The Charles Hotel
Photos of The Charles Hotel
About The Charles Hotel
- Hotel RoomYou’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
- FreebiesThis 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.
Latest deals for The Charles Hotel
Amenities at The Charles Hotel
- 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
- 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
Media and entertainment
- Radio
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Cable or satellite TV
- TV
- DVD player
Accessibility and suitability
- Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- Allergy-free room
- No smoking
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
Family friendly
- Cribs available
- Kids meals
Outdoor
- Garden
Health and safety
- Safe
Fitness
- Fitness center
Reviews of The Charles Hotel
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Cons -
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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.
Pros. Location was great with excellent service and nice trait ants around in the plaza
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cons. The room was very drafty near the windows- lots of cold air coming in
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
- 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 | December |
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High season | October |
Average price (weeknight) | $775 |
Average price (weekend night) | $737 |
When to book a room at The Charles Hotel
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 December and January.
- 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 Friday or Wednesday. The most expensive day is usually Thursday.
- The cheapest price a room at The Charles Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $355, while the most expensive was $355.
- 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 5.9 miles from Boston Logan Intl. The Charles Hotel is 10.8 miles from Bedford Hanscom Field.
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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Value for money | 7.2 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.9 mi |
Nearest Airport | Boston Logan Intl |
Distance to airport | 5.9 mi |