The Charles Street Inn

Elite '10

28

70

michele g.

Boston, MA

1/4/2010 4 photos

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!

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27

70

Michael T.

Boston, MA

4/9/2006

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!

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