Its very close to downtown. 5 minutes walking will take you to shopping mall, and back bay station (Orange line). It's can be noisy a little depending on your neighbors I could hear everything (talking from nextdoor walking on stairs etc.) Still it was a very nice worthy place to stay. since what I needed form this place is nice sleep and shower. I highly recommend this place if you are traveling alone. if you worry about noise just bring a pair of nice ear plugs. it would be hard to find this nice place with this price.