We absolutely agree with the tone of the preceding reviews, even if a hectic schedule precluded very much socializing with our hosts. They were marvelous. We stayed in SunnyLibrary. Mindboggling for a book lover like me. The guest shower remains under construction (sink and toilet fine), but there were no issues with using the upstairs facility. It happened that our eight days coincided with an uncharacteristic summer heat wave. On a couple of the hottest nights, air conditioning would have been good. On the others, the room fan did the job. This is a very minor point considering the rarity of extreme heat in Boston. Union Square is marvelous, a transitional neighborhood with tremendous diversity in food and drink. We enjoyed hanging out in Somerville as much as anything while in the Boston area. Great overall experience. R

Me and my boyfriend stayed two nights in July 2010 at the home of Jesa and John. We experienced a wonderful stay at a home away from home. Jesa and John welcomed us very friendly and were easy to talk two. All in all we had a wonderful time in Somerville and would highly recommend Jesa and John as your future host.

My stay with Jesa and John was very relaxed and comfortable. It's nice to have some time to visit (would have liked more) as they are very interesting folks, as well as kind and friendly. Jesa's artistic talent is amazing. The neighborhood felt very safe and was a lovely five minute walk past victorian homes from/to Union Square, which has a variety of restaurants and pubs. Transporation easily linked up at Union Square to everywhere. Without a doubt, I would stay again when in Boston.

Four nights in the library for an exploration of historical and gastronomical Boston. Very satisfied with location, neighborhood, accommodations, and hostess. Highly recommended!

We had our best sleep in the cosy sunnylibrary room in our entire trip to New York City, Boston and Buffalo! Jesa was extremely helpful in providing us with maps and local tips on where and what to do in Boston. The Daily Catch (Jesa's recommendation) was superb! It was a great pleasure to live in Jesa and John's house. It was a shame that John was not around but I am sure he is as great a host as Jesa! Thanks Jesa and John!!

what a delight it was to stay at Jesa & John's place. as a New Yorker, i most enjoyed the extreme quiet at night and waking to the lovely sounds of birds in the morning. one could not ask for a more charming host than Jesa! thank you!

I really enjoyed my stay in both the sofa-isticated bedroom and the library. Jesa and John are wonderful people who try to make you feel at home. We had great conversations about various subjects. If i would ever need a place to stay in Boston I would book either room again without hesitation.

very nice place... very quite and safe too... jesa i like your art and I hope to realize me too an exhibition in boston. A little bit far from center but you can organize well the same. very kind hilary that introduced me to jesa and john house...

great place, great people, recommend it

In contrast to the noisy city of Boston, you will find a secluded and quiet place to stay when booking with Jesa and John. As soon as you have passed the front door and you have left the staircase behind, you enter a very cosy place where the "handwriting" of the artist in the house is obvious. As soon as you are "checked" by the cat, the cat will gives you all the freedom you want to have as a guest. The couch-room is seperated by a curtain, the library room has a door which can be closed. As I stayed in both rooms during my stay, I can tell you that both rooms are convenient, as you will be regularly there for finding sweet dreams only after a day out in Boston or Cambridge. Find at Jesa´s and John´s place everything you may need to have a perfect stay in Boston. As John was not around during my stay, I may tell you about Jesa. Jesa is a very kind person and she was very patient and very supportive in answering all my questions about the city etc. I would definitely book it again while in Boston. Give it a try!

I had a wonderful stay at John and Jesa's home. It was clean and comfortable with beautiful art I really appreciated looking at. Cute friendly kitty cat too who likes to come say hi! The location is very close to public transportation. It is also very close to many restaurants and sights. I walked the whole time I was there and felt very safe even walking alone at midnight after listening to a band about 2 miles away. As a single woman, I had no encounters at all. Jesa was very pleasant and helpful advising me on bus/subway routes to get to where I needed, and also recommendations on things to do while there. It was my first time in Boston and what a wonderful time I had. I could not have picked a better location to stay. I would definitely recommend staying there, and when I am in Boston again, I will stay with them again. Thanks so much :)

Jesa and John were great host. I was first time to travel by alone. But they greeting me very friendly. And I was really appreciate about their help. So, it was first time to go to Boston. So Jesa let me know specific directions. I never forget their friendly greeting. I was really comfortable in there. And I met a great neighborhood of her.I reall appreciate.

What can I say, the Bailes are great people, house is located in a really nice neighborhood in an excellent location and easily accessable to all points in Boston and beyond. I slept on a comfortable air matress in a private room and was treated like a king...... I would absolutely stay there again and I highly recommended staying at this house to anyone traveling to Boston and surrounding areas....... Thank you Jesa and John, God Bless.........

where do I start... for me, my stay was a sweet dream... Jesa (didn't meet John) and their home are magical to me... staying there had a profound impact on me, I will always remember their place fondly and I am so grateful that I had the chance to stay there (and meet Jesa)... for me all categories were beyond expectations: accommodations, atmosphere,location, hospitality, cleanliness... their home is simply enchanting, the warmth, the colors, plants, the art... I would be thrilled to take a vacation to Boston just to stay with them... Thanks Jesa!

Thank you Jesa and John for your wonderful hospitality! My oldest son will be attending Boston University in the fall, and we used both the Sofa-istacted Basic, as well as the Sunny Library, for three nights last week. My youngest son stayed with me in the library...and both rooms were very comfortable...mmmmm, the comfy mattresses, cozy bedding, and fluffy pillows made it hard to get up in the morning! Jesa & John arranged fresh fruit, cereal, bagels and tea for us each morning, and they both made themselves available to answer questions, assist with sightseeing suggestions, supply us with maps and directions, and help us to feel right at home. The price is absolutely right, can't beat it...and although the home is under renovations, the energy was still incredible and I'd highly recommend staying with this lovely couple in a neighborhood that is safe and easily accessible to public transportation.

Staying with John and Jesa was a great experience, they were extremely helpful, kind, and interesting hosts. Everything was as advertised, if not better! Also, the location is ideal, it's a safe neighborhood only a few minutes away from Harvard Square, so you can get anywhere in Boston quite quickly. I have no complaints whatsoever, staying at John and Jesa's made my stay comfortable and relaxing, the way a holiday should be! When I return to Boston, I will definitively see if I can stay with them again. A big thank you to both (and Humbert as well)!

My stay was very short but I got a glimpse of two interesting people who seem to enjoy life... and are inviting of others to join in the fun! I would recommend this place- the neighborhood is nice and easily accessible by public transport. Thanks Jesa and John!

I really enjoyed my stay in both the sofa-isticated bedroom and the library. Jesa and John are wonderful people who try to make you feel at home. We had great conversations about various subjects. If i would ever need a place to stay in Boston I would book either room again without hesitation.

I really enjoyed staying at John and Jesa's. John was out of town and I would have enjoyed meeting him, but Jesa was wonderful; busy putting the last touches on her art show but she still had time to chat me up and show me the basket of maps and guides to Boston. (a really incredible artist she is!) The house was full of books and art and was deeply relaxing. At first I thought it was a little too far outside the city, but in fact, the neighborhood was sweet and quiet (with restaurants close by) and there were plenty of buses that came by regularly (pretty close to Harvard) and went to the train that goes into town. I really loved it there and will go back if I get back to Boston. Thanks Jesa!

In contrast to the noisy city of Boston, you will find a secluded and quiet place to stay when booking with Jesa and John. As soon as you have passed the front door and you have left the staircase behind, you enter a very cosy place where the "handwriting" of the artist in the house is obvious. As soon as you are "checked" by the cat, the cat will gives you all the freedom you want to have as a guest. The couch-room is seperated by a curtain, the library room has a door which can be closed. As I stayed in both rooms during my stay, I can tell you that both rooms are convenient, as you will be regularly there for finding sweet dreams only after a day out in Boston or Cambridge. Find at Jesa´s and John´s place everything you may need to have a perfect stay in Boston. As John was not around during my stay, I may tell you about Jesa. Jesa is a very kind person and she was very patient and very supportive in answering my questions about the city etc. I would definitely book it again while in Boston. Give it a try!

Jesa is gracious, lovely, funny, sensitive and a brilliant artist. In addition, she is married to one of the sweetest men, John Bailes, I have ever met. I love John and Jesa and enjoy visiting their wonderful, artistic, inviting home.

These are two of the finest, most interesting people I know, and I never miss an opportunity to visit with them. Their home is filled with treasures and art, is warm and comfortable, and a short walk to Kendall Square, MIT, and Central Station. Highly recommended.

not certain that i can do anything more than fully concur with the previous 2 recommendations. the bed is the most comfortable pull out i have ever slept on. the room is private and inviting and warm as pictured. and jesa and john -- love them. will be back soon (mid oct)

Jesa and John are a personable, convivial couple with a lovely house in a lively Boston-area neighborhood. My wife and I have stayed in this very room several times, and if our experience is any guide, you can expect gracious hospitality, outstanding cooking, and (if your schedule and taste permit) scintillating conversation. Highly recommended.

john and jesa are humble,, gracious, witty, intelligent and caring people and gregarious without ever leaping over either your need for privacy or their sensing of it. Be assured, you are in good hands, better than those of the insurance people.

Jesa & John are two of my favorite people in the entire world. Your stay will not only be wonderful, but an artistic & spiritual adventure as well. What more could you ask for? And such a BARGAIN!

John and Jesa are fabulous friends -- smart, aware, connecting. Each brings diverse experience, deep knowledge, good cooking, amazing art. Their home is comfy and quirky. And the food!!! I totally recommend them and would gladly have any potential guest contact me for details. Bob Nesson

John and Jesa are wonderful people with a great home. You can't find better hosts for your trip to Boston.