Elizabeth S.
Yelp
I agree with lots of what was written about this hotel. You cannot beat this location in Cambridge, although what a bummer that Cambridge hotel prices have now joined the ranks of Washington, DC and NYC. $259 a night? Yikes. That's quite a bit, considering what I did -- and did not -- get.
First of all, though, let me stress the positives: The room was immaculate and the bed extremely comfortable. it has a real feel of a European inn, but with more amenities. Loved the bathroom and the toiletries they provided; can't recall the line, but it was a higher end shwanky one. I still smell great.
Also really appreciated that they offer free wireless internet access; they must take reviews seriously, because someone in a previous review mentioned there wasn't any and now there is. Appreciated that.
A few challenges/things I didn't appreciate:
1. While I loved that it had parking on-site, I cannot believe they charged $35 for it. It's not like anyone parks your car for you, it's just for having the pleasure of keeping your car there. Next to the Thrifty car rental. Having written that, I did ask whether I could keep my car there while I went to my meeting the next morning, and they did let me do that -- so HSH giveth as much as it occasionally taketh away.
2. I agree with others that it's unfortunate there is not workout room at the hotel. Fortunately, the weather was great when I was there and my workout room became the path around the Charles River, so it worked out. But in the winter or bad weather that's something many of us frequent travelers look for.
3. Was so excited to come down to the lobby to see coffee out. Was then extremely put off when the person at the front desk asked me for my room number. "Oh," I said, "There's a charge?" Yup. Starbuck's. $2 a cup. I stayed at the Hampton Inn a few days earlier in a room that was $100 less, still got free internet, and free coffee was brewed 24/7. I think having some coffee out for guests first thing in the morning and not charging them more would be a great change for this hotel.
4. One thing as a heads up -- the air conditioning worked GREAT. And while I am NEVER one to complain about too much A/C and you can adjust it in your room, the way my room was set up was that the fan blows directly on you as you sit at the desk. So while I was doing work, I had cold air going into my ear; not good. I kept shutting it off then turning it back on when the room got warm. Not sure if that was just my room or others as well, but worth checking int.
Overall, if you can afford it, this is really a great place to stay!