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The Charles HotelvsXV Beacon Hotel
Both properties are rated highly by those who travel for a living. On balance, XV Beacon scores significantly better than Charles Hotel. XV Beacon is ranked #1 in Boston with recommendations from 21 reviews including Star Service, Michelin Guide and Time Out.
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."
XV Beacon Hotel
Frommer's Concierge Fodor's DK Eyewitness Rough Guide Gayot
Michelin Guide BlackBook
Zagat
Forbes Travel Guide Show All Reviews
15 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
From $365/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
Frommer's "Nonstop pampering, high-tech appointments, and outrageously luxurious rooms make this Boston's premier boutique hotel." Full review
Concierge "A 62-room Beaux Arts beauty high up on Beacon Hill, this place generally gets top billing in the Boston boutique stakes."
Fodor's "The 1903 beaux arts exterior of one of the city's first small luxury hotels is a study in understated class and elegance." Full review
DK Eyewitness "This chic hotel occupies a 1903 Beaux Arts office building. Furnishings mix traditional and contemporary styles."
Rough Guide "Ultra-decadent boutique hotel across from the Boston Athenæum, with 61 spectacular rooms complete with marble bathrooms."
Gayot "Welcoming guests with a spot-lit awning, this ten-story gem caters to an elite crowd."
Michelin Guide "Beacon Hill’s most stylish hotel offers unsurpassed luxury."
BlackBook "The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance is perfect for clandestine stays, and goodness knows you’ll never forget the address."
Zagat4.2
"Its Beacon Hill location and beaux arts building are steeped in Boston history, but this contemporary luxury boutique hotel boasts "great style"."
Forbes Travel Guide 4 Stars
"Staying at the Four-Star XV Beacon, a Boston boutique hotel, makes you feel like a Brahmin with your very own home in the exclusive Beacon Hill neighborhood." Full review
