Cambridge, MassachusettsKendall Square
The Kendall Hotel
Restored Victorian firehouse
Kendall Square Cambridge, Massachusetts
Opened
2002
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Social LocalOutside the door
Restored Victorian firehouse
The hotel runs as a tribute to Engine 7's firefighters, keeping 1895 Queen Anne architecture alive among modern Kendall Square towers.
What it’s good at
Notable
An 1895 Queen Anne firehouse restored with rebuilt cupolas and firefighting relics.
Listed
Kendall Square's sole surviving 19th-century building, surrounded by MIT and biotech labs.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It remains the only 19th-century building standing in a neighborhood otherwise defined by MIT and the global tech industry.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
MIT's campus sits right outside the door, and the Kendall subway station is across the street.
The rooms
Traditional rooms are quiet and straightforward. Four one-bedroom suites add extra living space.
At the table
The Black Sheep Lounge serves Iberian small plates and craft cocktails, with tables set out on the brick patio.
How it began
The owners moved the original brick firehouse closer to Main Street, then rebuilt its two historic cupolas by hand.
Cambridge
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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.