[Bears_Fan]

Hi,

I need some opinions please. My family and I are going to Hartford for the marathon this weekend. I made reservations at the Residence Inn on Main Street, and I am actually getting a little nervous after hearing about the crime in Hartford from different people in the Northeast. I only wanted to be close to the Start/Finish area at the Memorial Arch.

Now, I have lived in big cities, so I am not shy towards being downtown. It is just that I am not familiar with Hartford. Does anyone think we will be in a high risk area of Hartford?

Thanks.

[misueno]

Bears-Fan,

I don't live in Hartford... yet, but I spent several days in a hotel downtown several weeks ago and I'll be taking an apartment next door to the Residence Inn while I explore the area this winter (falling in love with greater Hartford and hope to settle there within a year or so), so I can at least offer my impression. The area of downtown Hartford where you will be staying is filled with restaurants, hotels, and new apartment buildings. The Arena Stage Company is around the corner and the area in general is on the rise.

Business usually brings me to Hartford every few years and a couple of years ago I would have said it was rather unseemly, but now I'm feeling the general excitment of a upward trend.

We kept our car at the hotel and walked freely and comfortably around the downtown area. We went to restaurants and bars and stayed out relatively late without concern about walking back to the hotel. I went for morning runs on both sides of the river (although I must admit that it was a little disconcertingly desolate - as a woman by herself, I try to be cautious about how far I run outside trafficked areas) and enjoyed the new development by the river.

That being said, of course it is a city and like any city, there are areas you probably will want to avoid. Even downtown may not be great at four in the morning. Like any city, you keep your radar up... but the Residence Inn is not in what I would consider a dangerous area by any means. Don't worry, you're probably in the perfect place for the race.

Good luck with the marathon!

[Srib]

Agree with the above post. In general downstown hartford itself is not a high crime area. Some of the outlying areas of Hartford is where you hear about the shootings, etc. you'll be fine.

[JViello]

LOL...don't believe all that you hear or read. Your location is fine. You might even walk away with a much much greater appreciation for our city.

Enjoy your stay...Please DO venture out and around, you might be surprised.

[Bears_Fan]

Thanks! I told my wife to not pay attention to the other moms. I think things are hard enough with our toddler that she is scared to make things any more unsettling.

What good places to eat and have a beer are near the Residence Inn?
Does anyone know if they allow kids at City Steam?

[JayCT]

Downtown Hartford is as safe as any downtown area of a major city in the US. Tell your wife that the other moms know absolutely nothing and not to listen to them. Like any city (or even the suburbs) you have to careful (lock cars, walk on well lite streets only, etc.). There are many nice restaurants in the area and I am sure the hotel can help you make a selection. City Steam is a good place and yes children are allowed. They may even offer a kids menu. Enjoy your visit. Jay

[bigjeff532003]

The worst part of Hartford is the north end area. Where your staying is a nice area and you should find lots of nice shops and places to eat while you here.