Thank you!

Yes, you are fretting too much. It will not be hard to get to BU from just about anywhere you stay in town. For that early morning visit, you can just cope by getting up early that day to allow time for the subway ride or taking a cab (which the hotel should be able to arrange to have waiting for you if you tell them the night before). And Boston is a relatively safe city. The subway is pretty crowded even at night. Just think, the next time you come back, your son will be showing you around like a native.

I agree with BeantownMan, you are over-thinking this.

I also agree, there's no major difference between the Hotel Commonwealth and the Eliot. The Eliot is a 3 minute walk from the Commonwealth.

And both are great choices to get to both BU and various downtown shopping/dining locations.

OK BeanTownMan... I will be cancelling the Commonwealth! You said you lived in the South end area at one time - can we walk to things there at night like restaurants and shopping, etc and is the area safe? I really like the looks of the Clarendon Square. I can get up early to take a cab to BU if necessary. I assume the Inn can call one for me. Any recommendations for that area? I know you were suggesting other areas, but a lot of the places to stay don't seem that great. Opionions please. Thanks. Janet.

Also... Any great vegeatarian or natural foods restaurants? If not, just great atmosphere and good food. That doesn't have to be fancy or ultra posh. Not looking for 5 star dining

battgirl...if there are alot of things to do at BU for your parent orientation then, you will thank yourself for staying so close like the Commonwealth.

if it is touristy things you want to see/do on your free time then, we like the Millenium right across from Quincy marketplace and the restaurants at the north end. However, the shops and dining on Newbury street are just as nice. We walk everywhere and have never felt unsafe.

Hi Battgirl,

Yes, basing yourself in the South End, at the Clarendon Square, you will be within walking distance of loads of great restaurants, shopping, bars/clubs, etc. It's also in one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Boston. Certainly the Inn can call a cab for you, or at least give you the information so you can call yourself. The area is generally safe, but just use common sense that you'd use in any large city and you should be just fine.

As far as my other suggestions, it's all personal preference. I suggested those places based on the fact that I think they are nice hotels, they are generally on the moderate price side for Boston, they are all very close to Green Line T stations, and they are ideally-located for tourists.

The South End tends to have the high-end, trendy restaurants with the sleek modern interiors and the model-like waiters. My favorite places in that area right now are Pops, which is very tasty and not horridly expensive, Picco, which is an upscale pizza/ice cream parlor with great food and good prices, and the Addis Red Sea, which is an Ethiopian restaurant with a great atmosphere, and cheap delicious food. You can get veggie options at any one of those places. Especially at Addis, the veggie options are delicious. Here is some information for you:

http://www.addisredsea.com

http://popsrestaurant.net/

http://www.piccorestaurant.com/

As far as specifically vegetarian restaurants, there aren't any in that immediately area. However, in Chinatown there's the Buddha's Delight, which is quite tasty and vegan. It's on Beach St. in Chinatown. In Chinatown there's also Kaze and Shabu-Zen which are shabu-shabu restaurants where you cook the food at the table in boiling broth. The broth can be vegetarian, and you can just order noodles and veggies to cook as well.

http://www.kazeshabushabu.com

www.yelp.com/biz/buddhas-delight-boston

Thank you so much BeantownMan! You have been so helpful. It turns out the the Clarendon Square can not accamodate anything other than a really small car (that won't work). I think I am now sticking with my original Commonwealth.

I am getting sick of this trip already, which is really a shame. Need to stop making such a big deal. If we are staying there (requesting your expertise again...) what do you suggest for getting around at night? Can I walk anywhere? Can I walk back from BU at night? Is there any type of restaurant worth walking to near there? I found a "Raw Vegetarian" Restaurant that is supposed to be awesome (if you are into that type of stuff) Grezzo in the North End. Do you think I can get there easily and is it safe to walk around there - can I get a cab back? Any other suggestions about anything are welcome. Any not to miss places or the best breakfast place in Boston for the day we leave?

Again, I thank you for all your help. Sorry I am so indecisive. I just want it to be a really nice hassle free trip. Janet

<<If we are staying there (requesting your expertise again...) what do you suggest for getting around at night?>>

Walk, or a taxi.

<<Can I walk anywhere?>>

Yes, it's an extremely safe area.

<<Can I walk back from BU at night?>>

Yes, the distance is maybe 500 yards, and it's very safe.

<<Is there any type of restaurant worth walking to near there?>>

Petit Robert Bisto is perhaps 50 yards from the Commonwealth, a wonderful French bistro.

<<I found a "Raw Vegetarian" Restaurant that is supposed to be awesome (if you are into that type of stuff) Grezzo in the North End. Do you think I can get there easily and is it safe to walk around there - can I get a cab back?>>

The North End is very safe, and yes, it should be easy to get a cab.

<<Any not to miss places or the best breakfast place in Boston for the day we leave?>>

Walking distance for breakfast is the Pour House, on Boylston Street.

http://www.pourhouseboston.com/

Is it the best breakfast in Boston? Maybe, maybe not, but it's pretty good.

Hi,

The Commonwealth is a great hotel. It may not have been what you wanted to spend, but you will be very happy. There's a nice place to eat right at the hotel called Eastern Standard. There's also Great Bay but that is very expensive. La Verdad is nearby for great mexican food.

The North End is loaded with great italian retaurants for every budget. I continue to be very confused by the cab talk. There is a subway station right by your hotel called Kenmore. It's the green line and will take you all the way to the North End for $2. Why waste money taking cabs around?

Anyways, you'll be very happy with the Commonwealth.

I agree, the subway is so easy and convenient and close.

However, battgirl has expressed a desire for a taxi rather than the subway despite our advice, and we should respect that.