The Charles Street Inn

Huh. You know, the only other person to review this inn did the same thing I did--stayed in a fancy b&b a 15-minute walk away! And that's just what we did this past New Year's Eve--we walked to the inn and checked right in. We also had Thai at the King & I, but that's another review.

We had the Edith Wharton room, and it was beautiful The only thing I would change would be the curtains, because during the cold winter night, it got really drafty and then in the morning, we had a hard time staying asleep because of the sun coming through the wood blinds.

But the bed was comfy (even if the queen size seemed more like a full), and we had a little fireplace to keep us cozy with the aid of Duraflame logs you get in the lobby. It was awesome. The whirlpool tub gave me the gift of a bath--a true gift to someone like me whose previous way of relaxing was to take long hot baths. Previous to moving to Boston, that is. (Stupid tiny apartment shower!)

The Sub Zero mini fridge contained an Italian soda, two bottles of water, two cans of soda, and a bottle of juice. And it had two trays of ice in its tiny freezer! YAY!

Double-yay--the tiny kitchenette/pantry had an electric tea kettle!!! This is the first ever place I've stayed that has had that particular amenity--I've suffered for years by making hot water in the coffee maker--and my tea has a nasty coffee flavor to it. Never fails. But not at The Charles Street Inn!! What a blessing it was. Now if they only served Mighty Leaf Tea, Harney & Sons Tea, or something good like that... No matter, I brought my own damn tea, because few places serve good tea. Anyway, the lack of great tea is negated because I had my own electric kettle. THANK YOU!! (Our room also had coffee and cocoa!)

Oh, and they also have free snacks like fruit, chocolates, and little snack bars. Awesome. In the lobby, you can get more snacks, should you decide to pig out on the stuff in your room. I didn't even mention the Bulgari toiletries. Sumptuous, luxurious, fabulous. We were able to request a white noise machine and late check out at noon. This also gave me time for another hot bath!!

And the food--they give you a little sheet to order breakfast--which is delivered to your room. You can decide if they leave it outside the door or if they bring it in. This is a nice alternative to more communal b&bs, where you eat with or among other guests. (The worst of this kind of experience is having to sit with obnoxious people, like we did last time we cruised, or worse yet, the owners standing at the end of the table and watching you eat. This happened at an inn in Rockport, and it was very weird and unsettling.)

We ordered homemade quiche, cinnamon rolls, raspberry lemon scones, crossiants, blueberry yogurt, and two bowls of fresh fruit. Everything was really great. This place is a true escape--it felt like we were in Maine or Vermont instead of 15 minutes from home.

And I forgot to add that there were fresh, white roses on the table in our room. You can see them in the photos I just added!

I know staying at a luxury bed and breakfast 15 minutes from your apartment seems silly, but it can be a pretty great idea and I assure you it will feel like a world away. Whether you REALLY need to say, "I'm sorry," or have an anniversary coming up or even planning for a birthday or for next year's Valentine's Day, you honestly cannot go wrong with The Charles Street Inn.

Every room has a Bose stereo system (so bring some Boccelli and Buble CDs), 27" tv and even free videos in the lobby (although I'm sure you can think of better things to do than watch a movie at night), high-end bathrooms with huge Whirlpool tubs, working fireplaces, and these grand high-beds that require steps to get into. And all nine rooms are named after a famous Bostonian or individuals with strong ties to Boston like Isabella Stewart Gardner, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Singer Sargeant and for all you feminist study majors, Edith Wharton. The Gardner suite is amazing, but my favorite room is the James Joyce. They're obviously Victorian styled, so be prepared and don't come expecting streamlined, classic modern. We're talking antiques, canopy beds, etc.

The owners can pretty much set up the place for you to your liking with flowers, champagne...whatever you want. They can even put a package together that will include Ballet, Musical, or Symphony tickets. The last time I was there was this past winter; we had dinner at The Hungry I and then caught The Nutcracker. They also have a great Continental Breakfast waiting for you in the morning on those tiered trays and you can have it in your room in front of the fireplace. We stayed for another night and I suggest going to Deluca's Market at the end of Charles Street and picking up a few dishes from their ready to eat dinners and bringing it back to your room for takeout (after the night before, you should def. save some dinero)...then maybe you can hit the video collection for a night in...or maybe not!

I was worried at first, because my reservation call with the front desk man went sour, but all I can say now is Bow Chica Bow Wowwww!!!

What an AWESOME little b&b - clean, cute, and affordable rooms in the heart of Boston. Located on arguably one of Boston's cutest streets, the location was close enough to all of Boston's major attractions and secluded and romantic enough for the perfect getaway. The hotel itself was surrounded by local restaurants and stores that encapsulated New England's great charm.

We stayed in the Edith Wharton room, and it was more than enough for us. Can't wait to come back again to see what the other rooms are like!

Just a few tips: take a few extra starter logs up to keep your fire going through the night. Also, breakfast is delivered to you every morning and is included in the rate. Order as much as you can eat, and don't forget to take all their snacks and candies in the lobby!

My fiance and I recently went to the Charles St Inn for a "staycation." We live in Beacon Hill, but the historic, romantic setting of the Inn made it feel like we were in a completely different town (and era).

Our room (2A, Isabella Stewart Gardener room) was very private. It felt like we had the whole house to ourselves. By far, the highlight of the stay was the real wood burning fireplace! The room came with a quick start log and matches. Falling asleep to a crackling fire made the night so cozy. We also loved the whirlpool tub. I really appreciated the little extras that came with the room, too-- fluffy robes, slippers, and snacks.

I'm a bit biased in my review, since this is where my fiance proposed to me :) But he couldn't have picked a better setting in all of Boston. It was straight out of a movie!

We stayed one night in the Henry James room. The hotel is in a wonderful location, you walk right out the door to shops and restaurants galore. The thing about this area of Beacon Hill though is it is not terribly loud, and i found the area to be rather peaceful. Many people walking their high coiffed boutique dogs down the sidewalk.

The room is lovely, however is a bit worn. The floors especially are worn and there are many throw rugs.

The room was pretty clean, although I noticed bid dust bunnies on the canopy bed top (you can see then when you're laying down and light comes through the fabric). And the front outside of the toilet was noticeably used by a man :( Other then that all the surface areas seems clean.

The fridge and counter with tea in the bathroom is fine-no big deal, almost in a separate area by itself, and I don't see it as a problem. Nice deep air jet tub.

The fireplace is wonderful, but pretty much for ambiance (it doesn't throw much heat, which in the winter would be nice).

Parking is on the street but we didn't find it too difficult, but we were here in the off season.

Breakfast was a bit too simple, but we did like the fact that it was delivered and we could eat in privacy and peace-I like that-a LOT.

All over a very GOOD experience. The bed was quite comfortable, and the room was quiet. We left feeling refreshed, and that's really what it's all about, even if it is just for one night of reprieve.

I could not ask for more. We were married in boston and stayed here for a week. i am so glad we did. The room was beautiful with a comfortable old world charm. The bath tub was large (enough for 2 short people) with jets. The bed and sheets were heavenly. I have never felt so at home in an inn/hotel. We are planning to make over our master bedroom in the style of the inn, because we loved it so much. The staff was great. Greg was particularly helpful. The location is perfect. You are with in walking distance of everything. If u stay here, try Artu's Italian restaurant across the street. :). We are planning another trip to Boston soon, and I see no reason to stay anywhere but here.

We had a confirmed and written confirmed reservation. We were dropped off the hotel with lots of luggage because we were on an extended trip. The person at the desk informed us that they were full and could not honor our confirmed reservation. He was completely indifferent to our situation. When I asked to speak with the manager, I was informed that the owner was not available and would not accept calls on her cell phone. We eventually found other accommodations at the Liberty Hotel (a wonderful place, highly recommended). The Charles Street would not even pay for our cab to the other hotel.
I left my business card and asked for the owner to call me when she turned her phone on, to discuss what happened with her. She NEVER EVEN HAD THE COURTESY TO CALL ME.

I cannot be strong enough in my recommendation that you do not stay at the Charles Street Inn!

My husband and I stay at the Charles Street Inn whenever we come to Boston. It's a luxury, but the atmosphere, the location, and - when compared to the Liberty Hotel down the street - even the price can't be beat. We've stayed there at least four times and each time have left completely refreshed.

I agree with the other Yelpers that it's an ideal getaway - in fact, the first time we stayed there it was part of a weekend "staycation" for our anniversary.

We've always stayed in the back half of the hotel, which is quiet and leafy. Our favorite room is the Frederick Law Olmsted room, which has a MASSIVE canopy bed that has steps to help you clamber up! The beds are incredibly comfortable, and with a fire going on a winter night there's nothing better than snuggling up and watching an old movie.

The staff is friendly, the continental breakfasts are great (though I'd love to have something more European, like a cheese selection, since I eat lightly and don't like pastries), and the rooms are always clean and well-stocked with plush linens and little snacks. I really can't recommend Charles Street Inn more highly.

First time to Boston and was very pleased with the the room we had at the Charles Street Inn. The staff was great and having breakfast brought to the room was a great way to start the day. The bed was big and comfortable and had coffee maker and snacks in room. One peeve I had was that the refrig & coffee was setup in bathroom, other then that this is a great place. Would definitely stay there again.

I really want to give this B&B 5 stars, but the way they handled our car being broken into while it was parked on their property was unacceptable. There was no one at the front desk for OVER AN HOUR to report it to, no one answered the 1-800 number and when we sent an email to report the incident we got back a reply from the rude front desk attendant - not owners- that was defensive instead of apologetic. I recommend parking your car at one of the Beacon St parking garages over having your things rummaged and stolen with no responsibility taken (even though I paid almost $60 for parking).

UPDATE: I still have yet to hear from the owners...