Coolidge Corner Guest House

I barely slept, maybe two hours. There was a stale smoky, chemical smell in the room that burned my eyes and nose all night, like an ashtray someone had tried to clean. The room looked okay, but we had to share a bathroom down the hall with the whole floor, and there was no water or drinking water in the room. The AC listing was misleading: ours was a noisy, smelly little plug-in unit about the size of a coffee maker that didn’t cool, so we shut it off. They provide earplugs, which I needed because the office/living room is just across a blocked-off door. Cleaning staff and guests talking there early in the morning sounded as if they were in our room and woke me up. Breakfast was basic, with muffins, packaged bars, coffee, tea, and yogurt. Parking was another problem. We paid, but cars were lined up on a narrow driveway with only about six inches on either side of the doors, so you have to leave your key in case someone needs to move your car. I’m not letting someone else maneuver my new car in that space. If sharing a kitchen with people preparing food right beside where you use the bathroom or shower sounds fun, this might suit you. Otherwise, most places would be a better choice.

The location and friendly staff are why we plan to come back. We were here for the Boston Marathon, and the team baked fresh cookies for afterward. They were quiet but around when needed, and the cost was fair for the distinctive place. Getting to the D line and buses was easy, and there are great restaurants nearby, including two fully vegan spots, Rythym & Wraps and PLNT Burger. I highly recommend both. Our room had fans, but they didn’t work, and there’s no air conditioning. I’d read about the issue in other reviews and brought my own small fan, thankfully. The floors creak and the walls seem thin, though a white noise machine in our room helped.

Public transit is right where you need it, and there’s some parking on site. I’d come back. This is an old-fashioned, clean and comfortable Victorian B&B, so it may not suit someone looking for a modern hotel room. The stairs are steep, and the walls are thin with some creaky floors, but other guests were considerate and that wasn’t a problem.

I’ve stayed here twice this year and it’s now my regular choice in Boston. The room had what I needed, including a mini fridge and a folding table and chair, and it was clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is quiet, with shops and restaurants an easy walk away and a short train ride into the city.