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The Charles Hotel

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Luxury
4.0 star property
9.4

Exceptional

Riverside retreat in Cambridge

Harvard Square's historic charm flows through the hotel's three restaurants, offering excellent cuisine in outdoor spaces. Steps from the T stop, enjoy easy access to Cambridge's shops and Harvard University. After exploring, retreat to the spa or unwind in the serene sitting areas.

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Early check-in subject to availability

Early check-in is available for a fee

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Contactless check-out available

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 75 per pet, per stay

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs and cats only

1 total pets

Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

2 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10 to 40 for adults, and USD 10 to 40 for children
  • Covered self parking fee: USD 50 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Covered valet parking fee: USD 65.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Tax ID - C0015240490
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision

Frequently asked questions

Is The Charles Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total). There's a fee of USD 75 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at The Charles Hotel?

As of May 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Charles Hotel on May 24, 2026 start from $541, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for USD 50 per day. Valet parking is available for USD 65.00 per night.

What time is check-in at The Charles Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at The Charles Hotel?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is The Charles Hotel located?

Located in West Cambridge, this luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Harvard University and within 3 mi (5 km) of Fenway Park and Hynes Convention Center. Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Symphony Hall are also within 6 mi (10 km). Harvard Square Station is only a 5-minute walk and Central Square Station is 22 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 785 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 43 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 1004 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I remain impressed with the Charles Hotel. The rooms are very comfortable. The location perfect when doing things around Harvard Square. The restaurant and bars are great and the the staff very helpful. Well worth the price.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stiliane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good service and friendly front desk
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David B

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay! Great fitness area!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Casey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great location. great staff
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always a pleasure staying here. The staff is top-notch! Attentive, friendly, helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best part about this hotel is its walkability to everything at Harvard. Being so close gives you the freedom to pop back whenever you need to recharge, shower, or just take a quick break between activities.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff never disappoints. They are so accommodating and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Faisal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice staff, great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really nice hotel. Comfortable, clean, quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hyosook

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at this hotel while attending a conference at Harvard University. It was only about an 8-minute walk to Harvard, which made the location incredibly convenient. Being situated right in Harvard Square was a huge plus—it’s such a lively and charming area. What impressed me the most was the restaurant on the second floor. The food was absolutely outstanding. The ingredients were extremely fresh, and the dishes elevated their natural flavors beautifully. I was expecting a typical hotel breakfast, but it felt more like a Michelin-level dining experience. If I visit Boston again, I will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were courteous and the room wasspotless. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room very well appointed and gym was the stand out
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super spacious room, everything you would need to be comfortable including robes, full size lotions, soaps, body wash, etc. Friendly staff, huge gym, restaurants on site and room service until 11:00 pm. If you’re visiting Harvard, the location can’t be beat, because it’s close to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everything was perfect; clean - beautiful room, kind reception,etc.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spotless rooms, great staff, xlnt food and perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annegrethe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spotless room, nice late checkout (noon) and super helpful staff. Also, the proximity to Harvard Kennedy School was a big plus in the fierce winter weather. Polite and helpful doormen and easy access to taxis for the (nearby) airport. Couldn't wish for more.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love the Charles Hotel. From its helpful and friendly staff, spotless and well appointed rooms, and excellent on-site restaurants. It is the perfect place for a winter getaway.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great hotel, would highly recommend. Friendly and helpful staff, it was clean and a great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff is nice and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John C

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and friendly, helpful staff!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great room! Great hotel! Great staff! Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George D.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, easy check in, quiet, in walking distance of everything we need-our favorite place to stay always!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yaroslav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and a wonderful place to relax.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The roots were lovely. Henry had his table. Staff were wonderful and delivered an extraordinary brunch rush for 20 people always my favorite places to stay in Cambridge and I was happy to see the quality is every bit is exceptional and as it always has been.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice hotel in central Cambridge with specious rooms and friendly atmosphere.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025