BAD for Tourists - No where near downtown sites, just those built for locals
"Southie" as it is known, was a solidly working class ethnic enclave for generations of Irish immigrants. The triple decker (often occupied by generations of the same family) is king here, except for some prime oceanfront homes owned primarily by noted local politicians, "king makers" and those who became "lace curtain" Irish somewhere down the road. This tradition has been invaded by outside yuppies during the past twenty years, but the resulting skyrocketing housing prices also brought some upgraded places for foodies and a bit of sorely needed decorum. If you rent a car, you will note the cross streets are alphabetical, the bars such as Amrein's (sp?) are more home-away-from-homes to the crowded urbanism, and the corner diners have some of the great breakfast offering around. Even if you are not "from here" - a question I was guardedly asked upon many occasions - you can still appreciate the interesting, clannish character that it this unique place offers.
South Boston has some great attractions, most notably Castle Island, which is a peaceful peninsula which is perfect for walks along the ocean without any audible disturbance from the packed surrounding urban areas. When the Tall Ships come into town this is a prime viewing venue, as some of the ships remain in full sail until just before this marker. Castle Island remains an oasis for generations of Bostonians and newbies alike. If you take a short taxi ride to this place, you will be treated to cheap, great burgers and shakes at the iconic Sullivan's at the entrance to the island. And there are some traditional bathhouses and sweaty gyms along the way, which pepper the long, slim beaches. 
Unfortunately, none of these studies are vaguely approachable from the Ramada Inn Boston. I felt so very sorry for the legions of foreign and American tourists who may have used this Ramada as home base for the only long weekend they may have had in their lives to drink in the history and culture of my beloved Boston. At the ample and free breakfast Ramada provides, I met a family from Miami who had saved to show the children what the history books scan: the cemeteries where Mother Goose and the Hancock family have graves, the myth of Bunker Hill (the battle was actually fought on Breed's Hill which is a short distance away), the fabulous interior of the gold-domed Mass State House, which looks down on the acreage of the Boston Common (foundation of the modern day rallies) as well as the Public Gardens with private spaces and the Swan Boats which are great for those who want a full spectrumof the gardens without the walk, the street side lounge at the Taj (former Ritz) along the way for some respite. Then the Italian North End for pasta the various fisherman's feasts throughout the street on weekends (to celebrate the catch of the year and give thanks to the Creator), peering in the new money area of the Back Bay along Commonwealth Ave, which was modeled after the Champs-Elysee in Pris and the old money Yankee area Beacon Hill. Freedom Trail Walk, Duck Tours...ya see what I am sayin'?
Were this Ramada located next door to the Red Line, or at at-will shuttle to the Red Line, this review would be different. Boston has the country's oldest but quite efficient and functional public transportation system, and it is a shame to be at the mercy of a shuttle to get to it. Like Massachusetts taxes (high but the services more than make up for it) one gets what one pays for in some respects.
The property itself was not well thought out in design. To protect from the winter winds, airless vacuums were created that offer no air flow during this unseasonably warm summer. One faces the desert navigating through these tunnels to get to the rooms. The rooms are OK, though I was not excited to take a shower much less a relaxing bath. If you paid more than $99 nightly, go to priceline and start bidding for a property closer to town or at least more accessible to the transit system.