We stayed at Norah's place on Marathon weekend as the hotels were so expensive and I wanted to be close to the start and finish. It was close to the common, river and a short walk into Copley square. The area was very quiet and the house itself is very cute.
The room is down in the basement (there are small windows for light) and has everything you could need inc microwave, toaster and coffee machine. Norah was very quick to respond to my questions.
I would recommend this to anyone visiting Boston at anytime in the year.