Gracious service, top-notch amenities, and a great location on Harvard Square keep this first-class hotel in high demand. The New England Shaker interior is contemporary yet homey; antique quilts and art by nationally recognized artists hang throughout. Relax in the lobby library, chock-full of titles, some autographed by authors who frequent the hotel. Also sign up for a guided art tour of the hotel or pick up a self-guided map. Guest rooms come with lots of nice touches, like terry robes, handcrafted quilts, flat-screen TVs (plus LCD-mirror TVs in the bathroom), and Bose radios. For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the seventh floor. Both of the hotel's restaurants—Rialto and Henrietta's Table—are excellent. For the best rate, call the hotel directly. Pros: your wish is their command, on-site spa, health club, premier jazz club, and two of the area's top restaurants; Harvard Square is close by; outdoor skating rink is a fun gathering spot for families during the winter months. Cons: luxury comes with a price, great for visiting Cambridge sites but less convenient to downtown Boston (though Red Line T is two blocks away).
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip