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The Charles HotelvsHotel AKA Back Bay
Both hotels are endorsed by those who travel for a living. On balance, Charles Hotel scores marginally higher than Loews Boston Hotel. Charles Hotel comes in at #23 in Boston with praise from 14 reviewers such as Zagat, Travel + Leisure and Star Service.
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."
Hotel AKA Back Bay Fodor's Oyster Travel + Leisure DK Eyewitness Rough Guide Star Service
Lonely Planet Star Service
Not For Tourists
Jetsetter Show All Reviews
350 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116
From $119/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Fodor's "Travelers rave about the sleek Loew's Boston Hotel... "Great staff"..."Great bar"..."Great vibe"—see a pattern yet?" Full review
OysterUpscale
"This cozy, 225-room hotel in a beautiful old building -- the former police headquarters -- is full of nice touches, from hot towels at check-in to free Wi-Fi in rooms." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Masculine yet cozy, the 225-room Back Bay Hotel is laden with history: the 1925 limestone edifice with ornate friezes fronts one of Boston’s last Italian Renaissance Revival buildings." Full review
DK Eyewitness "Located in an attractive stone building that once housed the headquarters of the Boston Police Department, this hotel is ideal for tourists and shoppers."
Rough Guide "The 220 smallish rooms in this lavishly furnished hotel have huge beds, marble bathrooms, multi-head showers, and heated towel racks."
Star Service "Highlighting the public areas are a waterfall and open fireplaces. The dapper Stanhope Grille continues to serve three Continental meals a day." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Rooms are luxurious, draped in rich ivory and copper tones, and well stocked with amenities." Full review
Star Service "This hotel lacks the Turtle Beach's sophistication, but its spaciousness and breadth of facilities make it a preferred choice for American families." Full review
i
Tip: Request an even-numbered room on one of the top two floors for the best views.
Not For Tourists "The old Boston Police Headquarters Building."
Jetsetter "Chic city digs in Boston’s Back Bay with business class perks and a banging bar." Full review
