No cafe machine in the rooms. !!

location; restaurants, valet service, car park, AVIS rent a car

Stayed in April 2022

There was a misunderstanding about our reservation and we were initially booked in a room that did not have enough beds for us. This was despite our having called specifically to confirm that the five of us could be accommodated and having received reassurance that all was well. This resulted in some delays and awkwardness when we checked in and got to our room. While the staff was attentive in sorting our options, we were disappointed that no one offered an apology for what was clearly an error on the part of the hotel and resulted in our having to pay more for our accommodations then we were expecting. Everyone we spoke with clearly wanted to help and resolve the situation, but the lack of a simple apology was disappointing. Ultimately, we did end up in a perfect room for us and very much enjoyed our stay and would definitely consider staying at The Charles for future visits to Cambridge.

The Charles Hotel is a gracious hotel with a boutique feel, nice amenities and an unbeatable location on the Charles River in Harvard Square. We are a family of five with bigger kids and ended up staying in a spacious suite that was large enough for us to enjoy hanging out in our room when we wanted quiet down time. The lobby also has several cozy corners to enjoy. We also made use of the parking available, which was very helpful as relying on street parking is not an option in Harvard Square. The staff was very friendly and helpful with packages that arrived for us and other requests and the housekeeping was impeccable.

Stayed in April 2022

Beds and pillows

Location and staff

Stayed in October 2024

The rooms were like upscale motel rooms at a VERY expensive price. I could have stayed at a top hotel in Boston for half the price. The front desk staff was not great. My colleague was waiting in the lobby for an hour and a half for her room to be ready and they did not bother to tell her that the room was ready. They did not apologize for making her wait unnecessarily. The towels were thin and there was nowhere to hang them. There was no luggage rack in the room. I think that they rely on their location to book their hotel.

The location was good, but I would travel further next time to stay in a better hotel at a better price. On the plus side, the bed was comfortable and the room was quiet and clean.

Stayed in September 2024

If asked to speak with the manager , you should respond and call back.

I really liked Hannah at the front desk and Livia, but the management seems absent. If you are a hotel you really should have a laundry room. Especially if you are on the Charles River and athletes are there to compete. Just two washers and dryers would be great. We weren't offered waters at the front desk upon check in and although they say " welcome back !" You really don't feel welcomed and thought of during your stay . No customer service but clean hotel.

Stayed in September 2024

Pillows

Location

Stayed in June 2024

Room was not ready when I arrived an hour and a half after check-in. The pull out bed didn’t have bedding. Took over an hour to get bedding brought up.

Stayed in August 2024

Clean, good service, good food. Good room.

It is a good hotel if you have business to do in Cambridge

Stayed in July 2024

Everything

Nothing

Stayed in July 2024

The cost for what you get. I understand paying for location, but for the price - no meals, no comps, NO VALIDATED PARKING. Part of this falls on booking.com. Unfortunatley I found the price I booked through them was signifcantly higher that the price if I woudl have booked directly through the hotel.

The hotel itself was great and in a great location. It had a parking garage (pay) to eliminate the hassle of finding parking elsewhere. Rooms were fine but nothing extraordinary. The hotel offered a bunch of extras but all came with a price.

Stayed in June 2024

The bed is not comfortable. Full bed is really small. Breakfast is based on order. So you need longer time to wait for your order but in a reasonable range.

The only thing I like is location. Easy to access to Harvard University. Hotel is clean.

Stayed in May 2024

Walls are thin. My neighbor kept me up. After 3 calls downstairs to the desk nothing was done. I slept 1-1/2 hrs 1 night. The 2nd night I went to another hotel but still ended up paying full price for my stay. 2k for 2 nights plus 1 night at an other hotel. I have stayed at many hotels through my time but for a 1k a night for that was definitely a bad investment for the money

Only 1 person actually acted like the cared about my stay. But still did nothing about it

Stayed in May 2024

Housekeeping and front desk were unresponsive on more than one occasion.

Lovely facility. Great location.

Stayed in December 2023

Expensive

Stayed in September 2023

You expect more, overall, for such an expensive hotel. The room doesn't have a coffee maker, which is essential nowadays. The bathroom is rather small and the a/c didn't work properly and it is summer.

Lobby and location.

Stayed in July 2023

Front desk and room service was unresponsive. No one answers the phone, didn’t bring silverware when I called and asked.

Valet but expensive. Location is the best. Room was great as was the bathroom.

Stayed in July 2023

The room did not have all of the elements described in the advertisement. No coffee maker, no microwave, no fridge etc. The iron had burned clothes on it. The staff were slow to respond to the issues. The floor of yhe gym shower was so dirty, that I didn't feel comfortable using it. For the price, other options would have been preferred.

The location. The lobby is very comfortable. The suits though spacious are laid out oddly and are not practical. The bed was very comfortable.

Stayed in June 2023

The room was suppoze to be river view but tjerr are no river view rooms- only partial. The carpeting and bathroom are old and worn kut.

Iy is an efficient hotel.

Stayed in April 2023

No complimentary water have to ask for it to be taken up. The towel was way to small. Can see the TV from the bed even after trying to turn it around. When complained to the fron desk manager, all we got were excuses. Not even given the mini bar key at check in. Reminds me of a motel and not a 400 usd room/night hotel.

Stayed in January 2023

very noisy room. Sound of blowers ran all the time. The in-room heat system was loud, but even with it turned off it sounded like being on a ship with rumbling engines underneath from the central system. Minifrig had no key so couldnt use. No water bottle in room.

good breakfast good shower nice and helpful staff good elevator speed

Stayed in December 2022

Covid has really affected this hotel. The gym is terrible, it used to be terrific with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc. There used to be room service, and a mini bar. Now there aren't even water bottles in the room. Now there are two restaurants are either closed or packed, so on two separate trips to the Charles we were not able to eat at Henrietta's Table.......and ended up in the awful bar, Noir on the first floor.

I've been coming to the Charles for over twenty years. It's almost like home away from home. It's tasteful, well located, has nice views, and rooms are comfortable. Henrietta's Table is outstanding, cozy homey food. Enzzo also a welcome addition. The recent renovation has improved the feel of the hotel.

Stayed in December 2022

service

location

Stayed in November 2022

very old fashioned, room a bit tired with bad / old lighting design ( quite dark even if fully illuminated) no coffee machine in room ( but it was sent to room upon request ) , no underfloor heating in bathroom , very corporate feel , no personal touch , more of a hotel for large conferences.

location is great ( 5 min walk to Harvard Square ) clean / tidy . quick response to special requests. room had good size

Stayed in October 2022

No mini bar No coffee machine Not even a bottle of water in the room upon arrival No room service No fitness (will re-open next year) Bad wifi connection

Good location

Stayed in October 2022

Poor service. Inexistant amenities. Overpriced

Location

Stayed in August 2022