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The Newbury BostonvsThe Charles Hotel
Taj Boston and Charles Hotel are both endorsed by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Taj Boston scores slightly better than Charles Hotel. Taj Boston scores 87 with positive reviews from 14 reviewers including BlackBook, Time Out and Rough Guide.
The Newbury Boston
Frommer's
Concierge
Fodor's
Oyster
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Star Service
Gayot
BlackBook
Forbes Travel Guide Show All Reviews
15 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
From $186/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Frommer's "With its luxurious accommodations, wonderful service, and old-Boston atmosphere, Taj Boston appeals to both vacationers and business travelers." Full review
Concierge "The public spaces are gilded, service is genteel, and the dimly lit, leather-studded bar overlooking the park is still a favorite with Boston Brahmins."
Fodor's "The old-school elegant Taj is doing its best to win over the old Ritz fans... as well as woo new guests, with discounted weekend rates and a soft renovation." Full review
i
Avoid rooms on the 16th floor, under the roof-deck party space.
Oyster Upscale
"Bought from the Ritz-Carlton in 2007, the Taj Boston holds on to the Ritz' elegant look, but also offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar." Full review
DK Eyewitness "The property became part of the Taj Hotel Group in 2007, but continues to emphasize elegance and excellent service."
Rough Guide "Replacing (albeit lovingly) Boston’s historic Ritz-Carlton, Taj Boston is the ultimate in luxurious, old-school Boston accommodation."
Star Service "The hotel also features complimentary daily newspaper and shoeshine, a 24-hour concierge, and perhaps the fastest and most expensive laundry service guests will ever encounter. " Full review
Gayot "As the original Ritz-Carlton, which opened in 1927, this hotel retained all of the glitz and glamour when it changed hands to become a Taj property."
BlackBook "A recent extensive restoration left glittering crystal chandeliers and shiny marble in its luxurious wake."
Forbes Travel Guide 4 Stars
"The venerable Taj Boston, perched at the top of Newbury Street across from the Public Garden, hasn’t changed much since it opened in the 1920s." Full review
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."
