Beacon Inn 1750

The T stop is only about a two-minute walk away, and we found a SpotHero space for $30 total for three nights instead of paying roughly $30 each night at the inn. Those were the main bright spots. We stayed three nights and never got room service. The building is historic, but comfort seems to have gotten little attention. Our third-floor radiator was unbearably hot, even with the window open in winter, and the front desk said the old heating system couldn't be adjusted. The floors creak and there’s almost no sound insulation, so we were woken several times despite being heavy sleepers. A bright red Exit sign beside the bed didn’t help. The so-called breakfast was store-bought croissants, bagels, muffins, and K-cups, which felt poor for around $120 a night. There’s no lobby or public breakfast area, either, so you have to eat standing by reception or take it to your room. Don’t come expecting a comfortable stay.

I liked the unusual look of the place and the things provided for guests in the lobby. The hosts do what they can with the space, and the location is nice and relatively inexpensive. My room was a little cold, and I couldn’t find a way to adjust the temperature. Still, it’s worth the price and I’d come back.

The best things here are the quiet historic neighborhood, the old row-house character, and the nearby T stop, shops, and places to eat. My room had antique-style wooden furniture, a large closet, a working bathroom, and decent space. It was somewhat clean, and the new TV was nice, though awkward to use. There wasn’t much seating. The stay was let down by very limited service and maintenance. The desk was often unattended, even during check-in hours, so it wasn’t clear who to ask for help. They eventually taped my bill to the door. A flickering ceiling light, a noisy old radiator at night, and a badly worn door lock all needed attention. Breakfast was just oatmeal packets, mini cereal boxes, stale bagels and pastries around 8, with no fruit and no drinks beyond a poorly stocked Keurig that lacked caffeinated coffee. Sleep was hard to count on: hallway lights stayed bright, guests came back late Saturday making noise on the wooden floors, and there were no quiet hours or staff to enforce them. The stairs are steep, too. This might work for one night for one or two people who don’t need usual services. Otherwise, even at this price, I’d avoid it. They don’t keep consistent staff at check-in, yet apparently charge a late arrival fee. Parking also costs extra because space is limited and overnight street parking isn’t allowed locally.

We made this our home base in Boston and had a great time. Julie was wonderful to work with on arrangements, and the staff and housekeeping were friendly, courteous, and informative. The room is historic, so expect that kind of character, including a cool New England clawfoot bath. Ask in advance if you need a ground-floor room. We were glad they could accommodate my mom, who uses a cane.