7 Best Hotels in Cambridge, Boston

Traveling businesspeople and families like the modern look and efficiency of this 26-story high-rise hotel in Kendall Square, mere steps from the subway and MIT. The guest rooms and suites are decorated in soothing neutrals with pops of color, and the Revive beds feature crisp white duvets and fluffier pillows. Book a room on one of the two concierge floors and score entrance into the exclusive M Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, and a full bar.

Check in to Harvard Square Hotel for a modern aesthetic within a sophisticated Harvard University–owned space, just steps from the Square's plethora of shops, eateries, and bars. Rooms are simple but colorful and clean, having been recently renovated with contemporary decor and top-notch features including mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, Internet access, sleek bathrooms, and pillow-top beds.

You might think a place in such a high-tech neighborhood would be all stainless steel and chrome; think again: the Queen Anne–style Kendall Hotel is homey and ultrafriendly, bright-hued and lively—and it's convenient, with a T stop just one block away. Based in the former Engine 7 fire house, it is stuffed with related memorabilia. An antique Chinese checkerboard, a ceramic Dalmatian, and a whimsical grandfather clock contribute to the mishmash decor. Rooms are done up in historic hues, and a seven-story addition includes an enclosed rooftop lounge, eight deluxe rooms, and four suites with kitchens perfect for families and visiting professors from neighboring MIT. Most evenings the hotel hosts a wine hour at the lobby, or dine any night of the week at the on-site Black Sheep restaurant.

As you enter the private courtyard set back from bustling Kendall Square, say "hello" to Celeste, a 25-foot-tall armillary sculpture that serves as a centerpiece surrounded by plush couches that fill up in the evenings for live music and cocktails. The hotel's extensive redesign (from lobby to guest rooms) was recently completed, taking inspiration from the academic and literary history of the neighborhood. The relaxing, paired down room decor directs more attention to staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows for vast views of the Boston skyline, the courtyard, or the Charles River. Get out into city with the use of the hotel's bikes and kid-sized Micro Kickboard scooters (along with Nutcase helmets), or grab a workout in the 24/7 fitness center. The amenity fee also allows fun add-ons, such as GoPros and Polaroids, movies in the courtyard, summertime kayaks, wintertime snowshoes, and more. And don't forget to stop by the nightly wine reception and morning coffee held in the lobby, a trademark for a Kimpton hotel. Of note: you can borrow fashion accessories from the Anthropologie collection and even have live plants brought into your room for your stay.

When the Marriott chain took over the geek-chic Le Méridien Cambridge-MIT, with its tech-savvy rooms and surroundings, some fans worried the Cambridge spot would lose its charm; but the new owners only amped up the offerings—and added some luxe touches—by displaying cool interactive lobby art from MIT and refurbishing the guest rooms with platform beds, Euro top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and ergonomically designed furniture. Not surprisingly, the hotel is a hub for techie business travelers, but it can also be a bargain for weekend vacationers—there are great off-season rates. The Amuse restaurant does just that—it amuses with chic decor and classic French fare, but is only open for breakfast and dinner.

The stately 1927 Harvard Square landmark overlooking Cambridge Common park features classic furnishings (hello four-poster beds) in handsome, warm tones, but it's the hotel's signature bright-red neon sign towering overhead that really puts it on the map as a Cambridge classic. In the lobby and common spaces, lovely architectural touches include grand arches and a bi-level ballroom with a carved ceiling and gilt mirrors. The on-site Nubar Restaurant & Lounge is the perfect place to escape into a stylish setting with a cocktail.

While the 1867 brownstone exterior is all about history, the sleek, modern decor inside this gorgeously restored hotel breaths the fresh energetic air and excitement that Central Square is known for. Every room has plush Simmons 13-inch pillow tops on the beds, and the decor is clean and minimal. Need to spread out? The Spacious King room boasts a half-circle banquette and table, and the Stellar King has a balcony. If walking around the area doesn't afford enough of a workout, check out the hotel's discounted rates at VIM Fitness, just two blocks away.  The hotel is keyless and most actions can be done using the Sonder app.