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The Charles HotelvsMandarin Oriental, Boston
Both hotels are rated very highly by expert writers. On balance, Mandarin Oriental, Boston scores significantly better than Charles Hotel. Mandarin Oriental, Boston comes in at #4 in Boston with positive reviews from 16 reviews such as Concierge, Condé Nast Traveler and Oyster.
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."
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Frommer's Concierge Fodor's Oyster DK Eyewitness Rough Guide Star Service Gayot BlackBook
Zagat Show All Reviews
776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
From $476/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Frommer's "Mandarin Oriental's first New England property courts both devoted shoppers and international business travelers with its great location, sublime service, and top-notch amenities." Full review
Concierge "There's a huge Asian-inspired spa that is a destination in itself, and a little-known spa café that's a hidden oasis in the busy Back Bay."
i
Even if you don't stay here, check out the impressive art collection in the public spaces, with selections by Frank Stella and David Hockney (ask for the guidebook to the collection at the front desk).
Fodor's "With too many amenities to list, the 148-room hotel has helped redefine luxury in town... it offers services many guests are calling "out of this world." Full review
OysterLuxury
"The 148-room Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay offers some of Boston's most luxurious standard rooms, plus a 16,000-square-foot spa and extraordinary service." Full review
DK Eyewitness "Connected to the Prudential Center, in the heart of Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental offers some of the city’s largest rooms."
Rough Guide "Boston is all abuzz with the opening of this glamorous, extremely expensive hotel."
Star Service "This exceptional deluxe hotel has positioned itself at the top of the ranks beside the city's elite establishments: Four Seasons, Boston Harbor and the Ritz-Carlton." Full review
i
Reception is staffed with personnel who don't miss a trick.
Gayot "This enormous Asian-inspired luxury hotel enjoys a Back Bay location on popular Boylston Street, just steps away from shopping on Newbury Street."
BlackBook "A variety of opulent technology-loaded (flatscreens, wireless internet) room packages, with spacious bathrooms and fine details all the way down to the sheets."
Zagat4.2
""Be prepared to break the bank" if you're going to stay at this "pitch-perfect", "peaceful" Back Bay outpost of the luxury brand."
