Collegiate jazz clubhouse
A red-brick Cambridge fixture where professors, visiting writers, and locals cross paths over third-floor live jazz.
“Quilts, wainscoting, plaid carpeting, and wood paneling: There's no question this is a New England hotel.”
Where it shines
Notable
Courtyard drinks at One Reason Garden Bar and bustling farm-to-table brunches at Henrietta's Table.
Notable
Summer farmers markets and bookish gatherings draw Cambridge neighbors into the courtyard.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The Charles Hotel is very Boston, with red apples at the front desk, burgundy armchairs, Shaker furniture, denim blue pillows, and pots of fresh flowers...
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Harvard Yard and the Brattle Theatre are steps away, alongside independent bookshops and cafes throughout the square.
The rooms
Bedrooms lean into classic New England style with Shaker furniture and TV screens built into bathroom mirrors.
The spa
Corbu Spa takes inspiration from architect Le Corbusier, with French-influenced organic facials and a private Swiss shower.
The gym
The lobby-level gym is stocked with curved manual treadmills, free weights, and two infrared saunas.
Dogs stay too.
Noir Bar
Low table lamps and blue velvet banquettes fill this 1940s-inspired lounge, known for craft cocktails and small plates.
At the table
Henrietta's Table champions regional producers, serving traditional New England breakfasts and farm-fresh suppers.
How it began
Built in 1985 on a former rail yard, the hotel helped reconnect Harvard Square with the Charles River.
Good to know
Stay here
The Charles Hotel
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Cambridge
More like this
The Kendall Hotel
“Restored Victorian firehouse”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.