Hi. My family is planning to spend about
2 days in Boston the first part of August.
Are there any neighborhoods in the city that
are unsafe that we should avoid? We are
thinking about staying around Neponset. Is
this safe?

I'm guessing you're looking for economical accomodations. Neposet is not dangerous, but it's not what I'd call pleasant and comfortable either. And, it's way out of the way for seeing and doing in Boston. Check out the Boston Milner, the Buckingham, Chandler and other budget accomodations in the city. And, do shop - there are some bargains to be found.

Boston hotels are quite expensive. I would recommend the Hotel Buckminster on Beacon St. @ Kenmore Square. I would not choose anything in East Boston near the airport or anything in Dorchester, Roxbury, or South Boston. Call the greater Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau they will give you some ideas. There are some great B&Bs on Beacon Hill that are not expensive at all. The area is full of historical sites but I don't know about kids and B&BS? You may also want to check out hotels around Harvard Square in Cambridge- have fun!

Laura,
Just wondering if you have personally stayed at the Buckminster Hotel, and if so, what about that hotel you would actually recommend. I stayed there with my sister a few summers ago and was appauled at the conditions, from the lack of deadbolts on the doors, to the stained couches and bugs in the bathrooms. Not to mention that the room we reserved wasn't available when we showed up. It was a truly awful experience. If you've stayed there more recently and it's improved, I'd be interested in knowing that.

Just wanted to post the usual note. Boston is a very safe city and there is no area a tourist would go that is not safe (or as safe as anything out there. sigh) South Boston in particular is generally safe, despite what a poster above said. And neponset is in Dorchester, but Donna's description of it is perfect. You won't get what you're not paying for in that location. On the other hand, its not unsafe, its just industrial.

Regarding the Buckminster - I was quite alarmed by your posting and was considering cancelling my booking. I ended up reasoning that I could just stay one night and move on if it was that bad. Fortunately, they have greatly improved the place! We had a nice clean room, lots of towels, a microwave, TV and small fridge. No bugs - pleasant staff. I would recommend it (as lower priced accom.) for its location as well - it's next to Fenway, right on a subway line and on the edge of the Back Bay area. You can walk to the Newbury St. and Copely Center shopping and there's an UNO's, McDonald's and Int House of Pancakes w/in a block.

I have stayed at the Inn at the Longwood Medical Plaza. It is very nice and a short walk to the T. There is a B&B over that way that some co-workers stayed at that was quite nice.It is safe if you are not afraid of sleepy med students! Gail