The Royal Sonesta BostonvsThe Charles Hotel
Both properties are praised by writers. Overall, Royal Sonesta Boston ranks marginally better than Charles Hotel. Royal Sonesta Boston is ranked #22 in Boston with recommendations from 11 publications such as The Telegraph, Gayot and Travel + Leisure.
The Royal Sonesta Boston Show All Reviews
40 Edwin Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02142
From $109/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Pool
Frommer's
"This luxurious hotel is popular with business travelers and with families, who enjoy the huge pool." Full review
i
The East Tower underwent a $6-million refurbishment in 2011; request a room there if possible.
Fodor's
"Right next to the Charles River, the certified-green Sonesta has one of the best city skyline and sunset views in Boston." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The Royal Sonesta looks over the Charles River from the Cambridge side, with views of Boston Harbor and downtown Boston." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The Royal Sonesta boasts a prime location on the pathway along the Charles River. Many of the comfortable rooms have river views and public areas are noted for outstanding art works."
Rough Guide
"Luxury quarters with good views of the Boston skyline, and a free on-site shuttle available to whisk you around town."
Gayot
"This hotel, with views of the Charles River or Boston skyline, offers a wealth of amenities for the leisure or business traveler."
Zagat
3.7
"Fans of this Cambridge chain outpost praise its "family feel", as well as guestrooms armed with "modern touches" and "spectacular" views of the skyline and Charles River."
Star Service
"This place provides better crossover opportunities than Hyatt or nearby Marriott. In short, it is a better choice for individuals with business or pleasure in this university town." Full review
i
Rooms in the -02 series are the ones to request for their spectacular views of the city and Longfellow Bridge.
The Telegraph
8.0
"Appealing to both business and leisure travellers, the riverside Royal Sonesta offers an ideal location, close to both Boston and Cambridge, with plenty of perks." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Besides the luxurious rooms and up-to-date amenities, come to the Royal Sonesta to admire the incredible contemporary art collection." Full review
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."