First off, your mileage with 463 Beacon rests mostly on the sort of traveler you are. I think…read moreyou'll either like it or hate it. I'm firmly with the former. Its essentially a bed and breakfast, without the breakfast or the host/hostess. If you like B&Bs, nothing here will be surprising.
Its a tall Victorian brownstone located in gorgeous Back Bay. There are no signs to declare it any different from the rows of houses on the same, serene, tree-lined street. Its a lovely feeling to walk out, as though departing from your home, imagining you lived here.
After getting buzzed in, the first floor has a small communal area with a bench, coffee and tea station, and information about Boston to take. We checked in at the tiny, adjacent office, which keeps limited hours. Friendly, easy-going staff, and we were able to leave our luggage there at start and end of the trip.
I booked, with just a a twinge of trepidation, a room at the uppermost level, a fifth floor walk-up. I banked on the walk to justify all the eating planned, and it really wasn't bad at all. A bit of old detailing was kept in the building, so we had much to admire going up the winding stairwell, including the long chandelier hanging down the center from a stained glass fixture.
Every room here is different. We peered into a few on some mornings, where guests apparently just checked-out, and found most to have their own attractions. Our room, #51, was one of a few with two beds. Basic features: private bathroom, kitchenette (sink, microwave, fridge), dining table, armchairs, desk, spiral stairs leading to the loft area with one full bed and one twin, and a tv mounted high on the wall, viewable from both levels. There's free wi-fi that didn't work for me, but I felt no need for it so I didn't bother asking the office staff to trouble-shoot. Nothing plush here, but the beds were comfortable enough. Metal key entry, the old-fashioned way.
PLUS (room #51)
- high-ceiling loft set-up
- atmosphere
- spacious
- cool, old metal spiral stairs
MINUS (room #51)
- truly tiny bathroom, I kept hitting myself as I showered and I'm small!
- everything a bit worn overall
- limited windows
Great location in beautiful Back Bay and convenient, within a 10-minute walk to commercial Newbury and Boylston Sts, the Hynes Convention Center, and the T metro stop on Mass Ave, which allows fairly quick access to other areas in Downtown Boston. But even on foot, Boston Common is just a pleasant 20 minute walk away.
I emphasize that the minuses here don't bother me. I considered it part of the experience, and quite enjoyed it, but others may feel a refurbishing is required to pay to stay. Sure, I don't disagree about a refresh, but a thorough refurbishing will also mean they can (and should) charge a fortune. As it is now, 463 Beacon St is a great deal in a great location, a good alternative to a boutique experience at more than twice the price.