Just got back from a very short trip to Boston which was an add-on part of a trip to a wedding further up state in Massachusetts. I didn't know where to start when booking a hotel in Boston as all the usual websites were giving me big corporate hotels but I wanted something a bit more boutiquey. I couldn't have done better than the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro.
For a start, Beacon Hill is without doubt the most beautiful place to stay in Boston. It has a lovely old-world charm and walking along the cobbled stones amongst the beautiful houses and niche shops, with the gas lamps alit, really makes you feel relaxed and like you're on holiday! Have a walk round the corner to Louisburg Square - the houses are fantastic, apparently this is where John Kerry lives.
Back to the hotel... what can i say it's very pretty, staff are incredibly attentive. Agree that the rooms are small, although similarly to others we were out exploring most of the time, but I would think if you're here for more than a couple days that you would need more wardrobe space than is provided. However the room is well equipped with all you need despite the size. On arrival our TV was not working properly, but the staff soon had someone in to look at it while we went out and it was fixed on our return.
We only ate breakfast in the Bistro, which was complimentary with our stay and it was very good - i had the pancakes, with extra bacon & my husband had the waffles and we shared some fruit - it was all beautifully presented and very tasty - a good set up to our day's exploring! The following morning we had a very early start to the airport and the staff had prepared us some bagels and cream cheese to take with us!
As for Boston, we found it to be a fairly small city - we walked everywhere! Shopping is limited so I wouldnt' recommend it for a shopping trip, but if you like history it's a definite! We did the duck tour which was fun, lots of walking and were going to do the MIT tour but it was closed as it was Veteran's Day. As for eating - if you like shellfish you will be in heaven! We tried the Union Oyster House - the oldest restaurant in Boston and my husband was in heaven over the lobster. My prawns were also gorgeous!
On our second evening we went for a fine dining experience at Antonys Pier 4 on the harbourside. This restaurant has old school charm and there is a whole wall of photos of famous people who have eaten here - Liz Taylor, The Kennedy's etc! The seafood here was fabulous - you can see the live lobsters and they are HUGE! We both felt thoroughly stuffed when we left and it was super value - $120 including tax and 20% service, which included king prawns for starter (for both of us), whole lobster for him and Sole stuffed with lobster for me. Jacket potoates, salads, breads etc and drinks (although no alcoholic drinks).
Overall I would say The Beacon HIll HOtel & Bistro is the perfect base for exploring Boston.