I’m going to Boston for the first time in November and I want to stay in a walkable area so I can explore and grab groceries etc since I will be on foot. Would like to stay generally close to downtown.  

Could anyone please recommend hotels that don’t require key cards?  

Thank you and I appreciate it!

Hello Aria,

I tried to respond to a similar message but the admins blocked. Something, I think, about commercialization of discussion board.

I'll reply to the email on your TER sight.  

networking

It is a security risk that tips off the hotel.

 
That's why the OP correctly asked that people use PMs, or email, etc.

I am not addressing your "key" Q about key cards, but I can assure you that most of the popular neighborhoods (see map, below) in Boston are both site-seeing walkable and shoppable, with mini-marts and 7-11s all over the place, including the financial and other business districts.  
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(You asked about hotels, not airbnb or short stay apartments with full kitchens, so I'm assuming that mini-marts are sufficient and that you won't need to walk to an Enormous Gigantic Supermarket store.)  
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If you go to the Boston Board home page and search (blue button; button location varies between desktop vs. mobile, etc.) for "neighborhood" you'll get many previous discussions about the best areas to stay for different reasons.