I can get a rate of 175. at this hotel - located at Cambridge & Blossom Streets. Is it a good location for safety, easy access to sightseeing, dining, public transit?

Yes, this is a good location. It's very close to Quincy Market/Fanieul Hall and a few minutes walk to the Common and Public Garden. The Bowdoin, Govnt Ctr, and Charles St. subway stops are all nearby. For a city of it's size, Boston is a very easy city to get around (unless you're driving!)-public transportation in plentiful, and it's a very walkable city. Have fun!

Agree about the rate and access for sightseeing, dining, public transportation, etc. Regarding safety, this is near a business district type area, hospitals, etc. As with any other city use caution in the late evening and night time. If you are late coming back, take a cab or make sure others are in the area. I do not want to scare you, but Boston is a city and there is crime. Just be careful as you would anywhere. 175 is a decent rate for this area.

Agree with above, although I really wouldn't be concerned about safety in this area. that said, even a safe city is still a city...

To add to the above info, the Holiday inn is located next to Mass General Hospital and across the street from Beacon Hill. The road it is on (Cambridge Street) is not hugely charming by Boston standards, but is fine. It is an easy, pleasant walk from there to almost anywhere in the city, and is not that far from Subway stations for the rd and blue lines. The blue line leads to the airport, by the way, and if you're used to taking trains to/from the airport you might consider that over a cab. 85 cents as compared to 15 dollars. I haven't taken anything but the train to the airport in years.

There are a number of restaurants on Cambridge street - you can also take a short walk to Charles street on the base of beacon hill, which has quite a few more (and fancier) restaurants.

My family stayed here last year. It was a great location..right across the street from a fire station. My son walked around and explored (15 years) and we were not worried at all. It really is worth it to make your way to a different area to eat though. The places in this area were nothing compared to the other choices in more central areas.