Entire apartment

The Cambridge Karma House

Apartment with kitchen, steps from Harvard University

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Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Corner | Private kitchen | Full-size fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, cookware/dishes/utensils

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Private kitchen | Full-size fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, cookware/dishes/utensils

Overview
Prices
Location
Amenities
Policies

Popular amenities

Pet friendly
Dryer
Outdoor Space
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Free WiFi

Explore the area

17 Banks Street St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

Harvard University
‪2 min walk‬
Harvard Square
‪6 min walk‬
Fenway Park
‪4 min drive‬
Boston, MA (BOS-Logan Intl.)
‪11 min drive‬

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Room options

Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Sleeps 3
1 Double Bed

Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

850 sq ft
Sleeps 5
1 Double Bed OR 1 Queen Bed

Classic Apartment, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Garden View

850 sq ft
Sleeps 4
1 Queen Bed

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Corner

140 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Sleeps 6
1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

About the neighborhood

Cambridge

Located in Riverside, The Cambridge Karma House is adjacent to Harvard University and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Harvard Square. This 5-room, 3.5-star apartment building welcomes guests with in-room amenities like kitchens, balconies, and private yards.

View more Apartments in Boston

What's nearby

Harvard University - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Harvard Square - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Boston University - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
Fenway Park - 4 min drive - 2.7 miles

Getting around

Union Square Station - 4 min drive
Harvard Square Station - 7 min walk
Logan International Airport (BOS) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

‪Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Harvard Square - ‬5 min walk
‪Insomnia Cookies - ‬5 min walk
‪J.P. Licks - ‬6 min walk
‪Waypoint - ‬3 min walk
‪Pavement Coffeehouse - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Cambridge Karma House

Apartment with kitchen, steps from Harvard University

A local mainstay since 1885, The Cambridge Karma House offers free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide luggage storage. Additional amenities include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a garden.

Each apartment is individually decorated and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio. A flat-screen TV comes with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a dryer, a private yard, and a coffee maker.

Similar properties

Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Restaurant

$183 nightly

Jun 29 - Jun 30

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Kitchen

Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Microwave

Bedrooms

Rollaway/extra bed: USD 45 per stay

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Private bathroom

Entertainment

Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Outdoor areas

Balcony/patio
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Yard

Laundry

Dryer
Laundry facilities

Work spaces

Desk

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
5 steps to reach entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board
Luggage storage

Location highlights

In a historical district
Near a metro station

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

2 buildings
3 floors
5 units
Built in 1885
Garden
Individual decor
Individual furnishings

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2 AM

Express check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property

Guests will receive an email with check-in information

For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Pets

This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 45.0 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

Cleaning fee: USD 29.00 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

Rollaway bed fee: USD 45.0 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Tax ID - C0177510491

This property accepts credit cards

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: noon
Minimum check-in age: 21

Checking in and out are easy with express services.

Property Registration Number No Registration ID

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Tax ID number is C0177510491.
This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

The apartment can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Cambridge Karma House Apartment

Karma House Apartment

Cambridge Karma House

The Cambridge Karma House Apartment

The Cambridge Karma House Cambridge

The Cambridge Karma House Apartment Cambridge

Frequently asked questions

What can I see close to The Cambridge Karma House?

This apartment is situated in Riverside within a short 7-minute walk of Harvard Square and also 13 minutes on foot from Harvard Museum of Natural History. You'll also find Fenway Park and TD Garden within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this apartment?

No, this apartment doesn't offer parking.

Does The Cambridge Karma House have a casino on the premises?

No, The Cambridge Karma House doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Cambridge Karma House?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

What do couples enjoy most about The Cambridge Karma House?

Couples staying at this apartment will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some apartments, as well as a terrace.

Are there hot tubs at The Cambridge Karma House?

No, this apartment doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Cambridge Karma House have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Cambridge Karma House doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Cambridge Karma House allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at The Cambridge Karma House.

How close is the airport from The Cambridge Karma House?

The closest major airport to The Cambridge Karma House is Boston, MA (BNH-Boston Harbor Seaplane Base), which is 8.3 mi away (27 minutes by car). Another top airport is Logan International Airport (BOS), which is located 8.4 mi away (24-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Cambridge Karma House?

Yes, every apartment at The Cambridge Karma House comes with a balcony with some featuring garden views.

The Cambridge Karma House Reviews

6.4

7.0/10

Cleanliness

6.2/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

4/10 Poor

Marleneq

Business traveler

Oct 14, 2019

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not a good experience

I am sorry I did not take the reviews into account when booking this property. The house is falling apart, very run down. Even though the cleaner made a huge effort to clean, it is actually not clean-able.Not sure how come this is listed on hotels.com

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

May 5, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

excellent location close to harvard square. the building is not in the best of shape but is more than sufficient for comfort. all the amenities are in excellent condition and i found the apartment very functional and well suited to my needs. arrival and checking in was very smooth and well managed.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Mar 5, 2019

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Jun 6, 2018

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

It's convenient to Harvard Square and the T. There is no AC, which shouldn't be a problem in most, but not all months. But--Two days before my scheduled check-in, they sent me a message saying the space I had reserved months earlier was not available and my reservation was cancelled. I had plane fare and a commitment to be in Cambridge. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESERVATION? Phone conversations with Expedia, totaling some 3 hours over two days, resulted in something being worked out with the property. The owner told Expedia those in the apt. I had reserved had extended their stay. CAN YOU LET SOMEONE EXTEND STAY IN A SPACE THAT'S BEEN RESERVED? The owner communicated to me that my reservation had been cancelled because the credit card I gave Expedia didn't work. It had worked for the airline, however. This was after he was renting us a space. The number he had was off by one digit from that which I gave Expedia. So maybe there was a typo, but THIS WAS A DIFFERENT story from the original communication. Also, if a card doesn't work, DO YOU SUMMARILY CANCEL SOMEONE'S RESERVATION AT THE LAST MINUTE WITHOUT EXPLANATION OR DO YOU ASK FOR ANOTHER CARD? It's always been the latter in my experience.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

6/10 Okay

Leah

May 14, 2018

Liked: Room comfort

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Know what it is before you arrive

Location was good. Cambridge is an expensive place to stay. This is more of a VRBO type of set up than a hotel.

8/10 Good

Mary, Silver Spring, MD

Apr 18, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Convenient location near Harvard

The property manager is easy to get in touch with and responds very quickly. I had some questions and they were answered politely and professionally. The apartment is clean and conveniently located and is a good price for the value. This is not a new place so if you are someone who needs a modern place or a slick-looking hotel room --this is not for you. However, if you want affordable accommodations in an older building with a living room, bedroom, and kitchen all to your own -- this is the place ! I stayed here while participating in the Boston marathon for the second time and it was again a great experience. I loved being able to relax and watch TV and then have my own cup of coffee in a cute little kitchen. It was perfect. If you are driving - Cambridge has resident parking everywhere and your own options are meters or a lot 1/4 mile away. No need for a car here, it's completely walkable with public transportation around the corner.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

6/10 Okay

Chris

Mar 19, 2018

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Great place and location...but a little dirty

We had a comfortable stay over the weekend but it needed a little sprucing up. Under the bed it was filthy - hadn't been swept there for weeks which is a little off putting.... but generally a pleasant experience. Thank you

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Nov 16, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent price and location

The room is spacious -- three rooms plus bath. Location can't be beat. The flat is very much "grad student" in quality, but for the price and the location it can't be beat.

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

6/10 Okay

Nancy, Pittsburgh, PA

Oct 28, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Close to son's dorm at Harvard

It was the weekend of the Head of the Charles and the hotels in Harvard Sq I usually stay at when visiting my son were asking a king's ransom for a room. Then I discovered Karma House! Very moderate price for a 3-room apartment! I wish I had known about it three years ago when my son was a freshman. It's a little rough around the edges, but clean and the staff is friendly. Great location for all I was doing in Cambridge that visit. As there is no check-in desk, I had to wait till the day of check-in to get an email with check-in instructions. This was difficult for someone like me who likes to plan ahead. I had tried to call, and sent a message via Expedia. Unfortunately, my phone wasn't set up for voicemail when the property manager called back, but Karma House did try to reach me. I just wasn't prepared to answer a call from a strange number located in NJ.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Oct 4, 2017

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

This isn't a hotel.

Strange multi-apartment building. You need to call the number you get a code to get in, and text them for the wifi. Fridge full of half-eaten food. Not what I expected from Expedia. Bed was OK.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Sep 29, 2017

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

You should not stay here

This property should not be listed by Expedia. It was a total disappointment. It was very difficult to get in touch with anyone. I am trying to get ready for work and the power goes off and the maintenance person is going to be a couple of hours before he can get there. I had to go to the basement and find the breaker box so I could use a dryer to get ready for work Expedia should not have this property on their site. Sherry Cosper and Steve Poston

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

2/10 Terrible

PJK, Washington DC

May 24, 2017

Disliked: Staff & service

Worse Ever Lodging Experience

Look like it is graduate school housing in transition. Hallway and stairs filled with clutter, shipped paint. Residence overbooked; double booked the room I was allocated on arrival and at 9:30 p.m. I was requested to vacate; when I provided my confirmed booking I was still hassled to leave - including knocking on my door at 11:00 p.m. by the person who claimed I was "squatting" in his room - even though I had been given the occupancy and was in bed sleeping. How did he get in and to my room on the third floor - walk up. I have filed a harassment report with the local police. No manager was on location to pay for the room either on arrival or departure - only the maintenance person. Without authorization someone submitted a bank debit.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Aug 11, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness

Hotel was close to Harvard square, transportation

Roomy. It was more of an apartment rather than a hotel room. Air conditioning handled the bedroom adequately but the living room and kitchen was quite warm.

2/10 Terrible

Dustin, DO NOT STAY HERE

Aug 9, 2016

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

DO NOT STAY HERE

This is a place to stay if you are fresh out of high school and are looking to experience the college life. it I were going to summarize this location by a few words it would be: small, dirty, uncomfortable, cramped and unrefined... AKA do not stay here.

8/10 Good

Wendy, Silver Lake, NH

Aug 7, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Home away from home

Fantastic quality and price balance. It had home away from home comfort, so it didn't feel like a hotel, but like staying in your own home. Beautiful old apartment in converted house with old wood floors. The house was oozing charm and comfort. The Cambridge Karma House would be my first choice when returning to the Boston area.

8/10 Good

Ken, Tacoma WA

Aug 7, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location

Very spacious, clean and convenient to points of interest in Cambridge.

6/10 Okay

Bryan, Jacksonville

Jul 27, 2016

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Location is awesome. Dusty and hot. Very spacious.

8/10 Good

James, South Salem, NY

Jul 12, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Karma House Review

Great facility - clean, easy to access, quiet....great location

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Jun 29, 2016

Disliked: Room comfort

Good Location

Lacation is good and is easy walk to Harvard Square. Nice on site laundry facility. Communication on check in was good but poor on check out.

6/10 Okay

Steven, Anthem, AZ

Jun 25, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Very nice for a stay. Has a full kitchen and was clean.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Jun 22, 2016

Liked: Room comfort

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Not worth $320 per night with peeling paint in the bathroom and on the exterior interior. Locks we covered with tape and said don't remove will fix soon. Shared Ironing Board and No A/C in my unit.

4/10 Poor

George

Jun 16, 2016

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Felix, Abroad

Jun 5, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Day in Cambridge

Chester the manager delivered on all that he promised - amenities, parking permit, beds. Dependable, thanks. Very happy with the rental. Hotel service a 3 only because it is basically an apartment.

8/10 Good

Ben, Kansas City

Apr 28, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great for the price.

I didn't know what to expect but was happy with my stay. Living room, Bed room, Kitchen, even though I didn't need it. Bath room was nice. This is not a modern room so don't expect the Hilton but not the price either.

8/10 Good

kathy l, Florence Ma

Apr 6, 2016

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The hotel room was more of an apartment setting. Very comfortable and spacious. It was a convenient 5 min walk to Harvard Square. My only complaint is that the family upstairs had very active young children/ child and the running around was very noisy. I didn't spend a lot of time in the apt so it was manageable. If the situation remains the same and you're planning to be home all day, it might not be optimal. Other than that, all was well.

The Cambridge Karma House

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Photo gallery for The Cambridge Karma House

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

Room options

View all photos for Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

View all photos for Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Classic Apartment, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Garden View

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Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Corner

View all photos for Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

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About the neighborhood

Cambridge

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Entire place

The Cambridge Karma House

Similar properties

Studio Allston Hotel

Studio Allston Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

Kitchen

Bedrooms

Bathroom

Entertainment

Outdoor areas

Laundry

Work spaces

Comfort

Pets

Suitability/Accessibility

Services and conveniences

Location highlights

Safety features

General

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Pets

Children and extra beds

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

The Cambridge Karma House Reviews

Reviews

7.0/10

6.2/10

5.8/10

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Marleneq

Not a good experience

Marleneq

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Verified traveler

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Verified traveler

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Verified traveler

6/10 Okay