On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Charles Hotel

4.5 star rating
based on 45 reviews

Category: Hotels  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Harvard Square
1 Bennett St
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 864-1200
Nearest Transit:

Harvard (Red)

Price Range:
$$$

45 reviews for Charles Hotel

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Kat F.

Elite '09

486

570

Kat F.

Toronto, ON

Canada

5 star rating
10/15/2009

The major drawback to this hotel is the bed. If you are heading to Boston and expect to get an iota of sightseeing or work done, do not stay here, whatever you do.

I DARE you to try to get out of this bed before noon. I couldn't. I'm normally a person that gets by just fine with 5-6 hours of sleep but found myself edging on 10 hours of sleep during my stay at the Charles Hotel. 10 hours. Epic. Every morning I'd set my alarm for the usual 8:08am and not even start stirring till at least 11am.

It's absolutely impossible to escape the death grip of the luxurious mattress, heavenly pillows and layers upon layers of plush bedding and coverlets. One of the blankets was so heavy it reminded me of that thingamabobber they drape over you when you get an x-ray at the dentist.

I will also pre-emptively blame my impending months of insomnia and restless nights in my own, dilapidated mattress at home on my stay at this hotel. Nothing will ever compare to a night's sleep on this bed.

Check-in/check-out were both flawless, service impeccably professional and amenities and location also outstanding.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (13)
  • Funny (9)
  • Cool (11)
Photo of Tara L.

Elite '09

220

103

Tara L.

Washington, DC

5 star rating
10/15/2009

I could have probably done a back handspring in the King sized bed at the Charles Hotel. And even if that didn't work out and I busted my ass, it would have been okay because the bed was so soft that it would have cradled my fall...and lulled me to sleep. This may have been the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in! In fact, the whole room was fresh, spacious and minimalistic.

My check-in was flawless and I was handed a little metal key. I was thinking, a key? Wow, they must be a little behind on the times! But really, I was the one that was a little behind. The room key was designed like a key, but still opened my room door magnetically.

The bathroom here was awesome as well. There was a huge mirror and tons of counter space with a nice selection of toiletries. There was even a phone, scale and television IN the mirror! The only thing this bathroom needed was a clock. Why? Because I lost track of time in there once I plugged in my laptop. Oh - and free Wifi!

Service was wonderful and the staff was attentive yet un-obtrusive. There are three restaurants on site. One of them, Noir stays open until 2:00am and turns into a lounge in the evening.

I even had the option to check out via the television! Unfortunately, at my time of check-out the system was down but that's still a pretty cool option.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (9)
  • Funny (10)
  • Cool (9)
Photo of peter d.

Elite '09

1423

421

peter d.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
9/10/2009

This was the most well-equipped bathroom ever. It came with a scale, a phone, an ice bucket, various toiletries and a TV IN THE MIRROR.

If you think I didn't weigh myself, call my friends,* chill my drinks, brush my teeth and shave my face all while watching the Sopranos on A&E and taking the Browns to the Super Bowl, you're wrong.

Also, the shower pressure was awesome, the bed was insanely comfortable, and the room service eggs were delicious and only on the low end of exorbitantly priced.
______

*OK, my parents.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (22)
  • Funny (29)
  • Cool (20)
Photo of Chantelle K.

Elite '09

213

263

Chantelle K.

NY

5 star rating
8/24/2009

Previously furious over the fact my family decided to take a vaca sans moi AND during the Yelp Boston Red Carpet Gallery Gala? Rude. That meant I couldn't get pampered by my Mom or swing in the hammock with my Dad at Home Sweet Home. However, Charles Hotel quickly - and very effectively I might add - came to my rescue.

We checked in with two very pleasant associates who, upon hearing me proclaim I was self digesting, pointed me to both their restaurants as well as the snack kiosk behind them. Assuring them my lunch was on its way, we went up to our rooms to drop off our bags. The keys are a little tricky (well, Peter D. had some issues) But I'm going to cut to the chase and tell you the two things you need to know:

1) The COMFIEST hotel bed I have ever slept in.
2) TV in your bathroom mirror with remote.

You still need more? OK, awesome toiletries, snuggly bathrobe, spacious room, great restaurant and in spitting distance of Legal Seafoods (I know, I'm too classy). The staff was also super pleasant to deal with whether at breakfast or hailing us a cab. Sigh. This is the one time I wish my parents didn't live in Boston so I could have more excuses to stay at the Charles Hotel.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (6)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (6)
Photo of Jane K.

Elite '09

2156

455

Jane K.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/19/2009

I'm having a love affair with the king-size bed at the Charles. It was like cuddling up to a big bunny rabbit. You'll fall asleep in less than five seconds and when that alarm goes off in the morning you'll need a crane to remove yourself. Or at least a knock on the door from room service with a big tray of eggs, perfectly cooked bacon and a pitcher of steaming hot coffee. Despite the $30 price tag, sometimes it's just worth it to order room service so you get to stay in that heavenly bed a bit longer.

Other perks? A TV in the mirror in the bathroom. Yeah, it's pretty sick: you can watch Robocop as you soak in the massive bathtub with the organic EO toiletries. I even used the complimentary sewing kit twice, once to hem my dress and then to safety pin part of my jumpsuit garb for an evening party. The hotel has a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool, a business conference center, a relatively hip bar called Noir that doesn't close until 2am (that is actually considered late night in Boston), several restaurants and friendly staff.

On top of all that you're in a great neighborhood with crap loads of restaurants and shopping walking distance away. While I'm not a huge fan of Boston (see bar closing times), The Charles makes me wonder when can I go back.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (10)
  • Funny (11)
  • Cool (14)
Photo of Andrea R.

Elite '09

2885

1547

Andrea R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/23/2009

When I first entered Miriam W's room I gasped with delight: a huge living room with an enormous dining room table and a bathroom fit for a Queen. "Doesn't your room look like this," she asked. Ummmm, NO!  The lucky Miriam W had been upgraded to a fantastic suite.

My room wasn't nearly as exciting, but I was still happy with it during my quick one night stay. The bed was comfortable, the shower had good water pressure and there was plenty of space for me to throw my clothes/shoes around.  

I usually try to pick hotels that have gyms and while there wasn't any time to workout on this trip, workout fanatics will be happy to know that they do have one here. Just not sure how good it is...since I also didn't have time to even glance at it.

I'd stay here again and will be crossing my fingers for one of those suites!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Brian B.

 

0

10

Brian B.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
10/23/2009

It's safe to say this hotel is home to one of the comfiest rooms I've ever slept in. I booked using http://www.getaroom.com. I had a great meal in the restaurant but was unable to check out the fitness center. There are also some great shops to check out within the vicinity. Did I mention TV in the bathroom? I'd definitely come here again.

Photo of Nicole M.

Elite '09

118

265

Nicole M.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
9/12/2009

I saw two drunk chicks (late twenties/early thirties) hook up in the bathroom, like I wasn't even there. AWESOME.

People thought this was:

  • Funny (2)
Photo of Susan L.

Elite '09

150

441

Susan L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/14/2009

One of the pricier hotels in the Harvard Square area and worth trying out but had a few hang ups. TV in the mirror was baller but a bit excessive, considering the TV in the main room didn't function well. Either the remote control battery was dead or I was experiencing major user error. I'm pretty sure I know how to press the 'power' button though. Shower pressure was lame - clearly didn't get the same room as Peter D! Late night dining food quality was pretty below average, even with already low hotel kitchen expectations.The chocolate cookies were no better than Pepperidge Farm and the corn clam chowder was bland. Bed was the highlight of the stay. Thick warm down comforter that was difficult to part with in the morning. Others seemed to have a way more solid experience than me so take this with a grain of salt. I didn't spend much time researching other hotels in the area so this may be as best as it gets.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Joel S.

Elite '09

1

62

Joel S.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
4/3/2009

Very nice hotel, with good facilities. Room spacious enough.

Points off for:

- no coffeemaker in room
- unbelievably expensive in-room snacks ($16 cashews, anyone?)
- the worst internet system I've ever seen in a hotel (and I routinely travel in developing countries):
   - no wireless in the rooms. In 2009. Seriously.
   - charge $11 per day for in-room ethernet
   - even if you're paying the $11 in-room, the wifi in the lobby is a SEPARATE charge. No, I'm not kidding.
    - the internet in the conference areas is --- wait for it --- YET ANOTHER separate system

You could easily spend $30 per day on internet services at this hotel, in the heart of one of America's most tech-oriented cities.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Casey W.

Elite '09

78

152

Casey W.

Brighton, MA

4 star rating
12/28/2008 6 photos

The weather outside was frightful (Dec 19 2008), but there was no way I was going to miss my company's holiday party at the Charles Hotel. I chose to play it safe by booking a room at a ridiculously low rate, even though I live just 4 miles away. That's right, 4 miles. But that could be a very dangerous 4 miles when there's a blizzard outside!

Boy were we glad we had the room. Instead of racing around after work and before the party, the BF and I took a nap on the luxurious bed in our standard room, read some of the magazines in the room (Atlantic monthly, anyone?), and admired the views. The room was delightful and cozy, though I was a little confused by the country-cum-modern look they were going for.

There were definitely a few things different about this hotel. It seems like they thought to themselves, "what do people really need in a hotel where they'll probably just be staying a few nights?"
- They had metal keys. Like real metal.
- No coffeemaker in the room.
- No ice maker on the floor - you could call for complimentary ice.
- No dresser, really.
- Minibar was in the desk and had a tricky little key hidden in the envelope you get when you arrive.
- There was a TV in the mirror!!!!!! Amazing.
- Really cool "real" clock on the wall. You could touch it and it would stop the gears from spinning, not that i did that. Really. I swear.
- The bed faced the windows, which was cool. Most hotels have the bed perpendicular to the windows.
- Room, especially compared to downtown Boston hotel rooms.

The ballroom where we had the party was nice,. pretty anonymous. Service was great. The buffet was good, though I definitely preferred the standard fare of beef and potatoes versus the "gourmet" pastas and seafood, which are normally my favorites.  

I don't know how Meghan P managed to go to Henrietta's Table when she was in college - the food is delicious, but not cheap.

For those out of towners - the Charles Hotel is right near the subway (the T), and close to the river. Definitely a good place to base your Boston/Cambridge visit. And in the summer you can sit at the outdoor Legal Seafoods bar or visit the farmer's market, and in the winter you can ice skate! Win-win.

Overall, we had a great stay. I want to book a room every year for our holiday parties!! :)

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Beau R.

 

277

257

Beau R.

Tulsa, OK

5 star rating
11/29/2008

Easily one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.  Everything is top notch at the Charles hotel.  The staff is extremely nice and helpful.  

Although I don't think I belong anywhere near the Harvard Campus.  I am from Oklahoma, and growing up my whole life I thought the Harvard Campus was located on the moon.  Just to show you my education.

The rooms are perfect.  Big Tv's. Comfortable beds.  And tv's built into the bathroom mirror, awesome.

There is a ton of stuff to do around here.  Everything on the Harvard campus as far as food and shopping is in walking distance.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of James F.

 

8

44

James F.

Milpitas, CA

4 star rating
1/15/2009

I went ice skating here, and the rink is pretty small. However, it's much less crowded than a place like Frog Pond.

The staff here is VERY friendly. They will give you tips if you're just learning, and skate backwards to try to help you out, etc. They also offer crates for young children who are just learning.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Jennifer N.

Elite '09

17

207

Jennifer N.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
3/23/2009

The best beds in Cambridge. Perhaps in the entire Boston metro area. You will not want to leave your bed if you stay here. But you should, because downstairs is Henrietta's Table, and they have heavenly blueberry muffins for breakfast.  And there's that big basket of apples at the front desk. After you eat, you can go back to bed. I promise.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Doug M.

 

4

80

Doug M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/18/2008

Was lucky enough to spend a week here for business - I wouldn't change a thing about it.

Modern, yet unpretentious.  Tastefully designed.  Restaurants you would actually choose to eat in when you could go elsewhere.  Walking distance to everything around Harvard Square.  Doesn't have that boring business hotel feel, yet has all the right amenities.

Expensive, but priced appropriately.  

I'd absolutely stay again.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of misha m.

 

0

6

misha m.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
8/21/2009

If you can't stay at the Harvard Faculty Club, stay here.  Pleasant, excellent location, very comfortable.

Photo of Justine N.

Elite '09

92

135

Justine N.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/11/2008

Stayed at the Charles Hotel while I was in Boston on business because of all of the glowing Yelp reviews.  The place definitely lived up to the Yelpers' high marks.

The staff was very friendly. The rooms were spacious and the prices are reasonable (I got a room for about $240/night and didn't reserve it until 2 days before my trip). There's also a Legal Sea Foods restaurant/bar right outside the hotel with ample outdoor seating. It's a great place to enjoy the warm summer evenings.

The hotel is in the middle of Harvard Square, so if you don't mind the college scene in the neighborhood restaurants and bars, then you'll be fine.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Meghan P.

Elite '09

1576

781

Meghan P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/20/2008

The Charles Hotel has a lot to offer especially in the way of food! In college, I spent a fair amount of time dining at the Charles' restaurants. They are all great including Henrietta's Table and Legal Seafood!

The rooms are a bit pricey but very posh and comfy. The lobby is attractive and the elevators entertain you with flat-screen tv's while you travel a few floors.

The gym is also great though a run along the famous Charles River right outside the hotel is another super option!

Photo of Alice Y.

Elite '09

156

79

Alice Y.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
8/3/2008

A very charming hotel.  I'm a California girl who loves all things modern (hence my social network http://mymodernmet.com) but this hotel just charmed the pantyhose off of me!  :)  

After trying to figure out which hotel we were going to stay at we settled on Charles Hotel right in Harvard Square. Though it wasn't the most modern, it was the best bang for the buck. (We also looked at XV Beacon and Nine Zero Hotel.)

What was so great about Charles Hotel? First, the hotel keeps classic New England design but mixes it with some awesome modern amenities. Let me show you in pictures!

From the outside, you can see that it's a red brick building blending perfectly with its surroundings..

more with pictures: http://www.mymodernmet...

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Caroline A.

Elite '09

553

899

Caroline A.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
1/24/2008

The Charles Hotel is my #2 choice when traveling to Boston. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge, the accommodations and amenities at the hotel are top notch.

I've spent a lot of time at The Charles and have never been disappointed.  The decor is all about comfort and there is definitely a New England flair. Plush carpets, comfortable beds, soft window treatments and soft quilts, it's almost as if you're at a house on the Cape. A wonderful collection of American art adorn the walls of the hotel, and you cannot miss the amazing quilt on the wall of the main staircase.

Believe it or not, the restaurants at the hotel are amazing. I've dined at Rialto (recommended for dinner) and Henrietta's Table (breakfast, lunch or dinner), and was blown away by the cuisine.  Both restaurants focus on cooking with local ingredients and innovative flavors.

The hotel even has an award winning Jazz Club, the Regattabar, and a late night lounge, Noir, with a great finger food menu.  

The Charles is the hotel for many celebs when visiting Boston...you might see Bill Clinton playing his sax at the Regattabar or Ben Affleck at Noir if you're there at the right time.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (7)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of chase w.

Elite '09

18

211

chase w.

Suffolk, MA

4 star rating
8/27/2008

The Charles is really a fabulous hotel, and in my opinion, the ONLY place to stay in Cambridge due to the amenities, service, location, and general poshness of the facility.

The only thing keeping me mousing over the 5 star button is the impression the lobby, exterior, corridors and showers reflect.  They probably were nice 10-15 years ago, but could stand an update. The lobby furniture is a bit worn, and the decor isn't as high end as it should be for a top tier hotel.  The corridors leading to the rooms are very cheap looking and are about as impressive as a Holiday Inn or Carnival Cruise line.  The showers are also old grody white ceramic tiles and feature boring bogus shower heads as well.  This is particularly displeasing as it is juxtiposed with the FABULOUS marble/stone vanity and Hidden LCD TV in the mirror.  I'm not sure why they spend thousands on the poddy entertainment system, but stopped short of adding travertine or granite slates to the tub and shower stall. Odd.

The rooms however are 100% tasteful, comforting, and functional. A very high end feel is exhibited by the top notch linens, high definition LCD television, and generous desk workspace. Our room also featured a nice view of the hotel courtyard and outskirts of Harvard Square.   Overall, this is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed at, it just has a few blemishes.  Think zit on Giselle Bundchen's nose. You notice, but you don't care :)

The room cost only a mere 199 a month (220 with tax/surcharges), featured a morning paper, 24/7 roomservice, mini bar, internet (in the room, and via computer terminal in teh common area of each floor), spa/gym access, 2 very good restaurants (and a legal seafoods, blech).

I would highly recommend the Charles, but dont' plan on taking a romantic bubble bath for two while you stay here. Spend your time at Noir, by the pool, or exploring Harvard Square.

People thought this was:

  • Cool (1)
Photo of john b.

 

4567

441

john b.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
2/10/2008

This is a gem of a hotel. Tucked into a quiet corner of Harvard Square, hard along the Charles River is the appropriately named Charles Hotel. Built in the mid-80's, and part of a larger office/condo complex right next to the Kennedy School of Government, this remains the best hotel in Cambridge and certainly one of the best in the greater Boston-area.

Privately owned and smartly staffed, the Charles is a superb choice for those who appreciate New England charm with a stylish dash of urban sophistication. The staff is friendly, multi-lingual, savvy and helpful. The hotel is home to a couple of very good restaurants along with a refined martini bar. Popular with well-to-do parents, visiting dignitaries and the occasional big-name celebrity, the Charles shines without being flashy. Right outside the front door is the hustle and bustle of Harvard Square. The T is a block away; Peet's just  around the corner.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
Photo of K S.

 

0

75

K S.

Beverly Hills, CA

3 star rating
7/12/2009

Was expecting more based on glowing reviews. Hotel is okay. It is more of a boutique type hotel. Legal Seafood restaurant is a chain, but still okay. There is a lot of seafood in Boston. Overpriced in certain areas. Shown to room with broken phone and shower head on check-in, after being talked out of room set aside. Finally given another room after much effort. I think the staff should be a little more flexible. Still, not a bad location. There are many hotels in Cambridge. The Hyatt Regency is very nice. A TV in the bathroom mirror does nothing for me. Rather not pay for Ethernet connection.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Naomi U.

 

17

187

Naomi U.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
3/23/2007

I wondered where to put my discerning, exacting, cantankerous,
spoiled-by-a-life of-receiving-pasha-class-service parent,
who had just survived life-saving surgery, but wanted to stay in a hotel.

Imagine if Leona Helmsley was a venerable world class architect.
Where would you want to be responsible for booking her room?

What establishment would have:
fine service, a low-key luxury,
a sumptuous non-suite room,
a non-rococo decorated room,
a central location,
"where I can walk around a bit and see some local color",
a house doctor.

I found imperials, and other heads of state often stay there..
this gave me courage...I made the reservation..
the parent stayed, the parent lived, I lived, we were happy, and
said parent pronounced it "a nice hotel".  

Unbelievable....

PS
Some hotels in Boston (which are not as nice) cost twice as much.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (4)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of Marina S.

Elite '09

89

310

Marina S.

West Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
3/11/2008

This is the best hotel in Boston. My parents always stayed here whenever they came to visit me, and I also once got stranded (stranded may not be the appropriate word since I was quite happy to be there) here during a blizzard. Everything about this place is exactly what you want in an upscale hotel.

First of all, the staff is extremely friendly, polite, efficient and helpful. It seems everyone is working hard to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. I also love that The Charles is completely unpretentious. The rooms are luxuriously comfortable but have a very nice New England charm and decor to them. The beds are heavenly and the bathrooms are modern and beautiful.

The restaurants here are also all great. Noir is a really awesome place to grab cocktails, their Legal Seafoods is of the nicer ones I've been to, and Henrietta's Table has an amazing brunch!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of erica c.

 

353

193

erica c.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
12/20/2006 1 photo

I absolutely adore this Cambridge compound. made up of great bars, restaurants, shops, markets and local flavor.

The hotel itself id a bit old school and semi -eclectic. The location is perfect and the overall ambiance is super chill.

The hotel has a rich history but seems to always be trying new and interesting things to constantly re-invent itself in a not at all gimmicky way.

They now have ice skating in the winter time which is yet another brilliant touch.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Lauren W.

 

33

209

Lauren W.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
8/20/2007

I was recently in Boston on business, and since it was short notice, all 4 of the financial district hotels my firm usually books with were full, so I landed at The Charles in Cambridge.  While it wasn't exactly convenient (about a $10-15 cab ride from downtown), I was very pleased with the accomodations.  I got upgraded to a suite, which was huge, with a large living area, desk, wet bar, and separate bedroom.  As others mentioned, there were 2 flat screen TV's (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), plus one in the bathroom mirror, which was pretty cool.  The bed was really comfortable, and I am picky about beds.

I ordered breakfast from room service one day, and I was underwhelmed -- the hash browns were burned on the outside, soggy on the inside and all around not great.  The eggs and toast were at least edible.  As ever, it was waaay too expensive, but I can't exactly take stars off for that, since every hotel I've ever been to has the same problem.

So, all in all, this is a great place to stay with really friendly service, but skip the room service.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Todd T.

 

5

44

Todd T.

Somerville, MA

5 star rating
5/14/2007

This place does everything right. Two great restaurants, three great bars, skating in the winter, outside Legal in the summer, great coffee in the morning and drinks at night. But why doesn't Noir serve Bloody Mary's? And why do they charge for nuts at the bar?
The Rialto has been the best Bostonish restaurant for many years and its new look is very cool. I never stayed there but I could live there.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Molly S.

Elite '09

30

137

Molly S.

Dorchester, MA

5 star rating
8/24/2007

The in-room bathrooms are nothing short of glorious.  TV in the BR Mirror.  Origins products + a coupon (uhhhh... I don't stay in hotels often, couldja tell?) and enough room to do a cartwheel.

And the rooms are sterling as well.

My company had our holiday party here, and it the ballroom was tremendous.  I'd definitely recommend The Charles.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Sean T.

 

6

15

Sean T.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/2/2007

I used to travel a bit for work, so there are certain things I look for in a hotel.

1.  Comfortable large (I'm 6'6'') beds - Check
2.  Various pillow sizes, fill, etc. - Check
3.  Flat screen TV/s (it's a space saver) - Double Check, one in the bathroom mirror too
4.  Work out Facilities on site - Check, attached to Wellbridge Fitness Center
5.  Good bar/restaurant on site - Check
6.  Close to other bar/restaurant options in case you get tired of the hotel food - Check
7.  In room WiFi/Ethernet access - Check, although you have to pay for it.  Lobby, and conference rooms offer free WiFi (ask the desk for the passcode), and each floor has a computer kiosk with attached printer (a very nice bonus)

The clincher for me was when I walked about a mile to the Whole Foods in Cambridge, and it started pouring down rain.  When I called the local cab contingent, I was told it would be an hour before a cab would be available.  I called the hotel concierge, and asked them to send me a cab from the hotel...35 minutes later I was back in my room.  Awesome service.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Seamus M.

 

14

194

Seamus M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/9/2007

A day long conference in a room with no windows, a bunch of people telling me how smart they are, I need to get away. The Noir Bar at the Charles Hotel was dark and hip with a good selection of California wines but no beers on tap. A glass of wine, a few minutes in the hot tub and a nice piece of fish and I am ready for bed.

The work out facility is very good. I could get used to this place.

Photo of Sean P.

 

9

47

Sean P.

Sandwich, MA

4 star rating
11/14/2007

I'll echo a previous review on the bathrooms with the TV embedded in the mirror. Shaving and SportsCenter?! What guy could ask for anything more?

Have to give kudos to the king-sized bed too. We had our best night sleep in a very long time (the fact that our kids were not around to awaken us or worry us certainly helped).

We loved our stay, would return for another night on the town, and would recommend it to others, too.

Photo of Kristin M.

Elite '09

41

114

Kristin M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/5/2007

i just want to comment on the ice skating.

i actually had a really fun time skating here, but it's kind of a one-time thing.  

the rink is really small, i guess it's more the novelty of it.  so if there were more than 10 people skating, that could be problematic.  we were the only two people, i suspect because it was 13 degrees out.

the pluses: convenient location.  skate rentals are actually comfy!!!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Koizumi Y.

Elite '09

126

149

Koizumi Y.

Winnetka, IL

5 star rating
9/25/2006

A great hotel with a significant legacy. And some of the best chocolate martinis in the area. Most universities in smaller towns would be lucky to have a quality hotel of this ilk nearby.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Ryan B.

Elite '09

22

132

Ryan B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/3/2007

Charles Hotel is of a unique stature.  They have several delicious restaurants, great staff and rooms with shaker styled beds.  I love amazing beds!!!!  They have a beautiful quilt collection that spans not just the lobby but into the guest rooms.  The hotel has a New England Shaker feel and design.  But they have tastefully woven a progressive components into the the hotel.  From the more modern drinking establishment to TV's hidden in the bathroom mirror they have balanced the hotel to be one of my favorites.  Also they have one of the best bathrooms in Harvard Sq.  For people with IBS make note.... :)

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Heather H.

Elite '09

183

703

Heather H.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
8/9/2005

This is an outstanding hotel in a prime location.  Check out Rialto, Noir and there is even a mini Legal Seafoods outside in the square.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Aaron S.

 

4

71

Aaron S.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
8/28/2005

This is easily the nicest hotel in Harvard Square, and really in all of Cambridge.  There are great places to eat in the hotel, and within walking distance are all the lovely shops, JFK park, and paths along the Charles River.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Rave M.

 

5

69

Rave M.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
4/23/2007

The Charles Hotel really embodies understated New England charm. The staff is incredibly professional, the rooms really wonderfully (but subtly) appointed, and having eaten and both Henrietta's Table and Noir, I can say the food is very good as well. The Charles has also taken the TV-in-Bathroom feature to the next level: hit a button, and part of the mirror becomes a television screen. I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of lothari o.

 

90

1259

lothari o.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
2/14/2006

Easily the best hotel near Harvard. Simple and down to earth, though it has it's ritzy aspects (Rialto).

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Bhuvana H.

 

2

60

Bhuvana H.

Malden, MA

5 star rating
1/10/2008

The hubby and I got married at the Charles Hotel in July 2001 and this place was amazing!  Our wedding coordinator stayed the entire time to make sure that everything went smoothly.  She didn't force us to plan every single little detail in advance, though she did make sure that we got whatever we asked for (including a refrigerator to leave my flowers from the day before, since I did them myself).  The food was incredibly tasty and our reception in the Regatta Bar was beautiful.  Our ceremony was supposed to be outside but it was threatening rain (unpredictable Boston weather) so we just did some photos outside in their beautiful courtyard and had the ceremony inside in one of their rooms.  The whole day was incredibly romantic and totally wonderful.

1 to 40 of 45 |  
Page: 1 2
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...