DonTopaz

I believe that thursdaysd stayed at the Kendall recently and I don't recall her having serious complaints.

SambaChula

I don't understand the reluctance to stay at a B&B. All on that list are reputable, used to single academics here for work, and in good neighborhoods, with comfortable rooms and private baths, walking distance to Harvard Square and many restaurants.

Rana25

Thanks guys. I was trying to stick to my hotel budget- $1000 so the courtyard would get me 4 nights whereas the Kendall 3. But it seems that the consensus is on the Kendall so I'll try to work that out. Surrounding area is important.
Cw- which Marriott?
SambaChula- I never said there was something wrong with B&Bs, I just won't be as comfortable by myself in it as I would be in a hotel.

travelgourmet

But it seems that the consensus is on the Kendall so I'll try to work that out. Surrounding area is important.

The Courtyard is in an OK neighborhood, just a mile walk from the T. If you are okay with a mile-ish walk to Harvard and/or the T, the Courtyard would be fine. Even if you spent half the savings each night on an Uber, it might make sense.

The Kendall is pretty much on top of the T and very convenient. It is an objectively better location, but not certain it is $50 better. I didn't realize it was $50 per night difference when I made my comments on location.

Skip the Fairfield, Doubletree, and Hampton Inn as they are inconvenient to everything you would want to do. The Holiday Inn isn't in a terrible location for sightseeing, but would be a bit of a hassle to get to Harvard.

clarkgriswold

You can get, taxes included, the Courtyard for $925 non refundable/or $1029 cancellable, or the Kendall @ $1242 (7 day cancellation) by booking here:
www.entertainment(dot)com/hotels15 and entering coupon code HTL2015 on the bottom on the checkout page.

cw

Rana, sorry, I meant the Boston Courtyard Marriott Cambridge (confusing name).

While the Kendall is more convenient because it's near the Red Line station, it all depends on how your days will be scheduled.

If you're at your meetings then going out with people, then going back to the hotel for the night, the Courtyard Marriott is fine. You may have to take a cab back there.

But if when your meetings are over and you want to leave your things at the hotel and go out for dinner and even a little sightseeing, the Kendall works better.

I've dropped friends off at Irving House B and B and it seems more hotelish to me than a B and B. You're not eating breakfast or chatting with the owners. It's more like an inn. I would feel perfectly comfortable and safe there and it's in a good location.

Rana25

Thanks guys.
Travelgourmet and cw- The Kendall seems pretty convenient from your descriptions. I might have to head back to the hotel midday before sightseeing so this would be easier.

Clargriswold- Thakns for the coupon!

Vttraveler

For others looking at this thread for ideas, my husband and I stayed at the Friendly Inn last weekend and found it simple but comfortable. It also has a parking area for no extra charge--a nice feature in the Boston area. There were quite a few international travelers there. the staff were all friendly and helpful. I would not see anything about the inn that would make you uncomfortable staying there compared to a hotel.

Personally I like being close to Harvard Square rather than Kendall Square. The Irving House is right next to the Friendly Inn, and the Mary Prentiss Inn is nearby and looks very nice.

SambaChula

Thanks for the input, vttraveler. I had an academic friend and his wife, here doing research at Harvard, who stayed both at Friendly Inn and irving a House (due to availability for their entire stay) and enjoyed both places.

Rana25

Thank you all for your input! I'm so sorry for the delay, I forgot to post my final choice. I canceled my hotel reservation because I found a friend who offered to let me stay with her.