The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
A Harvard Square hotel blending city energy with Ivy League charm.
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The Charles Hotel is situated in Harvard Square, Cambridge, directly bordering the Harvard campus. It offers a city experience with an Ivy League atmosphere, shaped by its surroundings of historic buildings, shops, and cafes. This AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel has 303 rooms, including 46 suites. Guests can enjoy amenities like an on-site library, a fitness center, and a spa. The hotel's design reflects New England style, featuring Shaker-detailed furniture and plaid carpeting. It is also a pet-friendly property.
Should you book The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square?
A stay in a Cambridge landmark hotel with multiple dining options and easy access to Boston.
Best for
- Proximity to Harvard University
- City explorers
- Business travellers
- Pet owners
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking beachfront locations
- Budget travellers
Harvard Square setting
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, the hotel borders the university campus. This places guests amidst cafes, shops, and historic architecture, offering a blend of city buzz and academic atmosphere.
New England design
Interiors feature rustic Shaker-detailed furniture, paneled walls, and plaid carpeting. Rooms and suites include Italian Frette linens, goose-down comforters, and Carrara marble bathrooms.
On-site dining
Choose from three restaurants, including Henrietta's Table for New England cuisine, Regattabar Jazz Club for live music, and Noir Bar for classic drinks and bites.
Rejuvenation and fitness
The hotel provides a spa offering world-class treatments and a redesigned fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art machines, available free for guests.
Rooms & rates
Deluxe 2 Doubles
Air conditioning · Free Wifi · Bathrobe · Safety deposit box · Bath or shower · Towels
King Room - Disability Access
25.0 m² · 1 king bed
Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
25.0 m² · 2 full beds
Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Flat-screen TV
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- 3 restaurants
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fitness center
- Private Parking
- Room service
- Spa and wellness center
- Family rooms
Great for your stay
- 3 restaurants
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Spa and wellness center
- Air conditioning
- Pet friendly
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
Private bathroom
- Bath or shower
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Location
1 Bennett Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
5 sights nearby, the closest being John F. Kennedy Park at 450 ft; the nearest metro station, Harvard, is 0.2 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- John F. Kennedy Parkpark450 ft
- Brattle Squarepark500 ft
- Society of St. John the Evangelistplace of worship0.1 mi
- Harvard Squareattraction0.2 mi
- Christ Churchplace of worship0.2 mi
Getting around
- Harvardmetro station0.2 mi
- Centralmetro station1.1 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.8 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 417 guest reviews
The Charles Hotel earns consistently high marks for its unbeatable Harvard Square location, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, and a charming boutique atmosphere. However, several guests flagged uneven service quality — particularly at reception — and the on-site breakfast drew criticism for value, suggesting the hotel's strengths lie more in its setting and rooms than its dining or front-desk consistency. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most guests indicating they would return.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 27 · average 9.5
They wrote about: location, staff, room
Reviews scoring 7–9: 3 · average 8
They wrote about: location, staff, facilities
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
Until 12:00 PM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 21
- Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Groups
When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hotel's location?
The Charles Hotel is located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, bordering the Harvard campus and close to downtown Boston.
What types of rooms are available?
The hotel offers Deluxe rooms with two double beds or a king bed, as well as suites. Some rooms are specifically designed for disability access.
Does the hotel have on-site dining?
Yes, The Charles Hotel features three restaurants: Henrietta's Table, Regattabar Jazz Club, and Noir Bar. 24-hour in-room dining is also available.
Is parking available?
Yes, the hotel offers private parking for guests.
Can I bring my pet?
The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their pets.
What amenities are in the rooms?
Room amenities include air conditioning, free WiFi, bathrobes, safety deposit boxes, desks, and slippers. Suites offer private spaces.
Is there a fitness center or spa?
The hotel has a complimentary fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and a spa offering world-class treatments.
Is there a shuttle service?
Yes, an airport shuttle service is available for guests.
What is nearby?
The hotel is steps from Harvard Square attractions, including Charles Square Farmer's Market and John F. Kennedy Park. Downtown Boston is a 10-minute walk away.