I spent a week at the Whitcomb as part of a school trip last month. As others have said, it's a decent area during the day with a few gems due to the tech companies coming in, but a little sketchy at night, though I wouldn't call it unsafe if you know how to conduct yourself in such places. The hotel itself is fine, no issues except for the atrocious lack of water pressure in the shower (think water fountain). I thought the Holiday Inn (just around the corner) looked nice, though I haven't been inside. And as others have mentioned, the Whitcomb is in a great location with regards to public transit.