Hotel/Area between Boston Col. and Boston U - pet /elderly

Hi. My husband, mom, and dog will be travelling to Boston in mid-Dec. We have plans with friends in the B.C. area one night and will be seeing a family member's hockey game at B.U. the next night. We have a small dog that my Mom will be watching at the hotel while we are out in the evening...our dog is older and needs to go out frequently so my husband or I will have to break away at some point to walk him and then go back to meet our friends (my mom cannot and we need to bring the dog with us to Boston). During the day I was hoping to take my Mom out sightseeing a bit - she cannot walk very far so we will probably take a cab to get around. I think the best bet is to find a hotel closer to B.U. as it will be closer to sightseeing (and not as far to B.C. area as Back Bay/Boston Commons), but there doesnt seem to be many choices that are Pet Friendly. What is the area like around Residence Inn Fenway?

The Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Fenway is a solid choice for your situation, particularly with a small dog and an elderly family member. It is located in the Fenway neighborhood, which is roughly halfway between Boston College (Chestnut Hill area) and Boston University, making it convenient for both your BC visit and the BU hockey game.

Area around Residence Inn Fenway:

  • Fenway is a lively urban neighborhood with a mix of residential buildings, restaurants, and cultural spots. It is home to Fenway Park, so you may see some sports-related activity, but mid-December is generally quieter than baseball season.
  • The area is walkable for short distances, with sidewalks and nearby cafes, but for longer sightseeing excursions, using a cab or rideshare is recommended since your mom has limited mobility.
  • Pet-friendly amenities: The hotel allows pets, and there are nearby areas for walking your dog. Several parks and green spaces are within a short drive or walk, including the Back Bay Fens and smaller neighborhood parks.
  • Dining and conveniences: There are casual restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores within a few blocks. Some hotel suites include kitchenettes, which is convenient if you want to feed or care for your dog without needing to leave frequently.

Alternatives or nearby pet-friendly hotels:

  • Boston Marriott Copley Place – more expensive, downtown, convenient for sightseeing, but farther from BU.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Downtown/Seaport – downtown option, but farther from BU and BC; also pet-friendly.
  • Holiday Inn Express Boston – Downtown – generally pet-friendly, downtown location, accessible but farther from Fenway and BU.

Practical tips:

  • Since your dog will need frequent walks, Fenway is convenient for short breaks and has quieter residential streets where you can step out easily.
  • Using a cab or rideshare is ideal for your mom to visit nearby attractions during the day, as Fenway is centrally located and allows access to Back Bay, the Commons, and museums without long walks.
  • Book early, as pet-friendly rooms in Fenway are limited and can fill up quickly, especially in December.

Overall, Residence Inn Fenway balances convenience for your itinerary, pet-friendliness, and accessibility for an elderly family member, making it one of the better options between BC and BU.


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