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The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
4 stars

The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Cambridge, MA
See location+1 617 864 1200
From
$120
Cheapest

rate per night

8.7
Very good
based on 643 reviews
643 reviews

Photos of The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

Overview

Rating
Riverfront Cambridge hotel in West Cambridge with 3 restaurants 3 restaurants, a full-service spa, and 3 bars/lounges are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness center, a snack bar/deli, and a 24-hour business center are onsite. The Charles Hotel offers 303 accommodations with minibars and safes. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. 50-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with deep soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones; local and long-distance calls are complimentary (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Refrigerators and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bicycles. The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Rating
8.7
Very good
Based on 643 verified guest reviews

Latest deals for The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

Wed 7/5
Thu 8/5
Deluxe room
bed type unknown
1 king bed
2 double beds
King room
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
Standard Room
bed type unknown
bed type unknown
Double room
2 double beds
2 double beds
2 double beds
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night including VAT, excluding local taxes and fees.

Amenities at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Valet parking
  • Business centre
  • TV
  • Cable or satellite TV

Services and conveniences

  • Conference rooms
  • ATM on-site
  • Business centre
  • Car hire
  • Concierge service
  • Safety deposit box
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Mini-market on site
  • Room service
  • Express check-out
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Dining

  • Minibar
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Microwave
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Refrigerator
  • Food can be delivered to guest accommodation

Things to do

  • Gift shop
  • Hiking
  • Bicycle hire
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Cycling
  • Evening entertainment
  • Beauty salon

Basics

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Internet
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free toiletries
  • Smoke alarms
  • Heating
  • Air-conditioned

Accessibility and suitability

  • Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
  • Disabled access
  • Lift
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Allergy-free room
  • No smoking

Media and entertainment

  • Radio
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Cable or satellite TV
  • TV
  • DVD player

Pool and spa

  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Massage
  • Spa
  • Pool

Parking and transportation

  • EV charging station
  • Parking
  • Valet parking
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)

General

  • Family rooms
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Telephone
  • Storage available

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

Laundry

  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Iron and ironing board

Bedroom

  • Alarm clock
  • Wardrobe or closet

Workspace

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Desk

Health and safety

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Safe

Family friendly

  • Cribs available
  • Kids meals

Outdoor

  • Garden

Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Reviews of The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

8.7
Very good
643 verified ratings
Wonderful
363
Very good
135
Good
62
Okay
36
Fair
21
Mediocre
12
Poor
14

Summary of reviews

Guests say
Guests appreciate the hotel's excellent location near Harvard Square and the quality of the on-site restaurant. However, many reviews highlight issues with customer service, including unhelpful front desk staff and inconsistent room amenities. Cleanliness has also been a concern, with some guests noting dated bathrooms and unpleasant odors in the rooms. Overall, while the hotel offers a pleasant stay due to its location and amenities, improvements in service and cleanliness are needed.
AI-generated from customer reviews
Location10 out of 10
Cleanliness3 out of 10
Service2.5 out of 10
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All reviews

9.7
Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2016
Pros (+) Location was excellent. The room was very nice and comfortable. Excellent farm to table restaurant and bar.
Cons (-) Although they had a parking garage, the elevator to the lobby was out of order so you had to take the stairs and the stairs lead to outside the front entrance. Very inconvenient if carrying any bags from the car and also because of sub-zero temps that weekend. Also no in and out access for self parking at $40 per night. If you leave you have to pay again.
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2016
Pros (+) Location was great with excellent service and nice trait ants around in the plaza
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2015
Pros (+) One great thing about Harvard Square is the high energy and bustle, especially when school is in session. What makes The Charles so perfect is that it is a tranquil respite right on the edge of all the happenings.
8.5
Very good
Anonymous, Aug 2015
Pros (+) The Charles is a perfect place to stay in Cambridge. It is well located, well designed with contemporary clean lines but still warm, and the Rialto is a fabulous restaurant in the hotel. We had a corner room which was quite spacious which we really appreciated as we were staying multiple nights.
5.4
Fair
brodsky, July 2015
Pros (+) Well decorated rooms. Convenient to Harvard square
Cons (-) Officious front desk staff. Being told they couldn't change our departure and charges despite a family emergency because it was our fault we used a third party reservation service. Being told entirely dissimilar rooms were the same. Smelly comforter covered by clean sheets. No coffee maker in room. Ice available only on request from room service.
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2015
Pros (+) Excellent service and superior restaurant. Very friendly staff who facilitated the check in and out as well as the luggage. I was in and out many times with my 7 year old grandson and he was always greeting with a smile. My daughter belongs to your health club and so they are used to going to your hotel. Overall, a well located, efficient and very quiet hotel.

Location

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

What's nearby

  • American Repertory Theater297 m
  • Harvard Square353 m
  • Longfellow National Historic Site0.5 km
  • Harvard Book Store0.5 km
  • Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts0.7 km
  • Harvard University0.7 km
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History0.9 km
  • Elmwood1.3 km
  • American Academy of Arts and Sciences1.4 km
  • Central Square1.7 km
  • Glove Cycle1.8 km
  • Porter Square1.8 km

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 15:00, check out anytime before 12:00

Cancellation/pre-payment

Cancellation/pre-payment policies vary by room type and provider.

Essential information about The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

Low season

May

High season

September

Average price (weeknight)

$831

Average price (weekend night)

$837
Cheapest month to stay with an average 0% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 0% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.

When to book a room at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price

KAYAK's top tips for your stay at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

  • If you’re after a cheap room at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in May and September.
  • The cheapest price a room at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $831, while the most expensive was $831.
  • How long should you stay at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

  • What wedding amenities can guests choose from at The Charles Hotel?

    If you decide to host your big day at The Charles Hotel, there are many amenities for you to benefit from, including several venues to choose between, such as courtyards and ballrooms. There is a professional event planning team that will help you with your entire event, and it is possible to customize your own catering menu, with sample entrees including items such as fresh lobster, seared tuna, spinach gnocchi, and beef carpaccio. Services such as decorations, floral arrangements, entertainment, and set-up can also be coordinated directly through the hotel.

  • What unique spa treatments are offered through The Charles Hotel?

    To brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and aging, make a reservation for the Radiance Facial, a service that uses a fruit peel to boost collagen production and leave your face looking smooth and refreshed. If you would like to get rid of dead skin and hydrate your entire body, there is the Full Body Exfoliation, a treatment that lasts for 45m and costs $75. Known for being one of the most popular treatments amongst guests, the Corbu’s Pure Bliss Custom Massage can be personalized directly to your needs and is meant to rid the body of tension.

  • What special offers and packages are available for guests to book through The Charles Hotel?

    For guests that are hoping to try out one of the hotel’s on-site dining options, book the Bed and Breakfast package, which will provide you with daily breakfast at Henriette’s Table. If you will be staying at The Charles Hotel with your significant other, opt for the Suiteheart Romance package, which will provide you with a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, and your choice of breakfast at Henriette’s Table or through in-room dining.

  • What public transportation can be found near The Charles Hotel?

    The Mt Auburn St @ Story St is a 3m walk from The Charles Hotel and is used by lines 71 and 73, while the Harvard stop services the red metro line, as well as several bus lines, including 72, 74, 75, and 77. If you need to take line 78, head to the Garden St / Mason St stop that is a 6m walk from the hotel. A one-way bus ticket will cost you around $1.70, while a one-way metro ticket will cost you $2.40.

  • What transportation options do guests have when going from Boston Logan International Airport to The Charles Hotel?

    If you will be traveling with a lot of luggage or would just like to arrive at The Charles Hotel as quickly as possible, take either a taxi or ridesharing service. The trip generally lasts between 20 to 25m, and a regular taxi ride will cost you around $25 for a one-way trip. To save money during your vacation, consider using public transportation, such as the local metro. If you take a local bus and the red line, the trip will last you approximately 45 to 50m. (Prices checked 03/07/19).

  • Where is The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square located?

    The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is located at 1 Bennett Street in Harvard Square - The Quad, 1.5 km from the centre of Cambridge. American Repertory Theater is the closest landmark to The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

  • When is check-in time and check-out time at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square?

    Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 12:00 at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

  • Does The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square offers free Wi-Fi.

  • How far is The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square from the airport?

    The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is 9.4 km from Boston Logan Intl. The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is 17.4 km from Bedford Hanscom Field.

  • Does The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square have a pool?

    Yes, The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square has a pool on-site.

  • How does KAYAK find such great The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square hotel deals?

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square in Cambridge and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

See more FAQs

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Good to know

Value for money

7.3

Distance to city centre

1.5 km

Nearest airport

Boston Logan Intl

Distance to airport

9.4 km