The Charles Hotel

I and my friend lived there two nights.Location is very good for us having some meetings with the Harvard staff.

The service was terrific - the rooms are not modern at all - they are comfortable. The location is everything here, the gym is super and so are the restaurants.

As far as room size and comfort is concerned, it's a decent hotel -- on par with an average suburban motel. Our room (a standard room) was quite small, our request for an additional bed for the child has not been passed on to the hotel (so she had to sleep in a crib), and the heating system was a bit outdated -- the powerful fan had to run continuously so it was a bit uncomfortable climate-wise. Complimentary internet was reasonably fast. The main thing about this hotel, of course, is that it is in the middle of Harvard Square, so the location can't be better. The hotel caters to Harvard conference attendees, so the public you meet in the lobby would most likely discuss "mind-boggling interest rate spread" or something of that kind. Also, the hotel's restaurant is so good that people from outside come to dine there. Do not drive to this hotel though -- parking in the hotel garage (the only option) is outrageously expensive. If you rent a car, do yourself a favor and stay in a suburban motel and get a similar room for half the price -- then take the subway to Harvard Sq. and have dinner at this hotel. Note also Avis and Thrifty car rentals are in the hotel garage and across the street, respectively.

We loved our stay at the Charles Hotel! The room was amazing, the staff was great -- loved the tv in the mirror in the bathroom! My only issue was the fact that they didn't have wifi and there were issues with the ethernet connection in the room. It just didn't seem in keeping with the rest of the hotel.

Great hotel, loved the location right on Harvard Square. Nice breakfast too. Would definitely stay here again.

My fiancee and I had an excellent weekend stay at the Charles. The hotel is very nice and well maintained, the room was clean, and the bed was huge and very comfortable. The fitness center is part of a real gym, so they have a full complement of equipment and it is well maintained. I don't usually like people 'tidying' my space for me, so I put up the "do not disturb" sign for our entire stay. The staff called to inquire as to when they could tidy the room. I thought this was a nice touch, even though it wasn't necessary. The "entertainment console" in the room was a little clunky to operate and I didn't have much use for a TV in the bathroom, but overall the stay was excellent. I would definitely recommend the Charles.

Everything was easy, check in, valet parking, etc. Sign up for their preferred guest (frequent guest program) and you can avoid the expensive internet connection charges.

The room was absolutely beautiful, decorated in Shaker style but very up to date. The coolest feature was that the TV in the bathroom was in the mirror! It's located by Harvard Square so is close to great restaurants. The hotel bar is open until 2 am, unlike rest of the places in the square! I stayed here so I could be close to family in Cambridge but it is not the ideal location if you plan to spend time in Boston (although there is a T-stop nearby)

This is a great hotel at a great location. 5 minutes walk to Harvard University schools. Nice bar and great restaurants. A lots of other eating choices around this Hotel if you need variety.

We arrived from Portland Maine to see a film festival at Kendell square where our daughter was opening in a film. The hotel was excellent as was the weather. Outside patio dining was a plus and a great healthy breakfast from Henrietta's Table was a good start to the day. The service at Henrietta's was slow however. Otherwise a great atmosphere and super location near the T system, Harvard Yard and Kendell Square. Downtown Boston was great as always.