The Farrington Inn

For those searching the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, particularly budget-conscious travelers or those seeking an unconventional stay, The Farrington Inn in Boston, MA, presents itself as a distinctive option. Located at 23 Farrington Ave, Boston, MA 02134, USA, with phone number (617) 716-6530 and mobile phone +1 617-716-6530, this establishment offers a different kind of accommodation experience compared to typical chain hotels. It's crucial for potential guests to be aware of its unique characteristics, as reviews indicate a wide range of experiences.

The environment of The Farrington Inn is deeply intertwined with its historical nature. Operating out of "older building" that some describe as "charming historical building" with "character you don't find in a typical chain hotel," it offers a glimpse into Boston's past. However, this historic charm also comes with the potential for wear and tear. The inn is situated in the Allston-Brighton district, a lively "student part of Boston" known for its "youthful energy and diverse community." This neighborhood is a "hub of creativity, culture, and culinary delights," with "fun bars, restaurants and interesting local shops" within steps of the inn. Its location is a significant advantage, with the Harvard Avenue MBTA Subway Station (Green Line B Branch) just a short walk away, offering easy access to downtown Boston, Fenway Park (approximately 1.9 miles away), Boston University (about 1.2 miles away), Harvard University (around 0.9 miles away), and MIT. This makes it an ideal spot for visitors to these universities, concert-goers heading to nearby music venues, or those looking to explore the city via public transport. The immediate area offers a variety of dining options, including Asian fusion cuisine, and amenities for quick shopping. The "community felt safe," providing a relatively peaceful setting despite being in an energetic student neighborhood.

The rooms at The Farrington Inn are where guest experiences diverge most significantly. Some guests have found their rooms to be "nice big room" and "comfortable," with some even receiving a "free upgrade" to a larger room or one with a private bathroom or kitchenette. Rooms are generally furnished simply with beds, a small dresser, and a small desk. Amenities usually include air conditioning (though some individual units may be window units), flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, telephones, and ironing facilities available upon request from the desk. Some rooms, particularly those given to longer-stay guests, may feature kitchenettes with a microwave and sink, which can be very beneficial for saving on food costs. However, a stark contrast exists with other reviews describing rooms as "unbearable" due to "mildew and mold," "yellow stains" on the ceiling, and "brown hairs EVERYWHERE—inside the sheets, on the counter, in the bathroom," along with stained sheets. Some rooms are located in "random unmarked building a street over" from the main inn, which was unexpected for some guests. Heating issues, where rooms were "so cold" in winter that guests had to sleep in coats, have also been reported. The critical point for many guests is the prevalence of "shared bathroom and living space" arrangements, which are not always clearly communicated prior to booking. While some private bathrooms are available (and recommended for longer stays), many rooms utilize communal bathrooms, which guests have found to be of varying cleanliness. The lack of an elevator means it's a "walk-up" building, which might be a consideration for some travelers.

The services at The Farrington Inn are generally described as "basic" but with a notable variance in staff interaction. Many guests have praised the staff as "very friendly and helpful," "accommodating," "hospitable," and "kind." They have been noted for being willing to "flex when asked" and providing upgrades when available. However, other accounts describe staff as "extremely rude" and "unkind," with one guest reporting staff "barged into my room while I was asleep" to address a problem, without proper consideration for guest privacy. The inn offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and express check-in/check-out. Housekeeping is provided daily, though some guests have reported issues with the thoroughness of cleaning. Pets are allowed upon request for an extra charge per day, making it a pet-friendly option. Free parking is available on-site in a lot behind the building, but it "MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE BY TELEPHONE" and comes with a daily fee (e.g., USD 10-50 per day), which is a significant amenity in Boston.

The features of The Farrington Inn primarily revolve around its core offering of affordable lodging and its strategic location. It offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, which is a standard and essential amenity for modern travelers. The inn's website emphasizes its role as "a small guest house just west of downtown in the student part of Boston," positioning itself as an "alternative to the expensive hotels downtown." While there's no on-site restaurant for full meals, "kitchen access" is generally provided for guests, and those staying five days or more are "generally be given a room with a kitchenette," allowing for self-catering and cost savings on dining out. This is a valuable feature for extended stays. The proximity to numerous restaurants and shops in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood, particularly on Harvard and Brighton Avenues, means guests have abundant dining and entertainment options within walking distance. The presence of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a security system on-site aims to ensure guest safety, though some negative reviews have raised concerns about the overall feeling of safety. The inn prides itself on its "cost-effective option to satisfy a short-term to medium-term housing solution," particularly for students, academics, or those on extended visits. It's important to note that the hotel does not have a pool or extensive fitness facilities, focusing more on basic, functional accommodation.

In terms of promotional information, The Farrington Inn's primary selling point is its "great price" and "value for money" in an expensive city like Boston. It's often highlighted as "the cheapest" option available, especially during peak seasons like graduation. The narrative often emphasizes its unique "character" and "old-fashioned style" as a positive, appealing to those who desire "something different" from a typical chain hotel. Testimonials from satisfied guests often focus on the "great location," "friendly staff," and the benefit of "free upgrade" when available. It positions itself as "perfect for the younger traveler" or those seeking a "basic but clean and convenient place to stay." However, potential guests using the "Hotels Near Of Me" search should be mindful of the "strongly caution" advice from negative reviews that describe the place as "DIRTY and the staff are unkind" in some instances, and highlight issues with shared facilities, cleanliness, and maintenance. Therefore, while it presents an undeniably attractive price point and a location with excellent transit access, it’s a property where guest experience can be highly variable. For travelers with high expectations for modern amenities and consistent service, or those uncomfortable with potentially shared living spaces or older facilities, it may not be the ideal fit. However, for those seeking an extremely budget-friendly option in a convenient location and willing to accept a more rustic or communal experience, The Farrington Inn could indeed be a viable choice.