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Hotel Marlowe
25 Edwin H Land Blvd
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 868-8000
- Nearest Transit:
-
Lechmere (Green)
- Price Range:
-
$$$
Boston Marriott Cambridge
- 20 reviews
- Neighborhood:
- Kendall Square/MIT
"It's a pretty decent Marriott. We were way up on high, so our view of the Charles and beyond was fantastic. My main complaint was that the…" read more »
36 reviews for Hotel Marlowe
My first yelp review for a reason.
Absolutely incredible. I was just moving into town and showed up with not only my puppy (60lb mix), but also a car with a (rather unsightly) luggage carrier on top. Since the carrier couldn't lock, they parked the car right up front in their circle for me, even though my loaded down volkswagen didn't fit in with the land rover and BMW on either side.
In addition, and this is what really set them apart, the service is unmatched. You'd swear you were in a 5-star hotel. They took great care of my dog, catered to our every need, and were all smiles the entire time.
When we wanted to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant, they offered to watch him behind the desk and pampered him the whole evening. I've really seen nothing like it, and especially not in a hotel like this!
Even pets aside, their service is incredible, an absolute recommendation for anyone in the Boston area.
This is a wonderful hotel. We had guest fly in from Chicago and they loved the hotel. The concierge was very helpful and the atmosphere is really special and incredible. They also have a wonderful restaurant in the hotel.
My best friend, Natasha, got married here! It was such an awesome wedding spot, I can't even begin to explain. First, it's not too huge of a hotel, and that makes it just the right size for a wedding. As Natasha mentioned, the fact that they only do one wedding at a time is definitely nice, it would be annoying to have 2 weddings at the same time!
The decor is funky and chic, and I swung by quite a few different rooms, which were also super funky and fun. The leopard print bath robes are quite a cool touch, I must say.
The staff is super nice, when I went on a hunt for safety pins for Natasha's dress (hey, open bar reception and DJ means someone stepping her dress was inevitable) they opened every sewing kit they could find and pulled out the pins for me so I could run up and help fix her dress. Kickass, thanks guys!
The food was absolutely incredible, from the passed appetizers to the seated dinner. I loved the coconut shrimp and the oysters, the soup, everything! The crab cakes were awesome too, definitely some amazing food. And the booze was a-flowin so you know we had a great time!
A really great hotel, and an even better wedding, How can you possibly complain?
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I liked the Marlowe but it isn't for everybody. Like any good Kimpton hotel, it was funky, clean, the service was excellent, and it's pet-friendly. If you don't like dogs or are allergic to them, you won't be happy here although the staff is likely to go overboard in trying to accommodate you.
We had one problem, a dog who doesn't like to be left alone was brought by an owner who had better things to do. It barked and it howled endlessly. Cute dog, too. But the owner should realize that their dog isn't a good hotel dog. The staff took care of it and moved the dog and its owner somewhere else.
I love Kimpton hotels. I'm giving this hotel 5 stars, but if I was reviewing the owner of that dog, it would be a one-star review. Thanks to the staff for letting me get sleep.
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Yes, it's a bit isolated, but it's by far the best hotel I've stayed in. Note, I didn't say "best at it's price point", but best overall hotel I've stayed in.
The staff is amazingly helpful, the rooms are spotless, and the restaurant is fantastic. Worth every penny; my wife won't stay anywhere else in Cambridge/Boston.
If only this thing had six stars ...
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Boutique hotels are fun...especially when one is not picking up the tab.
So after the aforementioned house burned down, we had a 3k hotel allowance from the insurance people. Well, we were only homeless for a few days and spent most of them with family because it was Thanksgiving.
The night before the movers came to put us into the new place, I booked us the Presidential Suite at the Hotel Marlowe.
(bua-ha-ha-ha)
We pulled up in my now-a-one-door honda civic coupe, grubby and covered in soot. Not having showered recently...but looking for all intents like it had been weeks. We both climbed out the driver door (since the passenger door is broken) and then rifled through the car full of stuff for things we needed.
Beverly Hill Billies.
Then we handed the valet the key. Amazing. (It's only $5 more (plus gratuity) to park in their valet area than to park in the galleria garage which is your other option)
We checked in, went without hesitation to the hosted wine hour and drank and talked to random strangers for a while--FW is *VERY FRIENDLY.*
Then we changed and went over to the Cambridgeside Galleria which it's basically attached to.
On returning, we put on the animal print robes provided to us by the hotel, drank some wine, sat in the jacuzzi, and then promptly passed out.
The atmosphere is swank and vaguely 1940s (bellhops in fedoras and trench coats), we had a room that overlooked the Charles (across a road and through some trees). The leopard print fainting couch was kind of amazing...and the jacuzzi tub with a full complement of L'Occitaine goodies was a fabulous addition.
They're also dog friendly and have cookies at the door for the little ones.
I don't know that I would pay that price on a regular trip (almost $500 for the suite), but when insurance is picking up the tab...or while on honeymoon...or if you just happen to have that kind of disposable income...it's my favorite hotel so far.
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Melissa M. recently wrote a review of the Mandarin Back Bay, in which she admitted a. that she didn't stay there, b. just went to the bathroom, and c. she nonetheless loved the place. I am going to continue this "I Peed in a Hotel, Loved It, and Yelped It" trend with the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge. And not only did I pee there, I sat in their lounge and had free guest-only coffee that I shouldn't have been drinking!
My dad stayed here, actually. We had to go here because they'd borrowed our car. Finding the entrance to the Hotel was a bit difficult: it's on Land Blvd, on the same block as Cheesecake Factory, but closer to the Museum. There's only one sign for it, but you turn in and enter a big circular drive-up. The valet was friendly and efficient and brought the car up to the circular drive.
We waited in the lounge which is right inside the entrance. It was sumptuously decorated, with a bewildering hodgepodge of Moroccan style pillows, velvety banquets, weird leather chairs, and funky ironwork on the ceiling. The decorator who designed the room was obviously on acid, but it works, somehow. The coffee was fresh and nice, and an attendant refreshed it twice in the hour we sat there. and she didn't yell at us for blatantly drinking the coffee for free.
So, naturally, after all that coffee, I had to pee. The bathroom is around the corner from the lounge...let me tell you that I've never seen cleaner bathrooms in my life. If you were Dr. House, you could perform open heart surgery on the floor and there'd be no chance of staph infection. There were actual towels and fragranty soaps.
I swear that I heard angels singing "Hallelujah!" in a choir (with background harps) when I flushed the toilet. The water gently filled the bowl, washing away my urinary products with a relaxing splashing trickle, like a riparian stream flowing from the top of a ancient mountain. I sighed in pleasure. Never have I been so relaxed from a simple pee!
I wanted to hang out in the bathroom a bit longer, but I had exhausted the range of activities that the bathroom could offer; and besides, they arrest people for loitering in bathrooms. Just ask Jeffrey H.
Hooray for Hotel Marlowe and their amazing bathrooms!
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This was my first trip to Boston and I need a place to stay in Cambridge. I had no trouble arriving since I took the subway and it was a short walk.
The front desk had trouble charging my card but I told the person that I had only the total amount (I was staying for 2 nights) and will not be using any services which the deposit is for. The manager took care of it and checked me in. The room was absolutely beautiful but I didn't care for the leopard print. The mall is right next to it so that was convenient for me and they had a business center that I used to check in for my flight.
A week later, I did a survey and the hotel manager got it and credit me back for something in the bar. I brought some water but was overcharged. It wasn't a big deal and I didn't mind paying for it but he saw the mistake and took care of it for me.
Excellent Service!
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I'm a wedding photographer and photograqphed a wedding at Hotel Marlowe. It is my favoriote place to work. The staff is great, the decor is artistic and contemporary. Elegance and superior service mark this hotel.
This hotel is where I will recommend anyone who comes to visit me in Boston. This hotel has possibly the best service of any hotel I've stayed in. They bend over backwards to help you. They brought up a coffee maker for me, the warmed up my whole foods clam chowder and innumerable other things to make our stay more pleasant. They were happy about helping me out with my wife's cat and there was no extra charge. I stayed here for $189 per night, which isn't bad for Boston. The rooms were great. Everything was extremely clean. The place has great personality.
Beautiful hotel with friendly staffs.
You have to love animal-print everything.... leopard print pillows, robes, carpet.... lol....
They also have fake brown bear skin blanket....
Down comforter and Velvet everything else ....
Best part.... L'Occitane bath amenities
Everything is posh inside the room!
Most important... CLEAN!!!
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I got married at Hotel Marlowe..so I am reviewing it from that stand point.
I am very glad with my decision. The hotel is modern, funky yet elegant and beautiful. Yes, the animal prints and rich velvety and gold colors work together very well. There are some great places to take wedding photos.
The pluses:
- only one wedding/event at a time. You get the entire second floor with their awesome foyer.
- the staff was amazing. Ericka is the current events coordinator and she is very organized and responsive. She herded my big crazy Russian family around during the wedding and got them to go where they were supposed to! That takes talent. She was also great about coordinating with all the other vendors.
- the FOOOOD. The chef at Bambara does the food and all my guests said it was the best wedding food they had. The options are elegant and there are plenty of choices. Service was excellent too. Unlike many other hotels, they serve wine and coffee at the tables.
- The guest rooms are really nice. We had an executive suite for the wedding.
- They can accommodate other wedding related events. We did a breakfast for Sunday morning..everyone was so hungover and it was just perfect to eat eggs and bacon and bagels.
- The wedding package includes everything, the rooms, the food, the alcohol, a great choice of linens...nothing left to worry about.
The minuses:
- its not cheap, though not too bad and you can probably negotiate in this economy.
- the bartenders cut off a few of my guests during the last hour even though they were staying in the hotel...give my people booze!
In short, i highly recommend the hotel to any couple looking for an indoor wedding and a memorable surrounding.
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This hotel was completely bizarre. I have no idea what they were going for. My room had leopard print carpet, animal print bathrobes (for sale!), leopard print pajamas (for sale!) and curtains outfitted with the declaration of independence. If that weren't odd enough, the mini-bar had an intimacy kit NEXT to a first aid kit, astronaut ice cream, and a yoga cd. I just don't understand. Perhaps I'm not hip enough for Kimpton hotels.
Things I loved: good service, free wine at night and free coffee in the morning, cool lil soaps.
Things I didn't love: random vacuuming outside my room at 1am that woke me from a deep sleep, curtains that didn't close all the way so the sun woke me up way earlier than necessary.
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Booked through an online discounter. We are always thrilled to get a Kimpton Hotel as it means good service, crazy fun interiors, comfy beds, with wine in the evening and coffee in the morning. Marlowe is not close to anything but the T and also a mall next door for food (California Pizza Kitchen and the Cheesecake Factory to name two of the prominently marked venues). We walked a bit and found a Legal Seafood...so be prepared to get out of the neighborhood for dinner. The rooms are bigger (for Kimptons) with nice bathrooms with Aveda products. It is a place to relax and revitalize.
We came to Hotel Marlowe for a romantic night on the other side of the river and had a great time. Totally dug the leopard print patterns (and robes!) and hot pink lounge chair. Took advantage of the free wine and beer in the lobby, and had a great meal at Bambara.
The bed was insanely comfortable and huge and the bathroom was super clean.
Two things that were not so hot:
1. I had to park in the Cambridgeside Galleria parking lot overnight. Nothing happened to my car, but it felt strange and unsafe to leave it there.
2. The breakfast was pretty terrible and SLOW.
Really, though, the important things (general service, decor, cleanliness, amenities) were spot on and worth every penny.
I did a training here today in the conference center. I'm still harboring a little animosity because I couldn't stay here because it was way over the price my company likes me to spend on hotels so I stayed about 6 minutes away and then took a cab here.
I liked the fancy shmancy atmosphere and I have to say it looks like they gave good service because they kept coming in and cleaning everyones plates away as where other trainings that I've done, I've never seen anyone do that.
I also liked that it was in walking distance to the Green Line Lechmere stop so I was able to walk my poor ass over there after I was done doing my training. haha
This past weekend - I went to Boston for my sister's wedding. From the moment I stepped off the plane I began to feel a headache approaching, because wedding's inherently mean ALOT of family time.
Family time, when it comes to my family is great, for like the first hour - but as hour 2 rolls in, I can feel my head start to throb.
We all fall back into our "family" roles, and before I even have time to claim "first" shower, my mother has begun arguing with my sister about something;. my brother is getting angry at my mom for making him miss the most updated score of the football game. And I can hear my voice getting whiny as I beg my brother to change the channel back to the mind numbing reality TV show I was watching.
At this point it is abundantly clear, we are all in need of a long vacation from our just beginning one.
Hotel Marlowe amidst my family's fighting managed to not only ease our fighting, but remedied sleeping situations (they provide comfortable cots for extra guests), and provided a beautiful classy backdrop for my sister's reception.
It was a superb location for all of our out-of-town guests that came into Boston for the weekend and had little time to explore the city. With the Galleria mall right next door, it was perfect for forgotten suit jackets and food court cravings.
Hotel Marlowe is not your typical hotel. As part of the Kimpton chain - it strives to be memorable. Inside each room is a strange clashing of Declaration of Independence curtains, fake fur blankets, and leopard skin themed folders, robes, pillows and rugs. It is a total interior design trip, both in and out of the rooms. Sometimes cringe-worthy, but often pretty remarkable, fun, and unique.
Unlike any of the Marriots and Sheratons that I've been in growing up I actually remember the decor in Marlowe.
I was also a particularly big fan of their "spa quality" shampoos, soap, and conditioner in the bathrooms and the complimentary lighting in the rooms. Despite being a very obvious pale color, Marlowe's lighting actually gave me a nice warm glow (I'm a recovering Tanorexic.)
My sister's wedding reception on Hotel Marlowe's second floor was beautifully executed. The food was excellent, the drinks were well made, and the whole night flowed effortlessly. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with the hotel's wonderful handling of the night.
My only complaints with Hotel Marlowe, would be the poor room service and sometimes noisy rooms. The club sandwich that we ordered lacked bacon. Almost tasteless, and our cheese and toast plate - didn't have any toast (we had to scoop up the mediocre cheese with our fingers). (slight tangent: why does Room Service always suck. If I ran my own hotel I'd make sure that my room service was the best "hot" food around. I woud strive for AWARD WINNING ROOM SERVICE).
Also, one of the nights there, I could hear an after-wedding party go on till easily past three in the morning. The walls seemed pretty thin, and I could hear every awesomly gossipy word next door till three in the morning. Fun in the beginning, but not so fun - when you're trying to get to sleep and hear some girl complaining about her boyfriend for a good half hour.
But, If you're looking for a great place to host a large party, or a weekend getaway - Hotel Marlowe is a solid option.
Just be sure to avoid room service, be aware that Hotel Marlowe does not have a pool, and to take advantage of the free wine around 5-6pm.
And....
you may want to leave the family arguing at home....
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My family came to visit this summer and stayed here - and I wished that I had too! This hotel seems to have it all. The rooms are so cushy and comfy, and also very jungle-like with the animal prints and faux-fur throw rugs. Strange balance that sounds tacky, but somehow works and looks elegant.
The lounge area in the lobby is GORGEOUS, and bonus points for free wine hour everyday from 5-6pm. FREE WINE. Red AND white. I love it.
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I recently went here for a poetry reading. Let me say that the staff is ultra-friendly, as I called up for directions and they gave me the phone equivalent of a hug from mom after a skinned knee; ie, they made me feel safe and warm, like I could navigate Cambridge, like it was easy. I knew then everything was going to be okay.
It was during their complimentary wine hour from 5 to 6, where wine and refreshments are served to guests of the hotel. And I guess wayfaring strangers accepted too, because that's what I was, sunk deep into one of their deliciously plush chairs like an incognito French rock star, holding a riesling. OK, so only the riesling part's true. All around me out of towners crooned and bemoaned the heat, the poet mingled with the crowd, and I dipped my hand into the complimentary bowls of trail mix, utterly bored.
The decor is like a whore house, as reported. But some people, including myself, really like that. I think it could be done up more--and why not go all out? The leopard print couches in the lobby are a nice touch, as are the winding staircases. But, something more... Why not some bordello-red velour wallpaper? Rockstars passed out in hallways with syringes hanging out of their arms? Led Zeppelin wake-up calls? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
After the reading, I had a class of wine in the restaurant, Bambara. It seemed like pretty decent fare. I witnessed a caesar salad, complete with one whole anchovie splayed atop a bed of iceberg lettuce. Now that's something to marvel.
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Isolated location in Cambridge but close to a T Stop with easy access into Boston. Big drawback: few dining choices around except Dante's in the Hotel Sonesta across the street. Dante's is great but otherwise need to get out of neighborhood to eat. I stay here a lot for business and like the rooms, and the service is exceptional. And I'm not exaggerating about the service. However, the hotel restaurant is abysmal. I'd rather eat roast dog than eat there again. A greasy diner would have been preferable. Very surprising for a Kimpton hotel. And this wasn't just once. The food is consistently inedible. Sorry to whomever is running the restaurant, but it sucks! And Marlowe should fix this. Otherwise I'd give you another star.
Nice alternative to generic business-traveller hotel. Marlowe disguises the fact that they're basically an upscale road warrior hotel with lots of leopard print and slightly-hip decor.
Things I liked:
- The decor
- The in-room coffee maker was superior to any other I have ever had as it had Torrefazione coffee and both mugs AND travel cups
- Nice spa-quality products in bathroom
- Leopard print robes
- Super nice staff
- Free NYT rather than local paper
Things I didn't like:
- Phone in our room was broken
- TV channels: 5 ESPN derivatives and no MTV, VH1, E!, Bravo
- Crap view of the other side of the hotel
- Location is set apart from the actual living part of Cambridge and is on a long strip with a lot of other hotels.
- Concierge was on perpetual smoke breaks and never actually answered our question for a decent dinner venue, so we ended up eating in the hotel, which was not that great (see my review)
I am picky picky (my favorite hotel is The Hotel on Rivington in the LES in NYC) but I'd definitely stay in the Marlowe again despite my nitpicks. It's about $325/night after taxes and charges, which is very expensive IMO for what you're getting, but Boston hotels are exorbitantly priced.
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Marlowe is a boutique hotel that is adjacent to the beautiful Cambridge Side Galleria Mall. It's actually one of the Kimpton Hotels.
I read a review that said that the room was about $325... DAMN! I can't believe they charged so much! I stayed at Marlowe a few times and never paid that much. You can use your AAA discount, if you have one. But even without one, unless you stay in a jacuzzi suit with the view of the river, you shouldn't have to pay more than $150-$170.
In any case, I'm partial to Marlowe. I got married there and yes, I adore it. The hotel/room design is so unique for Boston. We are used to more Conservative New England hotels, with the dark mahogany furniture (with a few exceptions, of course). Marlowe is super-funky with its leopard print carpets, pillows and robes. You can request a yoga kit...and if you create a profile with Kimpton Hotels (online), they'll have your preferences on file when you check in and make sure everything is done to your liking.
You can park in the Mall's garage. They don't validate parking, but the charge is not too high - I think it was about $20-$22/day.
You don't have to go outside to get into the Mall. And if you can't live without your pets, bring them along, they have special rooms for those who want their pets to stay at the hotel as well.
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Sure, they're plush and all that... but appearances aren't everything. The Hotel Marlowe is what I'd expect a nice hotel to be. Minus the service. My friends and I requested a cot when we checked in, which was as early as we could. When we got back to the hotel after shopping for the afternoon there was still no cot. So we called and requested one again, in case the first request had been lost somehow. We left, went to a concert, came back after the concert and still nada. So we requested again, this time we were getting kind of annoyed because it had been about fourteen hours and they hadn't done anything.
2AM comes, bars close, we're ready to order room service and a movie and just relax. But. We got back to the room and there were no cots. I was not impressed. A bellboy came up to the room and gave us some extra blankets (which were nice... but not as comfortable as a mattress) so I'll give him points for that. (They claimed they "couldn't find" any cots.)
Still. Bummer that they have such bad service/communication or whatever in such a nice hotel. They allow pets though, which is where the second star comes from.
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I am obsessed with Kimpton Hotels. From the design, to the service, to the pet-friendliness, to the wine happy hours, they truly showcase world-class attention to detail...and the Marlowe is no exception. My family stays here every time they travel to Cambridge to visit and are always extremely pleased with the experience Kimpton & the Marlowe staff provide. The rooms are all wonderfully interesting in terms of decor and how can you not love the animal print robes?! Their most recent stay was made even more spectacular when they were given a lovely room with a phenomenal view of the Charles, and some wonderful treats were sent to them from the Manager, Michael Holzwarth. As loyal Kimpton guests, we are consistently impressed with everything about their boutique hotels, and Marlowe leaves no detail overlooked. Now that the weather is nice, the courtyard area outside the hotel near the valet parking has wonderful outdoor couches/seating where guests can wait for the vehicles, or even enjoy a cocktail outside...perfect. I cannot say enough about this wonderful hotel and their attentive staff...there really is no reason to stay anywhere else in Cambridge!
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Gorgeous hotel just outside of central tourist area of Boston. The beds are very comfortable, and the decor is very trendy. Around the corner from several restaurants including Cheesecake Factory which was great for me.
This place is pretty dang good.
For one, the price relative to other nice hotels in Boston is quite tolerable. 150 approximately all taxes included is a nice deal for a comfortable room.
The room, as some people have said, could be considered small. But the bed's nice and big, and the TV is tolerable, so I'm happy. Also free wifi.
The decorations are gaudy as all hell, which I find appealing. My girl is a big leopard print and gaudy design fan, so this amuses her. If she's happy I'm happy!
The service is AMUSINGLY on target. We checked in around 4, got settled and then went out for dinner and wandering around the mall. When we got back to our room around 9, the bed was remade, there were mints on the pillow, the curtains had been drawn, and mood music had been playing. Also, the lights were dimmed. Hilarious and appropriate, thanks for setting the mood for me guys! They offer valet parking for about 8 bucks (in addition to the 20 it costs to park) and have doggy treats for your pets. Didn't use either of those services, but it's cool to have. Also from 5 to 6 they offer free wine and beer in the lounge. Again didn't use that, but neat to have! The connection to the Bambara restaurant should be a huge plus though, go there, eat, drink, be merry, and walk back to your room. Also, Bambara does the room service. Sweet.
Little bit surprised there is no parking offered, it's instead 20 bucks a night. I'd figure they can at least offer free parking. Also, prices are outrageous for room service and drinks, but that seems to be a hotel norm.
All in all, 4 stars. Nothing absolutely OMG special other than Bambara next door. But definitely good and I'd come back.
For those of you from the Bay Area, the Hotel Marlowe is part of the Kimpton Hotels chain and has the same kind of style and personality of the Hotel Palomar, Serrano Hotel, and the Sir Francis Drake. Of the 3 SF properties, it reminds me of a slightly less swank version of the Palomar.
If you are a boutique hotel fan, you'll like the Marlowe. It has a few interesting touches (animal print robes, interesting throw pillows, and a fancy duvet). It was not an awe-inspiring boutique hotel, but it was certainly solid and I enjoyed it.
I am keeping the 5th star due to location (there isn't a whole lot near the hotel save the Galleria) and the fact that I wasn't as wowed by the Marlowe as I was by other boutique hotels I've checked out. If you can spare the money (or your company can), I'd recommend the Nine Zero as a more swank boutique experience. The Marlowe is a good deal for the money, though.
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What isn't there to love at a boutique Hotel?? Hotel Marlowe has it all, really you can't go wrong when there is a mall right next door! The staff was very friendly and helpful from beginning to end. This is a very hip hotel with style sure to bring the animal out of you. Leopard print everything even the bathrobes!! The rooms were spacious and the beds were comfy. The hotel offers a happy hour for guests with free wine and beer so make sure to take advantage of that. Also take advantage of the town car which has a flat rate of $20 for transportation around the Boston area...well worth it!
My wife and I stayed recently stayed here and really enjoyed it. It's next to the Cambridge Side Galleria Mall, and near the Museum of Science, and overlooking the Charles River.
Very Welcoming:
I pulled into the courtyard, and the valet parking attendant explained to me the parking process, I told him I had a package, and he said okay, I'll take your car. He also helped with our luggage. I did not have to wait to check-in, I just walked up to the desk and checked-in. The guest services desk person told me everything about the hotel (amenities).
Important:
Everyone called me Mr. [name]. I felt like I was important because I felt like everyone knew who I was when I checked in, called guest services to get my car, and when we got our breakfast in bed. We enjoyed the wine reception and (we didn't get carded - always appreciated) enjoyed the wine.
Hip / Cool:
Hotel Marlowe was very welcoming, professional, and yet still fun. The staff were professionally dressed and helpful, yet there was an atmosphere of 'this is a fun place, come to have a drink by the fire, chill out, stay in your room, etc.' The "tiger printed decor" was a little over the top, but hotels need a theme to create a sense of fun and/or seriousness...or both.
Care:
Before I arrived, I emailed the concierge about the Boston Opera House, telling him that I was going to see Dirty Dancing with my wife, and he was helpful. Also, upon check-in, the guest server knew we were going to Dirty Dancing, and recommended that we snack before and eat/drink afterwards; helpful and insightful. Later in the day, we went walking around the mall and along the Charles, and when we came back, there was a gift in the room. Very tasty and thoughtful! THANK YOU! As part of the package we got, we had breakfast in bed, and it was excellent! Very tasty. I had two eggs over medium with real potatoes, and bacon, while my wife had french toast with bananas. SO GOOD! and we got a [free]newspaper to read too!
Fun:
The leopard print decor was something out of the box, yet still felt as if we were in a fancy hotel with character. I liked the hallway rug design (compass). The iHome was a nice touch in the room, as we brought our Ipods and played our music...felt very homey. The large window in the room over looking the Charles, Zakim Bridge, and Museum of Science. I love looking outside!
This was a fun get-a-way hotel to go to, even though we live in the area. I would recommend this hotel for as a good place for a night out on the town and/or a short distant escape.
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Anything Kimpton works for me. I really like the decor and originality of their hotels around the US and that includes this one. My wife and I stayed here for a friends wedding at Fenway and thoroughly enjoyed the stay. Atmosphere unlike most hotels you'd ever stay in for a reasonable price.
This place rocks. I went to a party in one of the rooms here this spring and it was awesome. Fur blankets on all the beds, jungle like animal print carpeting and wall-paper. Very funky. They also have all Aveda products in the bathrooms, which is a nice touch. Beautiful lobby. Very fun and funky with all the animal print. Highly recommended for those who want a little wild stuff in their hotel experience. :)
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My company held their holiday party here this year and it was awesome. The staff was accommodating and very friendly during the process of arranging everything. The decor is upscale yet funky, with lots of animal prints and red draperies and pillows and such.
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I woke up there once...seemed nice =)
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Right next to Cambridgeside Galleria. The rooms are wild! Fur throws on the bed, plush sofas, heavenly robes- without the $$$$ pricetag. Plus, make sure to stop downstairs in their restaurant, Bambara. tasty tasty tasty
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If your work's holiday party location continues to be lame and cheesy year after year, drop the hint that Hotel Marlowe has great function rooms in a high-class setting. My company has brought us here for 3 years in a row and it has always been an outstanding experience. This year, a new coworker who has inexcusably exclusive tastes was quite skeptical, but beamed a big smile as her taxi pulled up to the door. She couldn't help it--the overall effect is lavish but modern and, most importantly, low-lit. Who wants to be seen under bright lights thrashing about on the dance floor after all that booze? All right, maybe you. And, me, I guess--I've seen the photos. The food is buffet style and, I thought, very good traditional fare (turkey breast, filet mignon, pastas, lots of apps), but high standards woman pronounced it "mediocre and boring," adding that the turkey tasted as if it had been injected with water to add more weight. Also, the wait staff had a habit of snatching people's plates when they were getting drinks from the bar. This happened to one guy so many times that he didn't really get enough to eat and ended up sick as a dog, so that's a star off this review. While the hotel provides the food and booze, the DJ must be taken care of separately, but that's not your job--you just need to drink enough to forget that you grinded up against the CEO during "Love In An Elevator."
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Stayed in Feb 08 at the Marlowe for one weekend night for our anniversary -- we had a wonderful stay. The concierge, Frank, had a bottle of wine and some chocolates waiting for us in the room, which was well-appointed (in the Pottery Barn overstuffed/plush style, if that makes any sense). The room service menu charges were astoundingly outrageous (like $14 for eggs and bacon, plus $3.50 delivery, plus tax plus mandatory 18% tip -- when's the last time you paid more than $20 for eggs over easy with bacon?) , so we went to Toscanini's for breakfast the next day... Other than the room services prices, the hotel was great, and we got a great deal through their website ($125 after tax!)...


