Help with travel to Boston

[eagleI]

We are planning a 3 week visit to New England in Sept. with the first six days in Boston. We've been there before but I'm looking for some input.
I booked us at the DoubleTree Suites in Cambridge (400 Soldiers Field) and am wondering if it is an ok area. They have a shuttle into the city but don't know how close it is to the "T". I am also looking at the DoubleTree Bayside on Mt. Vernon. It is across from a "T" station (which I think is the subway??)
I don't want to end up in a scummy area.

Also, in other cities we can ride free on the subway if we buzz them? Is this an option in Boston?

Any input, tips, recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[John3:16]

What's up?
Doubletree in Cambridge is nice and it's right on the Charles River. It's actually Boston but they say Cambridge. It is still nice and not in a bad area. There are good places to eat and good pubs but they are all a good 10 minute walk or a short taxi ride away. There is not much nearby. About the T, it is the same way here. Although they went to the new Charlie pass, I don't know how it works now. You flash them and see what happens. Good luck and have fun.

[eagleI]

Thank you! I didn't want to end up in an area where we needed to carry! I appreciate the input.

[Sully49]

What's up?
Doubletree in Cambridge is nice and it's right on the Charles River. It's actually Boston but they say Cambridge. It is still nice and not in a bad area. There are good places to eat and good pubs but they are all a good 10 minute walk or a short taxi ride away. There is not much nearby. About the T, it is the same way here. Although they went to the new Charlie pass, I don't know how it works now. You flash them and see what happens. Good luck and have fun.

All the T stations are equipped now with these machines where you can purchase your charlie tickets. You can decide then and there how much money you want to put on each ticket. This makes it a lot easier because now you don't have to stop and pay each time you're getting onto the T, you just hold onto your card and feed it into the turnstyle and you keep re-using it until you have to put more money on it. I believe after you feed it in there's a little screen that will tell you how much money you have left on it. I'm not sure though, my t pass is monthly so it just gives me a date where it will no longer be valid.

[dgeaton8]

If you have any more questions, feel free. Boston is a great city and I hope you enjoy your visit.