The Charles Hotel

Hotel · Cambridge

2

@cntraveler

"So, what's the scoop on this place?The Charles has long been the unofficial stomping grounds for academics, politicians, artists, and celebrities passing through Cambridge. The hotel's library is stocked with biographies that pay tribute to its famous past guests, from David Mamet to Caroline Kennedy, which today's guests can borrow or purchase. With Cambridge's restaurant and nightlife scene on par with Boston proper, Harvard Square has become a very desirable place to stay, even if you won't be auditing an astrophysics class at Harvard or M.I.T. What’s the crowd like?The Charles is a little too removed from the city's financial center to attract bankers or lawyers, so the crowd here is largely politicians, artists, professors, parents of Harvard students, thought leaders, and guest speakers. Tell us about your room.Quilts, wainscoting, plaid carpeting, and wood paneling: There's no question this is a New England hotel. And the amenities?The rooms have a traditional feel, but there are plenty of modern creature comforts: TV screens built into the bathroom mirror; heavenly C.O. Bigelow bath products; fast and free Wi-Fi; Italian waffle bathrobes; and goose-down comforters upon request. The Shaker furniture and wingback leather chairs are especially covetable. How about the room service, or the dining scene in general?There's a pretty extensive 24-hour room service menu, and the pie of the day is always a divine choice for a late-night snack, especially during farmers' market season—think rhubarb or Maine blueberries with a handmade crust. Four other excellent dining options make The Charles a destination not just for travelers but for locals, too: Henrietta's Table, the award-winning farm-to-table restaurant that has hosted everyone from Hillary Clinton to the Dalai Lama; Bar Enza by chef Tony Susi, (where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have been spotted); Noir, a mid-century-inspired cocktail lounge; and Regattabar, one of the most famous jazz clubs in town. And the staff—did anyone in particular impress you?Upon check-in, make friends with the wonderful Henrietta's Table maitre d'—when dinner time rolls around, you'll get a prime table within sight of whichever VIP is passing through the restaurant that night. Anything else you want to mention?Corbu Spa & Salon is the best place in Harvard Square to get a body treatment and a haircut. In 2023, the hotel added its own stylish in-house fitness center (after years of sending guests to the nearby Wellbridge Athletic Club). The hotel is also a seamless part of the local neighborhood, and offers the area's best farmers' market in summer." - Todd Plummer

The Charles Hotel
Susan Seubert/Courtesy The Charles Hotel

1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Get directions

charleshotel.com
@charleshotel

2 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

EHChocolatier

Chocolate shop · Neighborhood Nine

EHChocolatier creates chocolates and confections that are unique and exceptional. Each piece is produced by hand in small batches using traditional european craftmanship. Each piece represents a perfect balance of flavors, texture, and simple beauty. Fresh herbs, Penzey spices, Rishi Teas, and fruit purees from France are masterfully paired to compliment single plantation and varietal chocolates sourced from the master chocolate makers of Michel Cluizel, Valrhona, El Rey and E. Guittard. Our chocolates are always made to order to ensure freshness and to capture flavors at their peak. It's an adventure finding us the first time! Enter 561 Windsor St. at the main door. We have a large sign in the lobby. You can take either the elevator or the stairs up to the 2nd floor. Best to follow the small square orange cards that will lead you to us! You will truly be deserving of a chocolate when you get to us. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

8 Postcards

MIT Museum

Science museum · Area 2/MIT

The revamped MIT Museum in Kendall Square is a vibrant, hands-on playground for science and tech enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits on robotics, AI, and kinetic art spread over three engaging floors.

2 Postcards

Pagu

Tapas restaurant · Cambridgeport

Pagu offers a cozy atmosphere for enjoying inventive Japanese and Spanish small plates, ideal for gatherings with friends or special events.

30 Postcards

The Longfellow Bar

Restaurant · Cambridge

Perched above Alden & Harlow, Longfellow Bar is a chic, two-story lounge serving inventive cocktails and shareable elevated snacks, all in a vibrant, Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

12 Postcards

La Saison Bakery

Bakery · Neighborhood Nine

La Saison Bakery is a charming Cambridge spot dishing out exceptional sourdough, heavenly pastries, and gourmet pizzas, all in a cozy outdoor setting.

12 Postcards

The Friendly Toast

American restaurant · Wellington Harrington

Hip retro-kitsch diner & bar dishing up hearty breakfasts, comfort classics & soda-fountain treats.

2 Postcards

Sofra Bakery & Cafe

Bakery · Strawberry Hill

Nestled in a cozy corner, this lively bakery delights with a tempting array of Middle Eastern pastries and savory bites, inviting you to linger—if you can snag a spot.

15 Postcards

Beyt by 2B Design Home LLC

Furniture store · Cambridge

Discover a charming furniture and decor shop bursting with ethically sourced, artfully arranged finds, from unique lamps to exquisite tea cups.

2 Postcards

Shy Bird - Kendall Square

Restaurant · Cambridge

Shybird is the go-to casual eatery in Kendall Square blending comfort food with cocktails, where great service complements flavorful offerings.

12 Postcards

Roxy's Arcade

Cocktail bar · Cambridgeport

Step into A4Cade behind Roxy's Grilled Cheese for a whimsical fusion of grilled cheese, creative cocktails, and vintage arcade games in a cozy speakeasy vibe that's perfect for a fun night out with friends.

9 Postcards