Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Cambridge, Massachusetts
East Cambridge
Vibe
Benches surround Celeste, a 25-foot interactive armillary sculpture that makes the central courtyard a place to pause and look up.
“Celestial courtyard curio”
Celeste, a 25-foot interactive armillary sculpture, turns the central courtyard into celestial theatre.
Pets receive beds and bowls, while feline guests get their names on the lobby chalkboard.
Bambara hosts daily mixology classes and Mahjong Mondays with open play and beginner lessons.
Beside CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, with the Museum of Science a short walk away.
“And the Lobby Bar is no afterthought; decked out in bold colors and graphic prints, it’s something of an escape unto itself.”
Rooms
Redesigned in 2020, guestrooms and suites pair floor-to-ceiling windows with interiors inspired by Cambridge’s academic and literary history and the Charles River.
Wellness
The 24-hour gym has TRX equipment and punching bags, while complimentary bicycles and seasonal kayak and paddleboard loans take exercise outside.
“A library-like boutique getaway connected to Cambridge’s past, and a part of its buzzy present.”
Backstory
Built as the finishing element of CambridgeSide, the hotel belongs to a larger development organized around the restored Lechmere Canal.
Eat & drink
Bambara Kitchen + Bar serves globally influenced Mediterranean cooking amid blue interiors, wood paneling and local art, including a glass map of Cambridge.
The neighborhood
CambridgeSide sits next door in East Cambridge, and the Museum of Science is a short walk away.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.