"Why did this hotel catch your attention? It takes a lot to open a boutique hotel during a pandemic but 907 Main has managed to pull it off and make it look easy. From the outside, you see a gorgeously-resorted 1867 brick facade. Step inside, however, and the custom furniture and sleek, modern decor captures all the energy that makes this one of Cambridge's most cherished and exciting neighborhoods. Just a few steps from check-in is a massive, 3,000 square-foot enclosed courtyard. When you're here, you can't help but feel relaxed and removed from the hustle and bustle just outside the hotel's front doors.
What's the backstory? The building has a long history as an anchor in the landscape of Central Square, whether that was as commercial space in the 1870's, townhomes at the turn of the century, or more recently as office spaces. It's part of an area known as "Confectioner's Row," a stretch of Cambridge formerly home to factories for Necco wafers, Nabisco cookies, Junior Mints and Tootsie Rolls. Today, the building is reborn as a boutique hotel under the management of Hay Creek Hotels and Resorts, known for their smaller properties concentrated in the New England area.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The good news is that every single room has a king bed with plush Simmons 13-inch pillowtops, so you can feel free to stretch out, toss and turn all night long. For real - the beds are amazing. The rooms have a sleek, contemporary feel which is a nice contrast to the building's historic side - and touches like custom banquettes, 55-inch TV's, and Bluetooth alarm clock radios are a nice touch. If it were up to us, we'd choose one of the bay window rooms, which are flooded with natural light and give great views onto the streets below.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free, fast Wi-Fi.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Chef Justin Urso leads the way at The Dial on the hotel's ground floor, open for dinner and brunch. We didn't have a single bad bite from this menu, but the Small Plates are where Urso really shines, combining international flavors with New England ingredients: like crispy brussels sprouts with chili-lime glaze, jerk quail with a beautifully fresh jicama slaw, roasted carrot and beet salad with sumac yogurt and cashew dukkah, and a sweet potato borek with brown butter urfa tomato sauce. The flavors are out of this world. It's also worth noting there is an abundance of vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu. For Spring 2021, the hotel will debut its rooftop Blue Owl terrace, which as one of the only rooftop bars in this part of Cambridge will undoubtedly become an instant hotspot.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The hotel is the neighborhood. It's been a seamless part of Central Square's retail, residential and commercial communities since it the 19th century.
Is there anything you'd change? I wish the rooftop terrace would have opened before winter. But we already got a bumping new hotel and a fantastic restaurant so maybe it's best not to get too greedy.
Any other hotel features worth noting? To really make the most of the current pandemic situation, 907 Main is offering a "micro weddings" package for ten guests or less. Each celebration comes with a ceremony on the street-level, outdoor patio at The Dial or on the open-air roof deck, as well as a reception in the spacious two-bedroom Penthouse Suite.
Bottom line: Why are we booking at 907 Main? For the price, and the location and the design, you won't find a better deal in Cambridge." - Todd Plummer
