Fodor's Expert Review Charles Hotel
1 Bennett St., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA, Boton, Massachusetts 02138, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice
This Harvard Square staple is standing strong as one the best place to stay in Cambridge. Gracious service and top-notch room amenities make the Charles big with stars, politicians, and tycoons visiting nearby Harvard University.
Call the hotel directly to try and score the best nightly rate.
room
The Charles is proud of their "Ivy League Indulgence," and guests certainly pay for that extra dose of prestige. For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the seventh floor. Lower floors feature Le Corbusier furniture, sketches by JFK himself, and work by various local artists. Enjoy curling up on the Frette linens.
YOU SHOULD KNOW You have to request a coffee pot or tea kettle for the room.
bathroom
Lavish bathrooms come with terry robes so soft you'll dream about stashing them in your suitcase.
lobby
Relax in the lobby library, chock-full of titles, some autographed by authors who happen to be frequent guests. Sign up for an art tour of the property or pick up a self-guided map of Cambridge.
pool
Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the Wellbridge Athletic Club, where there is an indoor pool.
YOU SHOULD KNOW There are restricted pool hours for children.
spa
The on-site 4,000-square-foot Corbu Spa & Salon features herbal treatments inspired by the hotel's chefs.
gym
Wellbridge Athletic Club is a full-service athletic club with everything from group classes and a pilates studio to a yoga program and steam room.
If you prefer to get out of the gym, ask the concierge for a jogging map.
dining
Henrietta's Table serves up classic New England fare, and is known for their great weekend brunch. Benedetto serves top-notch regional Italian cuisine.
While their Italian food is divine, don't skip Benedetto's dessert menu.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The Charles is right in the center of Harvard Square, which makes it accessible to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Just a 2 minute walk from the Harvard MBTA stop, guests from the Charles can easily head to Downtown Boston by switching from the Red Line on the T.
Restaurants
For coffee and pastries, head to Crema Cafe (3-minute walk), or Tatte Bakery and Cafe (7-minute walk) where you'll find plenty of soups, salads, and treats. Cambridge is filled with quality restaurants, like Craigie on Main 13-minute drive) and Les Sablons (1-minute walk) a new French restaurant in a former subway facility.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Charles is both luxurious and welcoming, and is right in the middle of everything in Harvard Square. Take a few minutes to browse their lobby library.
QUICK FACTS
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