gail.

ITs a great area, and I have to disagree about late night activities. Boston isn't as good as Miami, New York, and New ORleans, but its better than almost anywhere else I've been. I can think of around 10 restaurants in that area that serve until midnight or one in the morning, including some excellent ones. The bars do close at one on weekdays, and 2 on weekends, which is silly I admit. Its still not awful from most people's perspective.

Thanks, Charles. Could you name the restaurants that are open late? We're arriving at Logan around 9 pm 9coming from L.A.), and would like to go out to dinner after we get settled in our apt.

Just got back from Boston a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Hilton Back Bay. Had a great room and treated well by staff and especially the concierge, Michele.

Sharon-

If you are getting in on friday or saturday almost every place will be open to 11. Otherwise, what price range are you looking for? My top rec. would be the Franklin Cafe on Shawmut in the SOuth End - they serve until 1:30 am. That will be a 10-15 minute walk for you, and is IMHO one of BOston's best restaurants. They normally have up to a 3 hour wait for a table, but late at night you can often walk right in.

Most places in Chinatwon will be open until 4. They will often serve you beer (illegally) if you ask for 'cold tea'

Zagats also has a list of places that are open late.

Boston is a very safe city - one of if not the safest in the US (of the large cities). If you observe the standard precautions, ie. don't walk down dark alleys alone in the bad part of town, you will be as safe or safer than you are at home.

Sharon -

I think 755 Boylston is in the Prudential complex. Adjacent is the Prudential Center and Copley Place, both decent malls, the latter being more exclusive (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc). In Prudential is a Legal Seafoods, which should be open late. Legal's is considered a Boston institution - personally, I've had just as good seafood elsewhere, but Legal's is consistent and good. Entrees should be roughly $18 (a guess).

Down Boylston (the street the Pru is on), I'd recommend Bangkok Blue, a really good Thai place. Small, but good.

One block over from Boylston is Newbury Street, which is the main shopping street in that part of town. I'd recommend Stephanie's on Newbury (try to snag a cafe table outside for people watching). Stephanie's is on the corner of Newbury and Exeter, about three minutes from the Pru (if you walk like a Bostonian, that is).

Also a good bet is 29 Newbury, near the corner of Newbury and Arlington. Again, outdoor dining will be available.

For pub-like food (grilled pizza, burgers, good pasta entrees, you can try Joe's which is at the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth. Patio dining is available. Also near that cornwe, between Newbury and Boylston is Paparrazzi (Italian).

I culd go on and on, but you probably have anough suggestions.

Enjoy your visit!

Also near that cornwe, between Newbury and Boylston is Paparrazzi

I meant to say "near the corner." Oops.