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The Charles Hotel
4 stars

The Charles Hotel

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
+1 617 864 1200
From
$77
Cheapest

rate per night

8.4
Great

based on 284 reviews

The Charles Hotel
Sun 4/21
Thu 4/25
Room type
Provider
Nightly total
Standard room
Double room
Deluxe room

About The Charles Hotel

  • Hotel Room
    You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
  • Freebies
    This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

The Charles Hotel in Cambridge provides the intellectual elite with a rustic New England respite complete with modern luxuries from around the globe. Decorated in a minimalist Shaker style, the rooms contain luxuries that will impress even the most sophisticated adventurer. From in-mirror televisions in the bathroom to Bose audio, the rooms are outfitted with technology straight from Silicon Valley.

The Charles offers King and Deluxe Queen Guest Rooms, along with four suite layouts ranging from 475 sq feet suites to the sprawling 1,100 square feet Presidential suite. These plush luxuries combine with a location at the heart of Cambridge, Harvard Square. A short jaunt from the doors of the hotel, guests can enjoy eclectic shops, quaint restaurants, indie bookstores, and boutique shopping. Because of the location, the Charles offers parents of Harvard students a special rewards club rewards that culminates in a free and guaranteed room during their child’s commencement.

For guests not wishing to leave the property, the Charles offers guests four onsite dining options. Henrietta’s Table serves farm-to-table dishes, while Benedetto has crafted an elite and romantic atmosphere serving handmade pasta dishes. Late night drinks are served at the hotel’s two bars: Regatta bar, a jazz club, and the Noir, a cocktail lounge inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Patrons can also enjoy pampering at the hotel’s full service salon and spa, Cobru. The Charles provides a state of the art fitness club to all guests, including group fitness classes and a Kids Club.

The Charles has succeeded in creating an atmosphere that is both posh and unpretentious making it the perfect lodgings for everyone, from the business traveler to the family dropping their eldest off at Harvard.

Photos of The Charles Hotel

Latest deals for The Charles Hotel

Sun 4/21
Thu 4/25
Deluxe room
bed type unknown
1 king bed
bed type unknown
Double room
bed type unknown
bed type unknown
2 double beds
King room
1 king bed
bed type unknown
bed type unknown
Standard room
bed type unknown
bed type unknown

*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees

Amenities at The Charles Hotel

  • Spa and wellness center
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Tea/coffee maker
  • Valet parking
  • Business center
  • Flat-screen TV

Services and conveniences

  • ATM on-site
  • Business center
  • Car rental
  • Wake-up service
  • Concierge service
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Mini-market on site
  • Room service
  • Key card access
  • Express check-out
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • 24hr front desk
  • Conference rooms
  • Safety deposit box
  • Bottle of water

Accessibility and suitability

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • No smoking
  • Lowered sink
  • Non-feather pillow
  • Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
  • Increased accessibility
  • Roll-in shower
  • Elevator
  • Accessible by elevator
  • Allergy-free room
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Basics

  • Internet
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free toiletries
  • Smoke alarms
  • Heating
  • Air-conditioned
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Linens
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Trash cans
  • Conditioner

Dining

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

General

  • Family rooms
  • Inner courtyard view
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Storage available
  • River view
  • Seating area
  • Slippers
  • Sofa
  • Telephone
  • Carpeted
  • City view

Media and entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable or satellite TV
  • Pay-per-view channels
  • Radio
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • TV
  • Smartphone dock
  • DVD player

Things to do

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

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Raised toilet
  • Toilet
  • Toilet paper

Bedroom

  • Feather pillow
  • Fold-up bed
  • Socket near the bed
  • Alarm clock
  • Sofa bed
  • Wardrobe or closet

Pool and spa

  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Massage

Parking and transportation

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

Laundry

  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Iron and ironing board

Workspace

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Desk

Health and safety

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Safe

Family friendly

  • Cribs available
  • Kids meals

Outdoor

  • Garden

Fitness

  • Fitness center

Reviews of The Charles Hotel

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

8.4
Very goodBased on 284 verified guest reviews
8.5Families
8.7Couples
8.1Solo
9.0Friends

Pros +
Cons -

Traveler type:
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A
9.7 Wonderful
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.
A
10.0 Wonderful
Pros:Location was great with excellent service and nice trait ants around in the plaza
A
10.0 Wonderful
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.
A
8.5 Very good
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.
B
5.4 Fair
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.
A
10.0 Wonderful
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.
A
9.4 Wonderful
Cons:The room was very drafty near the windows- lots of cold air coming in
A
9.7 Wonderful
Pros:Everything is within walking distance as I enjoyed a glorious autumn afternoon. I browsed endless rows of books at the Coop, watched rowers glide along the Charles River and ran stairs at Harvard Stadium while the football team engaged in a spirited practice. When I returned to the hotel, the room smelled great. They must have a special scent. I enjoyed the organic soap, shampoo and lotion that came with the room. Henrietta's Table is great for breakfast / brunch, and I highly recommend The Harvest for dinner. A very nice stay.
D
9.6 Wonderful
Pros:The Charles Hotel is centrally located in Cambridge, so it's very easy to get around the town. We walked wherever we needed to go and got there quickly and easily. The hotel has several dining options and an actual fitness club, not just a room with some cardio equipment and universal equipment. The wifi works well and the staff were all very helpful. It's pretty expensive to stay here, but we found a good deal on one of the discount hotel sites. I'd return in a heart beat.
A
6.0 Okay
Pros:Great location near the center of Harvard Square. Rialto is an excellent restaurant. Regatta Bar is great if you like jazz.
Cons:Hotel is in need of renovation. New England shabby-chic means it's just a basic hotel in terms of cleanliness and room amenities. Bathrooms are seriously dated and in need of complete redo. Service levels are mediocre. Business center is a joke (1 computer and an attached printer). Prices are very high: you are paying for the location.

Location

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

What's nearby

  • Harvard Square386 yd
  • Longfellow National Historic Site0.3 mi
  • Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments0.4 mi
  • Harvard Art Museums0.5 mi
  • Harvard University0.5 mi
  • Memorial Hall0.5 mi
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History0.6 mi
  • Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology0.6 mi
  • Semitic Museum0.6 mi
  • Central Square1.1 mi
  • Porter Square1.1 mi
  • Mount Auburn Cemetery1.2 mi

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM

Cancellation/prepayment

Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider.

Essential information about The Charles Hotel

Low season

July

High season

November

Average price (weeknight)

$615

Average price (weekend night)

$560
Cheapest month to stay with an average 45% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 74% 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

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

Top tips for your stay at The Charles Hotel

  • If you’re after a cheap room at The Charles Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in July and March.
  • Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at The Charles Hotel, plan to stay on a Thursday or Wednesday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
  • The cheapest price a room at The Charles Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $526, while the most expensive was $1,044.
  • How long should you stay at The Charles Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at The Charles Hotel

  • 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 located?

    The Charles Hotel is located at 1 Bennett Street in West Cambridge, 0.9 miles from the center of Cambridge. Harvard Square is the closest landmark to The Charles Hotel.

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

    Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at The Charles Hotel.

  • Does The Charles Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, The Charles Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

  • How far is The Charles Hotel from the airport?

    The Charles Hotel is 4.2 miles from Boston Harbor SPB. The Charles Hotel is 5.8 miles from Boston Logan Intl.

  • Does The Charles Hotel have a pool?

    Yes, The Charles Hotel has a pool onsite.

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

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at The Charles Hotel 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 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.

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Good to know

Value for money

7.4

Distance to city center

0.9 mi

Nearest Airport

Boston Logan Intl

Distance to airport

5.9 mi