The Charles HotelvsNewbury Guest House
Both Newbury Guest House and Charles Hotel are endorsed by those who travel for a living. On balance, Charles Hotel ranks slightly better than Newbury Guest House. Charles Hotel comes in at #23 in Boston with recommendations from 14 reviews such as Insight Guides, BlackBook and Concierge.
The Charles Hotel 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.
Oyster
Upscale
"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."
Newbury Guest House
261 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116
From $129/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Insight Guides
"Three 1880s single-family Victorian homes were renovated to create this elegant, 32-room inn, which features free internet and a hot buffet breakfast."
Fodor's
"A homey feel and personalized service are at the soul of this elegant brownstone at the heart of Boston's most fashionable shopping street." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"A recent renovation has preserved the charming features like ceiling medallions and in-room fireplaces, but now the rooms feature clean lines, luxurious linens and modern amenities." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Surrounding townhouses have been transformed into outdoor cafés, art galleries, and designer shops, and both Fenway Park and Symphony Hall are within one mile." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"When three Victorian homes were linked to form this cozy inn, owners were careful to preserve such period details as ceiling medallions, parquet floors, and decorative fireplaces."
i
Newbury Street can be noisy so ask for a room at the back.
Rough Guide
"Big, popular Victorian brownstone that fills up frequently, so be sure to call ahead."
Gayot
"The Newbury Guest House is perfect for travelers searching for a cozy, European-style guest house experience."
Oyster
Mid-Range
"This 32-room boutique hotel is actually three converted attached brownstones on trendy Newbury Street in the upscale Back Bay district of Boston." Full review
Time Out
"Perfect for shopaholics or anyone who wants to stay on Boston's chic-est strip, this pleasant townhouse B&B is set amid retail heaven." Full review
Frommer's
"Housed in a trio of converted 1880s town houses, this sophisticated inn in Back Bay offers comfortable accommodations and New England charm" Full review