The Charles HotelvsThe Verb Hotel
Both properties are endorsed by expert reviewers. On balance, Charles Hotel scores slightly better than The Verb Hotel. Charles Hotel scores 84 with recommendations from 14 publications including Concierge, BlackBook and Time Out.
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."
The Verb Hotel Show All Reviews
1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
From $89/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Laundry Service
- Restaurant
- Pool
Gayot
"Rooted in Boston's distinctive musical heritage, the Verb Hotel puts a modern spin on traditional mid-century style."
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The Verb Hotel took a down-and-out HoJo property and turned it into Boston's most radical, retro, rock and roll hotel." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Located where the old 94-room Howard Johnson’s used to be, this Fenway/Kenmore newcomer exudes the aura of a ‘70s retro motel." Full review
Afar Magazine
"The newest and hippest kid on the block has risen from the most unlikely of origins: the Fenway Motor Hotel, a run-down mid-century relic that once housed all manner of misbehaving musicians." Full review
Oyster
Mid-Range
"A massive black-and-white photograph of a dude giving the peace sign welcomes guests to the entrance of the three-pearl Verb Hotel in Boston." Full review
Fodor's
"Formerly a Howard Johnson's, the Verb is now a dynamic reimagining of a classic mid-century motel." Full review
Jetsetter
"Refurbished motor lodge with a midcentury vibe that pays homage to Fenway’s rock club scene from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s." Full review
The Telegraph
7.0
"A refurbished 1950s motel next to Fenway Park baseball stadium, this fun and funky den caters to the young and young-at-heart." Full review
Bon Appétit
"Design hotel next to Fenway Park with rock ‘n’ roll vibes." Full review
Time Out
"Verb is about as close to LA as Boston gets, with its midcentury furniture, Mondrian stained glass windows and poolside scene...room furnishings are simple." Full review