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The Charles HotelvsOnyx Boston Downtown
Kimpton Onyx Hotel and Charles Hotel are both rated highly by reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Kimpton Onyx Hotel ranks marginally better than Charles Hotel. Kimpton Onyx Hotel comes in at 85 with recommendations from 14 publications including Gayot, Star Service and Zagat.
The Charles Hotel
Concierge
Insight Guides
Fodor's
Oyster
Travel + Leisure
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Star Service
Gayot
BlackBook Show All Reviews
1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
From $199/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Concierge "The 294 business-meets-Americana rooms mix Wi-Fi with checkered Shaker quilts, and all were spruced up in 2006."
Insight Guides "A touch of class on the edge of Harvard Square: rooms are appointed with commissioned artwork and high-tech amenities, and offer views of Harvard Square, Cambridge, or Boston."
Fodor's "It used to be that the Charles was the place to stay in Cambridge, and while other luxury hotels have since arrived... this Harvard Square staple is standing strong." Full review
i
For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the 7th floor.
OysterUpscale
"Charming rooms, two great restaurants and a location two blocks from Harvard Square make the 294-room Charles Hotel a natural choice for those visiting Harvard." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The hulking 294-room Charles, on the eastern edge of Harvard Square, is the best reason to stay north of the river." Full review
DK Eyewitness "Handmade quilts on the beds add a cozy touch to the restrained modern decor. The hotel’s location on the edge of Harvard Square is a plus."
Rough Guide "A Harvard Square landmark with clean, bright rooms – some overlooking the Charles River – that come with an array of amenities."
Star Service "Unlike the more tech-savvy Hyatt and Le Meridien, the latter owned by MIT, Charles Hotel places emphasis on homey comforts, a lively social scene and style that reflects a historic regional character." Full review
i
As rooms are sold run-of-the-house, request top-floor units for broader vistas and quieter exposures.
Gayot "Ideally located right next to Harvard Square, this nine-story hotel has been welcoming business and leisure travelers since 1985."
BlackBook "It’s about pedigree and class at the Square’s only luxury hotel."
Onyx Boston Downtown
Frommer's Oyster Travel + Leisure DK Eyewitness Rough Guide Star Service Gayot BlackBook
Zagat
Lonely Planet Show All Reviews
155 Portland Street, Boston, MA 02114
From $111/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's "This plush boutique hotel is the finest property in this evolving neighborhood, which grows more pleasant by the day but is a zoo before and after big events at the nearby TD Garden." Full review
OysterUpper-middle-range
"On a barren street in the desolate West End, the once-stylish Onyx Hotel is affordable and convenient." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Tucked away on a side street in the downtown area, the Onyx is a Kimpton Group boutique hotel located within 1.5 miles of city highlights like Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill, and TD Garden." Full review
DK Eyewitness "This sleekly contemporary boutique hotel features modest-sized rooms decorated in a warm palette of black, taupe, and Chinese-lacquer red."
Rough Guide "The stark, glass-panelled front of this small luxury hotel belies an opulent interior."
i
Avoid the “Britney Spears” room – designed by her mother, it looks as you would expect the singer’s childhood room to look, complete with pink bible and fairy statuettes.
Star Service "This bonny boutique-hotel has a long list of added perks that come standard at Kimpton hotels (including nightly wine and cheese hour)." Full review
Gayot "This swanky member of the Kimpton hotel group enjoys a great downtown location for sightseeing by foot."
BlackBook "This modish boutique hotel attracts travelers (and their pets) who appreciate the finer things."
Zagat3.7
""Fantastic" and "very friendly" service stands out at this Kimpton brand property, which boasts an "excellent" Ruby Room lounge and "funky" interior swathed in red, black and white."
Lonely Planet "Done up in jewel tones and contemporary furniture, the Onyx exudes warmth and style – two elements that do not always go hand in hand." Full review
