The Charles Hotel
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard Square
Vibe
Nine Early American quilts hang above the grand staircase in a longtime Cambridge gathering place for academics and visiting artists.
“Shaker jazz clubhouse”
Two infrared saunas complement Corbu's therapeutic massages and light therapy facials.
Regattabar has brought jazz audiences into this Cambridge gathering place since 1985.
Summer farmers' markets bring neighborhood life into a longtime gathering place for Cambridge academics.
In Harvard Square, with bookstores, cafes and the Brattle Theatre a short walk away.
Rooms
Traditional interiors have a collegiate air, with Italian waffle bathrobes adding a softer touch to the simple Shaker aesthetic.
Wellness
The lobby fitness center pairs running, cycling and strength training with two infrared saunas, all complimentary for hotel guests.
Backstory
The wider Charles Square development replaced a rail yard and parking lot, helping connect Harvard Square to the Charles River.
Eat & drink
Henrietta's Table serves New England cooking, while Noir mixes French-inspired cocktails and hosts trivia most Sundays at 7pm.
The neighborhood
Harvard Square's bookstores, cafes and the Brattle Theatre are a short walk away, with summer farmers' markets bringing neighbors to the hotel.
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.