This is such an awesome place to stay. Before you book, make sure you read the entire booking description. Melissa is very transparent in who she is and what to expect when staying with her. If you like what you read then I’m sure you will be very happy staying there.
Melissa is an awesome host! She is very friendly and genuinely enjoys getting to know you. She even took me hiking with some of her friends the first day I got there! Her dog, Scout, is incredibly sweet and will try and every moment to smother you with love. The house itself is very much a home meaning it feels very safe and happy inside. She has lived here for over 30 years so there are so many memories in this home. You can tell the second you step into it. I immediately felt comfortable which is hard for me.
Pros:
1) extended stays get to cook in the kitchen and use the fridge (she has a gas stove which I love).
2) she has a sweet adorable doggo
3) the metro stop for the orange line is a 3 minute walk from the front door.
4) there are blue bike rentals outside of the metro stop and it’s only a 20 minute bike ride into the city.
5) it’s a very nice home and her friends and neighbors are very welcoming.
6) she has a beautiful back patio with many lovely plants.
7) the price is extremely competitive. I saved a lot of money staying here as opposed to 10 minutes closer to the city. Very worth it in my opinion.
8) there are some tasty restaurants and convenient bodegas just a short walk from the front door.
9) host is extremely friendly and accommodating. She will talk to you when you want but also give you space if you need it.
10) rooms have a window AC unit for those hot summer days!
11) you can use the washer and dryer and they run super well.
Cons: (for the room on the 3rd floor)
1) I’m very tall, so the room I stayed in on the third floor had a low ceiling. If you’re tall, check to see which room you’re staying in. I hit my head a lot. No ones fault but mine but something to keep in mind.
2) the bed is pretty much a full sized fouton and it’s pretty stiff. If you’re really particular about bedding it’s something to keep in mind or too talk for a full.
3) Some part of the house could have been cleaner like the fridge but it wasn’t bad.
Overall, I had an incredibly fun time and great time staying here. It has everything I personally look for in a booking. I was Melissa’s first guest since March 2019 when the pandemic began. I was between this booking and one in the city that is only an air Bnb and every room is rented to someone. I chose this place because it’s cheap, easy to get into the city, and it was so warm and welcoming. I was nervous coming to Boston for 6 weeks and this booking gave me a safe space to be. I recommend you pick this place if you’re in the same boat as me! You won’t regret it.