Plenty of options in either city. But it may take some hopping around to find a good one. Cleanliness and a short walk are my desires but if you're reserve you may want to trade the a longer walk for more stuff around. East Boston isn't as bad as some people make it out to be. There's good little dive restaurants and you can take the T downtown very easily.

Winter is coming.......prepare to use your luggage as a plow!