famiy's first time

Question

HI My family is all meeting up in Boston for my middle daughter's graduation from Tufts. It will be most of our first time in Boston. I booked 4 rooms at the Godfrey but am wondering if it is better to stay at a large air bnb in Sommerville. Sommerville is closer to Tufts. But graduation ceremony is just one event and I also want everyone to experience Boston. Coming from DC, Denver

Answer

Congratulations on your daughter's graduation from Tufts! That's such an exciting time, and Boston will be a wonderful place for the entire family to celebrate. It sounds like you're trying to balance the convenience of staying near Tufts for the graduation and giving everyone a chance to experience the city. Here's some insight to help you decide between staying at The Godfrey and a large Airbnb in Somerville.

Staying at The Godfrey Hotel Boston:

The Godfrey is a fantastic choice for a central and vibrant experience in Boston. It's located in the Downtown Crossing area, which is close to many of the city's iconic attractions. Here are some of the advantages:

Prime Location: Staying at The Godfrey will place your family in the heart of Boston, with easy access to landmarks like Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and the North End (Boston's famous Italian district).
Public Transportation Access: The hotel is close to several T (subway) lines, which makes it easier for everyone to navigate around the city without worrying about parking or traffic. You can easily visit places like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, and the Seaport District.
Variety of Dining and Shopping: There are tons of restaurants, cafes, and shops around the area, which makes it convenient for groups to grab a meal or explore after graduation events.
Walkability: Boston is a walkable city, and staying downtown means you can walk to many places, including Boston Common, the Public Garden, and historic sites.

Staying in Somerville (Airbnb):

Somerville is a lovely neighborhood, and staying there could provide a more residential feel. Here’s what to consider:

Proximity to Tufts: If most of your time will be spent at Tufts for the graduation and related events, Somerville is certainly more convenient. It's about a 15-minute drive or short subway ride to Tufts University from Somerville.
More Space for Groups: An Airbnb could provide your family with more space, a full kitchen, and a more homey environment. This could be great if you're looking to spend some relaxed family time together, cooking meals or hanging out after the graduation.
Quieter, Less Touristy: Somerville offers a more laid-back vibe compared to downtown Boston. If you're looking for a quieter place to retreat to after a day of city exploring, Somerville could be ideal.
Experience a Local Neighborhood: Somerville has some cool neighborhoods to explore, like Davis Square and Union Square, which offer a mix of trendy cafes, local shops, and small businesses. It’s less touristy and can give you a taste of local Boston life.

Combination Option:

If you’re still unsure, one possible approach is to split your time between both locations. For example, you could stay in Somerville for the nights leading up to the graduation (which will be close to Tufts), and then switch to The Godfrey for a few nights afterward to take advantage of its prime location for sightseeing and exploring the city. This would give you the best of both worlds—convenience for the graduation and a more central base to explore Boston.

Other Things to Consider:

Transportation: Consider how your family will get around. If you're planning to rely on public transportation, staying downtown may make it easier to access Boston's T system. However, if you plan to drive and park, parking in Somerville might be more affordable than in the city center.
Budget: The Godfrey is a well-rated hotel but can be pricey for multiple rooms. A large Airbnb might offer a more cost-effective solution, especially if you’re booking for multiple people.

In the end, both options have their perks, but if experiencing Boston is a priority for your family, staying at The Godfrey would place you in a fantastic spot to make the most of the city during your stay. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more local experience, Somerville offers that and is still close enough to easily reach Tufts and other attractions. Enjoy your time in Boston and congrats again on the graduation!

famiy's first time

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