
The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
Photos of The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
Overview
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.
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Amenities at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Valet parking
- Business center
- TV
- Cable or satellite TV
Services and conveniences
- Conference rooms
- ATM on-site
- Business center
- Car rental
- Concierge service
- Safety deposit box
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Mini-market on site
- Room service
- Express check-out
- Private check-in/check-out
- 24hr 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 rental
- 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.
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- 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 center
- 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 center
Reviews of The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
Summary of reviews
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The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
What dining options are available at The Charles Hotel?
The Charles Hotel offers four onsite dining options, including Henrietta’s Table serving farm-to-table dishes, and Benedetto, which 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.
What are the common concerns about the hotel's dining options?
Some guests have expressed concerns about the poor quality of food in the restaurant and the high prices of the dining options.
Are there any concerns about the hotel's housekeeping and front desk responsiveness?
Some guests have mentioned that the housekeeping and front desk were unresponsive on more than one occasion.
What are the pros and cons of the hotel's location?
The hotel's location is praised for being close to Harvard and all amenities, but some guests have mentioned that the service has declined due to a serious staff shortage and the prices have increased.
What are the positive aspects of the hotel's rooms and facilities?
Guests have appreciated the comfortable beds, beautiful decor, and the state of the art fitness club. They also mentioned that the staff were fantastic and very accommodating.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Opt for a Room with a View
Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.
Take Advantage of the Onsite Dining
Guests appreciated the variety of dining options within the hotel, particularly highlighting the farm-to-table dishes at Henrietta’s Table and the romantic atmosphere at Benedetto. Consider trying out these dining options during your stay.
Consider Requesting In-Room Amenities
Some guests noted that certain amenities, such as an electric kettle or coffee machine, were not initially available in the rooms but were provided upon request. If you have specific preferences, it may be worthwhile to make such requests in advance.
Explore Nearby Attractions
The hotel's proximity to Harvard Square and various historical sites makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. Take advantage of the convenient location to visit Harvard University, the Harvard Art Museums, and other nearby attractions.
Be Mindful of Additional Costs
Several guests mentioned the high cost of parking for hotel guests. If you plan to bring a vehicle, it's advisable to factor in this additional expense.
Check for Special Rewards
The hotel offers a special rewards club for parents of Harvard students, culminating in a free and guaranteed room during their child’s commencement. If you are eligible for this program, it could provide valuable benefits.
Consider Alternative Dining Options
While the onsite dining received positive feedback, some guests found the prices to be high. If you're looking for more budget-friendly dining options, consider exploring the nearby restaurants and cafes in Harvard Square.
Take Note of Room Features
Some guests appreciated the modern luxuries in the rooms, such as in-mirror televisions in the bathroom and Bose audio. However, others noted the absence of certain amenities like an electric kettle or coffee machine. It's advisable to review room features and make specific requests if needed.
Utilize the Fitness Club and Spa
The hotel provides a state-of-the-art fitness club and a full-service salon and spa. Guests can take advantage of these facilities to unwind and stay active during their stay.
Plan for Room Service Alternatives
Due to COVID-19, the hotel did not offer room service during certain periods. If this service is important to you, it's recommended to inquire about alternative dining options or delivery services in the area.
Location
What's nearby
- American Repertory Theater324 yd
- Harvard Square386 yd
- Longfellow National Historic Site0.3 mi
- Harvard Book Store0.3 mi
- Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts0.4 mi
- Harvard University0.5 mi
- Harvard Museum of Natural History0.6 mi
- Elmwood0.8 mi
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences0.9 mi
- Central Square1.1 mi
- Glove Cycle1.1 mi
- Porter Square1.1 mi
Policies
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM |
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Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Essential information about The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
Low season | December |
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High season | November |
Average price (weeknight) | $553 |
Average price (weekend night) | $527 |
When to book a room at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
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Nearby hotels and places to stay
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Value for money | 7.3 |
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Distance to city center | 0.9 mi |
Nearest Airport | Boston Logan Intl |
Distance to airport | 5.9 mi |