,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(-71.100044,42.36198)/-71.11150693148375,42.36719326420596,12.934334129944144/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
The Charles HotelvsLe Meridien Boston Cambridge
Both properties are rated very highly by expert reviewers. On balance, Charles Hotel is the choice of most reviewers compared to Le Meridien Cambridge - MIT. Charles Hotel is ranked #23 in Boston with praise from 14 reviews including Fodor's, DK Eyewitness 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."
Le Meridien Boston Cambridge
Frommer's Fodor's Oyster Rough Guide DK Eyewitness Star Service
Zagat
Lonely Planet Gayot
20 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA 02139
From $98/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's "The only sizable lodging close to lively Central Square, this hotel primarily attracts visitors to MIT and the tech-oriented businesses nearby." Full review
Fodor's "Not surprisingly, the hotel is a hub for techie business travelers, but it can also be a bargain for weekend vacationers—there are great off-season rates." Full review
OysterUpper-middle-range
"Contemporary rooms and a great location near Central Square -- right on the edge of the MIT campus -- make this 210-room boutique a solid upper-middle-range option in Cambridge." Full review
Rough Guide "Contemporary hotel anchoring an office tower near MIT."
DK Eyewitness "Sleekly contemporary, it is also handy to the music bars and ethnic restaurants of Cambridge’s Central Square."
Star Service "A brilliant choice for academics and alumni, this hotel, like the graduates it hosts, is one of the brightest options in the market, just four blocks northwest of campus." Full review
i
Rooms on the eighth floor eyeing the Prudential Building are worth requesting, but avoid odd exposures that look out upon ducts.
Zagat3.7
""Modern, upscale" style distinguishes this Starwood property in Cambridge, with a location "convenient" to the Kendall Square tech and innovation district."
Lonely Planet "In the heart of the MIT campus, this contemporary hotel fuses art, design and science."
Gayot "This unique establishment feels as if it's a showcase for MIT. Artwork, computer programs and other innovative objects by MIT students and alumni are on display and in use throughout."
