I am attending a conference at Harvard and found a reasonable rate at the Best Western Hotel Tria, 220 Alewife Brook Pkwy. There is a shuttle available to Harvard Square...is this location good?
If not, I am advised that the Hyatt is closer to the conference, but is nearly $100/nt more. Also, TripAdvisor reviews for the Hyatt were not kind. TIA

This is an inconvenient location. It is a long way from Harvard in a boring area. The Hyatt isn't in the most convenient location either, though the views are great; it is closer to MIT and probably a cab ride from Harvard Square unless you are a good walker. Try bidding on Priceline. It would be a shame to come to Cambridge and not be able to enjoy the place.

Ditto what Ackislander said. Find somewhere else to stay.

The Royal Sonesta and Hotel Marlowe are nice. They'll be about a 10 minute walk to the Kendall Sq T stop, which is just 2 stops from Harvard Sq.

In Kendall Sq there's also the Cambridge Marriott and the Hotel at MIT.

I too was going to suggest the Sonesta as an alternative. Price is probably the same as the Hyatt though.

Check out the John Jeffries house - its just across the Charle River in Boston, but on the subway line that goes directly to Harvard Sq. Its a less expensive alternative to big hotels.
http://www.johnjeffrieshouse.com/index.htm

There are a couple of cute B&B's in the area that are walking distance to Harvard Square, you might try a google search for hotels in Cambridge or www.hotels.com.

Have a fun time.

Try the Harvard Inn in Harvard Sq,
Th Charles Hotel,
The Hotel at MIT. Friends when they visit me sometimes are able to get a decent rate.

http://www.theinnatharvard.com/Home....e=Reservations