Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great for families visiting Boston

Guest: Chris (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 04/23/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

This apartment was perfect for our vacation stop in Boston. Plenty of room for our family of five. The authentic "Southie" neighborhood is great with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants within walking distance. It's easy to go downtown using public transit (the #9 bus just steps away takes you to the T station, then you can go anywhere; easy). We had a car, but just parked it during our stay. The owners are great hosts. Very friendly and helpful to answer questions, provide recommendations.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Warm Christmas Feeling

Guest: BostonTraveler (Finland)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

My husband and I stayed at this charming property with another couple for ten days at Christmastime. We were delighted to be welcomed by Donna and her family in their lovely Victorian and to see the wreath greeting us on the door to our apartment. She’d also surprised us with a small artificial Christmas tree, lights and other festive decorations, which made separation from our faraway home more bearable. The rental was perfect for our purposes—each couple had their own privacy, as the bedrooms are at opposite sides of the building. Our room had a bunk bed (double mattress lower/single upper), as well as a double futon, so although there were only two of us, it’s suitable for a family with children. The other room was smaller, but had a king-size bed. We loved that our room and the living room looked out onto the Albanian Orthodox Church, which was lit up at night, across the street. The TV had many channels; there was also an Internet connection, as well as a laptop provided for our use. Also, there was a billiard table in the basement, where we spent many hours shooting pool; board games were provided, as well. The kitchen was amply stocked with pots and pans, as well as some leftover staple foods. Cooking our own food helped save on the cost of our trip, although if one chooses to go out, there are many fine restaurants all within walking distance. There’s now a Paramount Dinner nearby on East Broadway—the original one is on Beacon Hill. My husband and I discovered a cute café on West Broadway (“Gourmet Café,” I think) where we were served delicious, home-cooked dishes (try the humus). Our main reason for visiting Boston was to be near my mother in Southie, and in addition to visiting the cafes and restaurants, the weather was nice enough to take frequent walks. We strolled for miles, along the other elegant Victorians of East Broadway, then around Castle Island, along the sandy beach to the JFK Library in Dorchester. For those wishing to visit downtown Boston, the number 9 and 10 buses stop very close to the property and take you into Back Bay (near the Public Library) within minutes. Or, you can get off at the T-stop for East Broadway and take ride a few stops to Park Street or even Cambridge. (A tip for those taking public transportation—buy a weekly Charlie pass for only 15 dollars. This will save you the hassle of having to pay for every connection.) So, great location, welcoming landlords, quiet area, good food, sea air, walking opportunities.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A South Boston Gem

Guest: Candice (Danville CA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/06/11

Fantastic location, lots of public transportation, on street parking limited. Walking distance to Historic revolutionary war site and to water. Very convienant to Downtown Boston and Waterfront. Great local restaurants and shops. Owners were super nice, friendly and helpful. Apt was well maintained and clean. One must keep in mind it is a 130 yr old home in South Boston and many of the fixtures are somewhat dated. Only negative would be the 55 steps to the 3rd flr apt. so be in good shape. It is amazing how South Boston has changed from 20 years ago - and for the better.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great location! Great value! Great hospitality!

Guest: BDH (Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

My wife had a conference at BCEC and we were looking for accommodation that was close to BCEC and would provide enough room for us, including our toddler, and the grandparents. This was the perfect place - 20-25 min walk from BCEC, very reliable wireless connectivity so I could work while out of office, and lots to see and do in the area for our daughter and the grandparents. From the minute we arrived after our long flight, we felt welcomed and were provided so many helpful tips about the area. The place was very comfortable and clean and provided more than enough space for all of us. We prepared most of our meals in the kitchen which was another added benefit and cost savings,but there are a number of great restaurants in the area. Most importantly (for me anyway :)), the value of staying here rather than a hotel in the area was tremendous - hotels around BCEC are very costly and this ended up being a home away from home for us at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Great Place to Stay

Guest: Nette813 (Gainesville, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

My husband and I booked this apartment for a weekend wedding trip. Another couple and my mother-in-law stayed with us here as well. The owners answered all the questions we had via e-mail and helped us figure out transportation. The house is a great old Victorian in a really it neighborhood. There was plenty of room for all of us on the third floor! The apartment was immaculate! I was so impressed with the kitchen complete with table, cups, silverware, etc. We felt so lucky to have happened up this VROB--we booked the only remaining weekend of the month! We were close to shopping and food with a restaurant and Dunkin' Donuts just down the road. We easily picked up cabs for a 10 minute or less ride downtown. We DEFINITELY recommend staying here and would stay again ourselves!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Our first Boston vacation

Guest: rauthamar (columbia falls montana)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

My son, his girlfriend and I chose this cool apartment as our place of residence for a 10 day trip to Boston. It was awesome. This great old house, of which we got the top floor, is located in South Boston and was close to everything we needed- food, drink, groceries, pharmacy, and our friend the #9 bus. We took the bus or a taxi (just walk a few blocks and you'll find a taxi) to major places or to the T stations. And from there all things were possible.It was great. Donna and Max were wonderful to us and when we go back to Boston (hopefully soon) we will definitely try to rent their top floor again. All the people we met in South Boston were so friendly and nice ( and in the rest of Boston too).So much more fun than staying in a stuffy motel and much more economical.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great to be in the Southie

Guest: Mamadoo (Monterey, Ca)
Date of Stay: 04/27/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

This apartment is comfy and much larger then it appears in the photos. It reeks of history and is directly overlooking a beautiful Orthodox Church built in 1872. The kitchen was huge and we cooked several meals there as well as warming up leftovers and making coffee. Just a few blocks away is a grocery store, liquor store and drug store. A decent Chinese hole in the wall take out place (crab rangoons to die for) and Joseph's Italian Bakery (where the apple streusel and subs were unbelievable). Telegraph Hill Cafe, Boston Beer Garden, the Boston Convention Center and surprisingly, the Beach with a lovely park and pier (no businesses) , were all within easy walking distance. An old neighborhood with lots of stories to offer and beautiful architecture. The apartment has a great view of the street and out the kitchen is a view to the water,a long hall leads to the living room, whre the couches in were good loungers for my large sized (6"5") hubby and myself. The master bedroom was cozy with good natural lighting from the windows and the king bed was very comfortable and had a good sized closet. The bathroom was spic and span clean, towels yummy and it's blue toilet and tub were exactly what my grandma had in 1960, it was charming! The second bedroom was large and could have easily slept another 5 people. Internet access was easy and they had good cable access, too. The 56 steps up to the apartment could make it hard for some, but these fifty something people hauled ourselves up those steps several times a day, with groceries ! Someone at home asked me what I was doing in the Southie? I told them that staying at this killer apartment was like getting to move to Boston for a week!

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

Excellent location, Great hosts!!!!

Guest: Carola (Argentina)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 01/18/11

The apartment is beautiful, very comfortable. The Rans: amazing. They were very helpful and always trying to make our stay in Boston easy. The bus stop was right at the corner of the house. There is a small supermarket just oposite the house and a really big one only 5 blocks away. We had a car and Donna moved the car for us when we were away visiting the city. I would rent this apartment again on my next visit to Boston and I highly recommend it.

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

Perfect Location, Excellent Amenities, Prompt Communication

Guest: B 0 S 0 X James (Greenville, SC)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

Renting this property was the best decision we made when planning our trip to Boston!! The reservation and planning was flawless, with prompt and thorough communication with the owner. Our travel time to/from the airport was under 10 minutes, our travel time to Fenway (walk-off double from Big Papi in the 9th!!) and Downtown was minimal (public transportation - bus to subway and back), and the amenities in the house were exactly as advertised (perfect). I would like to extend a special thanks to both the owner and her friend who made us feel welcome and well taken care of. We'll definitely look to stay here again when we return (hopefully for longer next time)!!

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

Great hosts!

Guest: Bama travelers (Hoover, Al)
Date of Stay: 06/08/10 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

The apartment was great for our family of four. Spacious, clean, and convenient to public transportation. Because we had first driven up to Maine, we had a rental minivan which per the rules of the neighborhood had to be moved everyday at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm between front and side streets. Because we were gone all day everyday sightseeing, the Rans moved it for us. They could not have been more helpful or nice. I would recommend this apartment and its hosts to anyone staying in the Boston area

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Boston, the best way

Guest: SarahET (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 05/22/10

The Rans were incredibly helpful and so friendly! The area is gorgeous, fantastic walks both from great restaurants and for awesome exercise. The apartment itself is neat and comfortable, a welcome change from the cookie-cutter hotels that are out there. Definitely felt much more like a home than just a place to stay.

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Love South Boston

Guest: HeatherDJ (Victoria, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/13/10

This ended up being the perfect place me & my adult family to stay. I was there to do the Boston Marathon & I must tell you to book early if going then as this place is ideal. A lovely big kitchen with all the amenities for preparing meals. A wonderful character home in this gorgeous part of Boston. The bonus is the family who own the house. They went out of their way to assist us in every way. Donna even drove me to the grocery store so I would not have to carry the groceries home. South Boston is truly beautiful with such easy access to downtown. Would definitely stay here again.

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

St. Patrick's in Boston

Guest: S & K & I & B (Pfafftown, NC)
Date of Stay: 03/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/30/10

We had a great stay and the apartment was exactly as described. Great location, clean, and super friendly owners. We will stay there again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/11/09

We stayed here recently and this is a great apartment . Very clean, comfortable, spacious and a great location a quick bus or taxi ride from downtown Boston. The kitchen has everything you need if you do need to cook. Both bedrooms are spacious with plenty of closet space. The Rans were also wonderful to deal with. Why book a hotel room when you can have a 2 bedroom apartment for less!

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Guest: The Saldana Family (Carlsbad, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/02/09 Review Submitted: 11/02/09

We had a fabulous visit to Boston in mid-October and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Rans' apartment. The location and setting were perfect for our family of 5 and we appreciated Donna and Max's kindness and hospitality.

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Guest: The Highstreets (-)
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/31/09

For our 10 day vacation to Boston we decided to stay at Donna and Max's apartment. It was everything we had hoped it would be and more. The location was ideal (15 minute bus ride to Copley Square). The apartment was very comfortable and spacious for our family of four. There are many amenities within walking distance. Donna ensured we had everything we needed and gave us lots of great places to visit from a local point of view. It was a great find and we cannot wait to get back to Boston to stay at this comfortable apartment.

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Guest: Susan Feldheim (Hamden, CT.)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

We had a family "hen party" in Boston with five women. The Rans' caring and hospitality were above our highest expectations, presenting us with a home that was immaculate and spacious. All amenities were at our fingertips, including a binder that provided us with suggestions inclusive of sightseeing, how to manage Boston's public transportation system, where to eat around the neighborhood...all questions answered! What a find for our future trips to Boston, knowing that all will be easy and fun. Thank you Donna and Max for all of your thoughtfulness in anticipating our every need.

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Guest: Stephen Lobaugh (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

We had a fabulous time. We have 3 kids all under the age of 7 and had more than enough room. The Ran family is very gracious and friendly. They have a beautiful historic home with an ideal proximity to downtown Boston. We'll definitely be back when we come to Boston.

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Guest: Julie Crozier (Riverside, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/22/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/09

Best place in town! The Rans family so wonderful. Two summers ago my family & I stayed for almost two weeks. Our daughter who was 5 at the time still talks about how much fun she had. We would like to plan another trip to Boston and of course stay in the Apt. It's very clean, super roomy and close to everything. Best place for the the Best price! Can't wait to stay again. The Crozier family.

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Guest: Cordula Roleff (Holzkirchen (near Munich) Germany)
Date of Stay: 05/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/09

We are a family from Germany and come to Boston every year. After we had stayed at a very smoky, anonymous short-time rental apartment twice we wanted to do better and found this just perfect for us spacious attic flat where we were warmly welcomed from the start. We have returned four times since then and love its great family-friendliness, clean atmosphere (in a wider sense of the word) and coziness. We get fresh views every time we come. Thank you Donna and Max for making us feel so much at home.

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Guest: Bastien Frigault (Montreal, Quebec)
Date of Stay: 05/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/09

My friends and I stayed there last Easter week end. We were warmly welcome by the Rans family. The unit is well equiped, very clean and located in a friendly neighborhood. No need to tell you that I will stay there again for my next trip in Boston. Thumb's up for the Rans family

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Guest: Celeste Diethelm (Redondo Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/12/09

My family travels to the east coast every year. We love to stay in South Boston in this lovely historic home. It is always so clean and comfortable. The location is convenient to public transportation and the airport. The homeowners are terrific, friendly people who are always ready to make recommendations on where to eat and what attractions to see. This is the type of rental you will want to return to again and again:)

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Guest: David Richardson (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/12/09

I travel to Boston a several times per year and when I bring my wife and 2 young daughters there is no place we would rather stay than at the Rans' apartment! A great location, great views, great people, and a great value as well. They even put me up for free one night when I was snowed in. My highest recomandation!

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Guest: Joe Gironda (Mamaroneck, New York)
Date of Stay: 05/11/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

I've been fortunate to stay at the RANS' 2 Bedroom Apartment...Not only is it a spacious/comfortable/clean place, but it's great for anyone who is visiting the Boston area...And, oh yes...The RANS' family is top shelve as well...Staying here SHOULD BE A NO BRAINER FOR ANYONE needing to stay in beantown!!!

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