Fodor's Expert Review Freepoint Hotel
220 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA See on Map
One of the newest hotels in the Boston area, the Freepoint Hotel is a refreshing addition to the Fresh Pond area of Cambridge. Embracing the intersection of art and technology, the hotel thrives on innovation (check out their three-dimensional art installations, like the Polaroid Wall) while still exemplifying high-quality service. Those in town to work at the nearby Technology Corridor or to visit family at Harvard and MIT will be very pleased with a stay at the Freepoint.
room
Creatively decorated rooms are filled with locally-sourced art and furnishings, and feature 48-inch flat screen televisions, mini-fridges, and bedside USB charging stations.
bathroom
The Freepoint's bathrooms earn big bonus points for their hair products from Living Proof, a Cambridge-based beauty brand that started at MIT. There's also Beekman 1802 bath products and a bathrobe.
lobby
The vibrant lobby is incredibly unique, boasting an industrial-chic vibe with a technology spin. It's packed with hard-to-find magazines and unique art installations. Continue into the "secret garden," an open-air courtyard where guests can enjoy drinks surrounded by fire pits and greenery.
gym
The 24-hour fitness center is filled with cardio machines equipped with personal Android devices, a weight machine, plenty of free weights, kettle bells, a rope trainer, and more. Towels and water are provided.
YOU SHOULD KNOW If you'd prefer to get out of the gym, don't miss a stroll to the nearby Fresh Pond Reservation, a 155-acre lake and parkland.
dining
Freepoint Kitchen + Cocktails is the hotel's restaurant, helmed by Matthew Gaudet. Known for his gone-but-not-forgotten Cambridge restaurant West Bridge, Gaudet's new hotspot uses locally-sourced food to embrace global flavors. (A favorite is the Shakshuka made with chorizo stewed eggs, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and chèvre.) There's also a 24-hour lobby pantry where you can grab a snack.
drinking
Freepoint Kitchen + Cocktails features an intricately curated drink menu, included a dedicated Manhattan menu with 8 variations from around the world. The 13-seat bar in the hotel's lobby beautifully highlights a locally sourced sugar maple live edge slab top, with a lounge vibe and several high-top tables in the surrounding area. There is a Starbucks coffee on-site.
Don't miss the short distance projector in the bar, which displays video art, classic cartoons and cult-favorite flicks projected on the back wall.
LOCATION
Getting Around
It's about a half-mile walk to the nearby Alewife MBTA station on the Red Line, which may be too long for some. There's a complimentary shuttle service while takes guests to attractions within 2 miles until 9:30pm, like Alewife station and Harvard Square. (You can even reserve the shuttle for up to 11 passengers.)
Restaurants
If you don't mind walking along the Parkway, there's a Whole Foods Market (4-minute walk) nearby. For Greek-style pizza and salads in an uber-casual environment, hit up neighborhood classic Ma Magoo's (2-minute walk). Genki-Ya (3-minute walk) is a popular sushi spot around the corner.
WHY WE LIKE IT
One of the Freepoint's most unique attributes is its very own podcast channel on RadioPublic. They are also very dog-friendly, with a bowl and treats on hand for your pet. (Danehy Dog Park is also right down the street.)
QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
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