The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

Hotels
8.7 (732 reviews)
1 Bennett Street , Cambridge , us

listing image 1
Show all photos
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Business center
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent Harvard Square location
Friendly, helpful staff
Comfortable rooms and suites
Strong on-site restaurants and good breakfast
Nice common areas, gym and convenient garage/ride service
Clean, quiet hotel
Cons:
Perceived as overpriced / poor value for money
Some rooms small or dated; inconsistent room quality
Issues with shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets
Occasional check-in/reservation confusion
Some parts feel tired/outdated; small item complaints (e.g., bathrobe fabric)

Categories

Cleanliness
9
Multiple reviews describe rooms and common areas as very clean, quiet and well maintained; no major cleanliness complaints.
Service
9.2
Staff repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and accommodating; one mention of check-in confusion but overall service is a strong point.
Location
9.6
Consistently praised as ideally located in Harvard Square—walkable to attractions and transit; a standout positive across reviews.
Room Quality
8.1
Rooms range from very comfortable/spacious suites to small/tired rooms; multiple complaints about shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets.
Amenities
9
Good on-site amenities noted (restaurants, gym, ride service, garage); common areas and facilities described as differentiated and comfortable.
Value for Money
6.5
Several guests call the hotel overpriced (rates elevated for events) and note limited included value (e.g., breakfast not always included), making value the weakest area.
Food and Beverage
9.1
Breakfast and hotel dining repeatedly praised (Henrietta’s, Noir); guests enjoyed cocktails and meals—strong F&B sentiment overall.
Overall Experience
9.1
Majority of reviews describe an outstanding or excellent stay with classic character, good service and location, despite some dated/tired elements.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-07-03 08:49

Property Description

Unparalleled Location
The Charles Hotel is nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, offering easy access to both the Harvard campus and downtown Boston's attractions, making it the perfect base for your stay.

Charming Ambiance
Experience the inviting warmth of a New England home at The Charles Hotel, where elegant charm meets a cozy atmosphere. Relax in one of our 303 well-appointed rooms, including 46 suites, and enjoy the intellectual discourse and vibrant atmosphere that sets us apart.

Diverse Offerings
From a captivating quilt collection to jazz concerts and an eclectic restaurant, The Charles Hotel offers a unique blend of experiences for guests of all ages. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every stay is memorable and tailored to meet the highest standards.

Book your stay at The Charles Hotel and indulge in a blend of sophistication and comfort that promises an unforgettable experience.

Important information:

If the method of payment provided is from someone who is not staying in the room, a credit card authorization form (sent via email) is required.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: BOS

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    Wired internet is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 50 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 6 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$20 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Property Accessibility

Total Disability Score: 35.71
Public Area
  • Ramp: No
  • Entrance Leveled: No
  • Pet Friendly: No
Reception And Restaurant
  • Reception Hearing Accessible: No
  • Reception Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Restaurant Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevator
  • Elevator Audio Signals: No
  • Elevator Braille Numbers: No
  • Elevator Contrasting Buttons: No
  • Elevator Visual Signs: No
Show all accessibility features

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 732 reviews
Cleanliness: 9
Service: 9.2
Location: 9.6
Room Quality: 8.1
Amenities: 9
Value for Money: 6.5
Food and Beverage: 9.1
Overall Experience: 9.1
J
Jannie • solo_traveller • nl
9
Ons verblijf was geweldig, maar dat kwam vooral door de locatie
Pros:

De ligging is fantastisch. Bijna alles op loopafstand en ook dichtbij de metrohalte naar Boston

Cons:

De prijs. Die waren dat weekend waanzinnig hoog, vermoedelijk omdat er WK voetbalwedstrijden in de buurt waren . Maar nogmaals de prijzen waren over de top; rond de €1000 voor een kamer voor een nacht. We konden helaas niet uitwijken naar een ander weekend.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • couple • us
9
I enjoyed my stay overall.
Pros:

Lovely property. good location.

Cons:

Staff was not consistently friendly or helpful.

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
C
carolyn • solo_traveller • us
7
I loved it except for the comforter.
Cons:

The bed was covered with a winter comforter that was much too hot, and there was no lighter bed cover.

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
L
Lia • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
A
Assem • family_with_children • kz
10
Мне и моим детям очень понравился отель, в следующий раз тоже выберем его.
Pros:

Очень уютный отель, все чисто и опрятно. Удобное расположение самого отеля.

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
T
Trang • family_with_children • us
9
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • extended_group • us
10
A very happy win my stay
Pros:

Convenient location and the room we stayed at was excellent

Cons:

No information about the facilities in the room. Like if they have a pool or where to get ice or water. I know that the reception told me where to refill water but I only remember in the gym. I thought they have in every floor

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
A
Allison • couple • us
10
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
M
Maher • family_with_children • ae
9
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
C
Christophe • family_with_children • us
8
Très bon séjour proche de Harvard
Pros:

Emplacement et personnel incroyable notamment au restaurant Henrietta

Cons:

Il faudrait des lits queen size pour les chambres familiales car les tailles actuelles sont vraiment justes alors que la literie est de qualité

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
M
Maher • couple • ae
9
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
Y
ying • couple • us
9
2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
C
Climber33276866961 • NONE
10
Perfect Location Excellent Staff & Hotel
Pros:

Suite reserved says for 3ppl but need to call to be sure have one with 2 Qs vs 1 K. Staff was very nice and extra helpful in making sure we were happy with our stay. Overall the hotel is fantastic and the location perfect. Chancellor suite is worth the extra $$.

2026-07-02 • via Tripadvisor
L
L791YVgiselam • NONE
10
great hotel
Pros:

hotel location is perfect, the renovations to this hotel make it very worth while to stay at, the rooms are plenty big and very comfortable,

2026-07-01 • via Tripadvisor
J
Jutta • couple • bm
8
We enjoyed it tremendously.
Pros:

The room was great once we had an initial problem sorted out.
the location can't be beat.
Sitting outside at Henriett's table was lovely.

Cons:

I had requested a suite with a street or park view. I know the facility can't actually guarantee that in advance, but what we got was the opposite - a view of the solar panels on an adjoining rooftop. We asked for a change, so the receptionist gave us a room "overlooking the courtyard', however, it did not overlook the courtyard it overlooked the street. In the end the street view was fine, but I think the front desk maybe should be more aware of the location of the rooms.

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
O
Orge • family_with_children • tr
10
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
Y
Yanjuan • family_with_children • us
10
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
J
James • extended_group • us
9
2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
S
Stewart • extended_group • gb
9
Pros:

Great hotel and friendly staff

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
C
Cesar Schmitt • family_with_children • br
10
2026-06-28 • via Nuitee