The Farrington Inn
The Farrington is right to bill itself as "The Boston Hotel Alternative", with rates that go as low as $45 a night, depending on the season. While the Farrington may lack some of the luxuries of a Hilton, this cheap and cheerful inn in Boston's Allston neighborhood feels more like a cozy bed and breakfast rather than a rowdy youth hostel. Offering a variety of accommodation options ranging from dorm style beds (subject to seasonal availability) to rooms with private baths or kitchenettes to studios and one bedroom apartments, the Farrington offers quarters with character for a variety of budget travelers.
During our stay in June 2009, the Cheap and Cheerful staff found the rooms at the Farrington peaceful and private, the staff friendly and helpful, the neighborhood colorful and pleasant, and the location generally convenient for exploring the rest of Boston. A few blocks from a stop on the Green line train, the Farrington is only a few minutes away from Boston University, and just a few more minutes away from the city center.
A couple of blocks away is the Allston Cafe. Serving up coffee, some standard egg and English muffin sandwiches, as well as loads of vegan baked treats. Our staff found their "Meg Muffin" to be a particularly satisfying way to start our mornings in the big brick city. Located in a student enclave of Boston, the cafe makes for a comfortable seat to watch college kids, crust punks, and several of the friendlier varieties of North American Hipster.
Nearby in Cambridge, is the Garment District , "an alternative department store". With vintage wear on the second floor, costumes on the first and it's sister shop with it's "dollar-a-pound" pile directly next door, The Garment District offers unique clothing to suit a wild array of styles and budgets. It's hard to strike gold in your first search through the massive "dollar-a-pound" section, but for those thrilled by the search in thrifting, digging through to the bottom will be satisfying enough. Though the shop is probably best known for its second-hand and vintage offerings, the Garment District also carries many smaller current lines such as American Apparel and Rock Steady.
While Boston may have one of the highest costs of living in the United States, you don't have to break the bank to visit! Looking for more cheap and cheerful ideas when checking out Bean Town? Pick up a Boston Phoenix, a free weekly paper similar to the Village Voice featuring listings on food and drink, upcoming music gigs, and local art events.
