Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station

There were limited food options and no restroom inside the fare gates, though there were good choices outside them. The station was clean, and the pigeons were entertaining, while the people were less so. I took the Downeaster from Boston to Brunswick, starting my trip here. It’s a small station with not much seating or many tables while you wait. I liked seeing fare gates for security, and security staff were walking around. I felt safe during the 30 minutes I was there. My train was on time, and I had no trouble waiting for it.

We went to a Celtics game and had a very good meal at club 1928 at TD garden. Ryam was our server and did an excellent job, making it a great experience. Hub Hall also has lots of food to choose from.

Coming in on Marathon Monday, I had to wait for four trains before a D train finally showed up. While I was there, Devon Barrett from the MBTA was overseeing the trolley service to handle the influx of people heading to Kenmore Square and farther down the line.

The train ride gives you a chance to see beautiful local scenery and connect with the community, which I found delightful. If you’re going to or from Boston Logan Airport, you could skip an Uber and travel light by taking the commuter train. The savings may be small, though, since you’ll probably still need an Uber or a ride to your nearest commuter station. For me, the train experience makes it worthwhile. North Station is intuitive and well engineered, so even first-time visitors can find their way around. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. There’s a clean, varied food hub, plus familiar options like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s for a quick bite. With frequent metro and commuter services, it’s an easy and enjoyable gateway to many places around Boston, with a bit of the city’s charm and efficiency built in.