Hello! I will be attending an executive education program at Harvard in a few days and I'm planning to stay during the weekend afterwards. Is the doubletree guest suites over by soldiers field rd. any good?... do you have any advice for nightlife?... I'm 29, single and unattached, not exactly looking for wild stuff... I appreciate any comments on this...

The Doubletree is what I'd describe as "nice enough". I found it rather curious in many ways. Allegedly there is a shuttle service, but it was "not available" the weekend we stayed. It's nearly a mile walking to the nearest subway station (Harvard Square). Our "suite" was quite nice, but rather "worn". No real complaints, though. We were given a key to the mini-bar in our room, and we never were able to locate one. I'd recommed taking a taxi to Harvard Square and wandering about. There is dining and nightlife galore. Or, you could head into Boston. Just ask around for recommendations. There is a "jazz club" Scullers within the hotel with excellent headliners. Check the schedule. I would guess other attendees will have ideas and you can join them.

I really like Vox Populii in Back Bay area for cocktail. Or for a bit more casual beers the Black Rose by Fanuill Hall. If you want true swank than Whiskey Park.

Walk around Harvard Square at night. You
really can't go wrong. They usually have street musicians out, you can get a drink at the Charles Hotel or House of Blues. If you are looking for live music consider jumping on the T and go to Davis Square (the Burren or Johnny D's) or Central Square (T.T. The Bear's and The Middle East) Both are very close by...

hi there-

to make recommendations it would be helpful to know more about your prefernces. someone mentioned walking around harv square at night, i would not recommend it. very large homelss population that somes out at night, and not too much going on there otherwise. my tastes tend to be more back bay than cambridge. some one suggested vox populi on boylston, one of my favorite bars in boston. its worthwhile to stop by the oak bar in the fairmont hotel by copley. (right near vox) the room is beautiful and they have a pianist thurs to sat nights. (used to be nightly, but the manager had to cut it back due to the tough economy) late at night, daisy buchanons on newbury street is a fun pickup joint, though kind of obnoxious. a big jock hangout, i've met everyone from jeter to chris slade and ben affleck there. total dive bar with not a divey crowd. for a swanky dinner, head to mantra if you can put it on the compnay dime. otherwise, maybe go to the north end for some italian. it's fun to walk around there and just soak up the atmosphere. most likely there will be some sort of festival going on. you could then head over to the quincy market area. stay away from the rack, it is a horrible bar, but if like new england's version of cheesy jersey girls by all means go. black rose, clarkes, purple shmarock, bell in hand, henneseys are great. another dining pick in that area is kingfish hall. great raw bar and their tuna sushi app is to die for. (in fact tonoght after work i am going to slip into the bar, have a glass of wine and enjoy that for dinner!) there is so much to do and see in boston. take a duck tour, it is so much fun, you'll get to see lots of the city and learn a ton of history. i could go on and on . . . hope you enjoy your stay!

umm.. sure I guess tastes *differ*..

Harvard Square does in fact have a homeless population, but I've been working around the square for a few year s and can tell you on a summer night crowds of people come in to listen to good street musicians, stop in for a drink, some good dinner and never are bothered by the homeless. It's perfectly safe and from the large number of folks who come here, I can tell it doesn't bother many.
Or you could go to a *swanky* Boston bar and meet the beautiful people.

Donna, Wendy, Liza and bb:
I greatly appreciate your comments and I'll be sure to touch down on some of the places you've recommended. I'd like to keep this messaging going while I'm over there, I'm sure going to remember you while I live the experience and I'll like to tell you about it as it happens.
If you can, please take the time to check this place out during next week!!!
Thanks in advance and I'm sure I'll have a great time in your beautiful city!!

I don't know if this would appeal to you at all, but for something different there's a terrific show playing in Harvard Square at the Loeb Theater called George Gershwin Alone. It's a one man show about the life and music of Gershwin and it's delightfull. If you know anything at all about his music you might enjoy the show. It was just extended again for another few weeks. Have a nice visit to our area.