Renovated Brownstone Near Symphony Hall

• Family Graduation Celebration

  Family Graduation Celebration

  • Guest Mom & Dad of Graduate
  • Date of stay 05/01/13
  • Review Submitted 05/09/13
  Our family celebrated the graduation of our daughter from Northeastern University in style in this beautifully appointed and spacious home. Grandma, Grandpa, Proud Mom & Dad, Sister, 2 Aunts, 2 Uncles, and 1 niece converged from all over the world to join friends of the graduate in celebration. We stayed at the house for 5 nights and enjoyed every minute. The owner was immediately responsive to all e-mails and queries, the pictures represent the house accurately (it is much bigger and prettier than the pictures can portray), all amenities were supplied and abundant, and the location could not have been better. There is no need for a car as this house is easy walking distance to stores and shopping (Prudential Center, Newberry & Boylston Streets), restaurants, and the Boston T for transport further afield. Google the address and you'll see there is more than can be listed within a short distance of the house. We held a graduation party for our daughter and at one point in time probably had about 50 people in the house - it never felt crowded! The patio, kitchen, dining room, front sitting room, and 2nd floor living room w/ game area are just the right size for hosting this kind of gathering. The sound system in the living room is remarkable. We used every bed and pull out sofa and even a bit of floor space - the entire crew was happy! The only part of the house that did not get any use from us was the well equipped work-out area in the basement - next time (and we hope there will be a next) we'll bring workout clothing for the gym AND for a jog/walk in the area. This is a fantastic house in a remarkable location. We recommend it to others with enthusiasm and no reservations.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Great for Seven in Their Seventies!

  Great for Seven in Their Seventies!

  • Guest Jane
  • Date of stay 04/24/13
  • Review Submitted 04/30/13
  8 Symphony gets rave reviews from my group of seven in their seventies! We probably should have spent more time enjoying the lovely house, but we had too much on our agenda to see and do. However, being able to return to this Brownstone in the evening, put our feet up and enjoy a glass of wine in our PJs is something no hotel could offer. The proximity to the Symphony “T” stop enhanced our desire to see Boston without a car. [Note that it’s the Massachusetts Ave. stop on the Orange Line that has an elevator for those with heavy suitcases. It’s just two blocks beyond the Symphony stop.] We bought MBTA LinkPasses and were on our way. We appreciated the second floor gathering space and the deck outside the kitchen to enjoy the first warm weather of the 2013 Spring. Additional comments would only echo comments already made—read them! We would certainly stay here again and can recommend it highly to those looking for ideal Boston lodging. Our thanks to the Hylands for the detailed information about the property and the area that was provided before our arrival.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway.

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• Six Stars! Outstanding Rental

  Six Stars! Outstanding Rental

  • Guest Brandon E.
  • Date of stay 03/21/13
  • Review Submitted 03/26/13
  Had an old boys reunion, and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable. The location was great, and provided so much to do and see by foot. Listing was spot on, but this place is really a must see to believe. Tim was always prompt and professional in his communications, and the house was immaculate. Already thinking about my next stay. If you want to stay in Boston, and truly feel like you are IN Boston, there is no better place than 8 Symphony.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

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• WOW!

  WOW!

  • Guest Jenny
  • Date of stay 02/21/13
  • Review Submitted 02/24/13
  Truly, I can't say enough good things about this home. I travel pretty extensively, and nearly always rent a home (rather than cram our large group into hotel rooms!), and this gorgeous brownstone was one of the nicest properties I've every rented. We chose this home for the location -- it's less than a one minute walk to the front door of Symphony Hall, where some of our group were attending a performance. The location is also convenient to the local T station, Prudential Hall, tons of great restaurants, Whole Foods, etc. Yes, the location was ideal, but the home itself ended up surpassing any expectations we could have had. The home has been thoughtfully and tastefully renovated, with an unbelievable attention to high-end detail. There is not a thing overlooked, from (full) shampoo/conditioner/bodywash dispensers in each shower, to a built in coffee filter in the coffee pot (I have often rented homes that offer coffee pots, but have no filters for them -- annoying!), to lovely thick towels and fabulous linens. There are tons of books for all ages, including the little ones, and cabinets full of board games. There is a lovely outdoor deck for warmer weather. There are multiple fireplaces, tons of cookware in the well stocked kitchen, and lots of homey touches. The multiple living areas make this home ideal for large groups! Our three teenaged boys camped out in the second floor great room, and had a blast in their "bro space", while the adults retreated to gorgeous, comfortable private bedrooms -- hands down, the best mattresses I've slept on any rental homes!! (Tim... do you know the brand/make? I want one -- my back hasn't felt this good in years!) Tim, the owner, was a delight to work with -- professional, yet very concerned that we had all the information we needed to not only make an informed choice in our final rental decision, but also following through to ensuring that our stay was perfect. From the multiple house keys, to detailed instructions about various aspects of the house (alarms, electronics, etc.), to restaurant recommendations, we couldn't have asked for more. We'll absolutely be back -- this was THE find in Boston! If you're considering this place, take the plunge. I guarantee you will be thrilled that you did!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you so very much for the kind words! The mattresses are from Stearns and Foster - and I agree - they are amazingly comfortable! Safe travels and we look forward to your return.

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• Would Not Stay Anywhere Else In Boston!

  Would Not Stay Anywhere Else In Boston!

  • Guest Lorne
  • Date of stay 11/15/12
  • Review Submitted 11/22/12
  Once you stay here there really is no other option in Boston! Our group of 8 travelled to Boston for a short three night stay and we choose this home based on the overall description and photos. I can honestly say once we arrived our expectations were blown out of the water. Everything was exactly as described and then some. The house is much more impressive in person. From the location to amenities to both the owner and the manager in Boston our experience was with out a doubt unbelievable. I hope I will be welcomed back when I return.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• GO IRISH

  GO IRISH

  • Guest Go Irish
  • Date of stay 11/08/12
  • Review Submitted 11/13/12
  7 guys stayed at the property, and everyone would highly recommend for anyone to stay there. Close to the train, restaurants, and other activities. No complaints.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• PERFECT!!

  PERFECT!!

  • Guest Joey
  • Date of stay 11/01/12
  • Review Submitted 11/07/12
  We could not have chosen a better place, It is in the most perfect location and the property was more than we had expected!! All of our family was able to stay with us and had everyting there. Whole foods around the corner did our flowers, cake and catering for the reception!! We ended up having our wedding in the GREAT room because it was so PERFECT!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Perfect Home Base for a Wedding

  Perfect Home Base for a Wedding

  • Guest Mark
  • Date of stay 09/19/12
  • Review Submitted 10/14/12
  We had a great stay at 8 Symphony Rd when we came for our son's wedding in Boston. With family and friends from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia, it was the perfect home base where we could mingle and reconnect in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to a beautiful wedding in Harvard Yard and a fantastic reception on Thompson Island in Boston Harbor, many of our guests said staying at 8 Symphony Road was the very best home away from home. We appreciated having room to spread out and took advantage of the space to do some serious wedding preparation. The dining room became a production center for the bagging of cookies for wedding favors, creation of reception place cards, and compilation of wedding programs. The second floor family room served as a dance floor for the bride and groom to practice with their parents. The family room also served as planning room for the pastor to meet with the bride and groom. When things in the house became hectic, the back porch became a welcome retreat for a quick nap. All in all, the house was everything we could have hoped for and enabled us to make many memories. We will check the availability of 8 Symphony for our next Boston visit!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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• Perfect location with comfort and amenities top-notch

  Perfect location with comfort and amenities top-notch

  • Guest E from LB
  • Date of stay 10/09/12
  • Review Submitted 10/12/12
  We had a family group of 7 adults staying very comfortably in this "spare no expense" brownstone. I can't recall one complaint from anyone. We all have traveled extensively in the world and stayed at many types of hotels and properties. . . . .8 Symphony Rd. is at the top of our accommodation list. Warning: The stairs could be a negative depending on age and ability of guests. I can't say enough about the owner's attention and quickness to any questions, concerns or problems. The property immediately felt like we were 'home' or welcomed into someone else's home graciously and in style. It was so well equipped in the kitchen as well as audio-visually: a flat-screen in every bedroom as well as every common seating area, except in dining room. We would definitely recommend this property to family and friends.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Wonderful base for our family

  Wonderful base for our family

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 08/04/12
  • Review Submitted 09/04/12
  We just spent a great week at 8 Symphony while 2 of our children attended summer camp at MIT. The location was perfect and we were able to walk everywhere and the house was beautifully renovated with every detail considered. The whole booking process was a breeze and the owners were charming, helpful and very quick to respond. We will definitely book again if we visit Boston with our children.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

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In-Season:  April 1st - October 15th and certain Winter Holidays.
In-Season:  5-night minimum - $3,000 for 5-nights and $500/night thereafter.
Off-Season: 3-night minimum - $1,500 for 3-nights and 450/night thereafter.
One-time Cleaning Fee: For parties up to 6 $125; 7-10 $175; 11+ $250.
NOTE:  Boston Marathon is a premium time at $4,000 for 5-night minimum.
NOTE:  2014 rates will increase $50/night.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.