Marlowe or Lenox
 

I have reservations at the Lenox - the location sounds convenient and the hotel reputable. However, I recently heard about the Marlowe in Cambridge and it sounds intriguing. I like the fact that it is only a year old and I will save about $150 a night there.
Can anyone comment on the rooms at the Marlowe? I heard the green line of the T is closed due to renovations, so I was told it would be about a 10 minute walk to the orange line (to get to Back Bay and Faneuil Hall) from the Marlowe. Is this correct? Is it a safe walk with children? Thanks for any help!

I vote for the Marlowe, however it depends what you're doing in Boston/Cambridge. The Marlowe is an easy walk to the Orange Line and is walking distance to the Museum of Science, Charles River (lovely walkway) and shopping next door. The decor is funky/fun and their restaurant is excellent. Restaurants are in the mall next door that welcome children (Cheesecake Factory, etc). Davio's across the street is more adult suited. The Lenox Hotel is older, rooms are smaller, however it is in the middle of Boston's Back Bay, walking distance to the Prudential Center, Copley Place, Boston Public Garden, Newbury Street and Downtown Crossing, plus oodles of restaurants. The Back Bay is safe to walk at night (lots of foot traffic), whereas other than the Charles River walk way, there's really no reason to walk around the Marlowe's area. Good luck and welcome to my favorite city and home!

Thanks for your input. I am leaning towards staying at the Marlowe. I don't think we would need to walk around the surrounding area at night, but if we take the orange line (does it go to Back Bay or Faneuil Hall?) is it safe to walk back to the Marlowe from the station (with our kids?) Or should we take a cab at night when we go out? Boston is my husband's favorite city (we met there!), and he has fond memories of being able to easily navigate the city utilizing the T. Is this practical from the Marlowe?

The Hotel Marlowe is a full mile from the nearest (open) subway station (North Station, which hosts both orange and green lines). This is an easy enough walk for most people, but makes this hotel one of the few hotels in the entire Boston/Cambridge area that's so inconvenient.

There is a shuttle bus from North Station to the Science Park and Lechmere stations on the green line, which are closed for renovations, but it's more inconvenient than walking. Both the orange and green lines have stops in Back Bay.

Depending on the ages of the children, Faneuil Hall and the Back Bay are walkable, about 25 minutes either way. I would opt for a cab at night, for safety/convenience. Also, if you decide on the Marlowe, they have boat rides on the Charles River departing from the hotel area - kids and adults would enjoy it. Also, the hotel may have a shuttle to Quincy Market-worth looking into.

I thought I was set with the Marlowe, but now I'm not sure! One post says it's an easy walk to the orange line, and another says it's a full mile. Is it really a mile?

A mile IS an easy walk for many people.

Why not call the hotel or check with Mapquest? Or perhaps the trip planner at www.mbta.com can help you.

I've stayed at the Lenox many times and really like it. It's a smaller, homey, boutique-style hotel with down comforters on the beds and fireplaces in some of the rooms. If you do decide to go with the Lenox, ask for a corner room as they are very large. The Lenox is in a great location and probably more convenient for downtown sightseeing than the the Marlowe. Lots happening in that neighborhood--restaurants, shopping, etc.