This is a very reliable hotel. Although rooms are not particularly special in terms of their hard products, they do a great job adding a sophisticated touch. Also, food at Henrietta’s table is very delicious with a lot of local ingredients used.

We had high expectations for this hotel, but our experience was disappointing from the start. Although the front desk staff maintained a polite tone, their manner felt distant and snobbish, which immediately gave us the impression that we were not the type of guests they prioritize. At check-in, no one requested an Amex card for incidentals. Yet the following morning, we received a letter slipped under our door stating that we “must” use an Amex card to receive FHR benefits. After confirming directly with Amex, this is not accurate—the benefits apply as long as the booking is prepaid on Amex Travel with an eligible card. If this rule is actually the hotel’s own internal policy, it should be clearly communicated upfront, not framed as an Amex requirement. More importantly, this should have been addressed professionally at check-in, not through an impersonal letter delivered the next morning. Apparently the check in staff trainings are lacking. The room itself was underwhelming. It was small, and the protruding bed frame corners were a constant hazard. The mattress felt worn, the pillows were extremely flat, and basic amenities were not functioning properly. The shampoo dispenser was broken, and we only discovered this in the middle of bathing our young daughter. It took over 20 minutes for assistance to arrive, and the wrong item was brought the first time. The staff member then insisted on entering the bathroom to exchange the bottle fasten to the wall even though our daughter was still inside—which felt unnecessary and intrusive. The turndown service was, frankly, baffling. We had a reservation for two adults and one child, and the room clearly had two beds, yet the staff came in and left only one bath towel and one pair of slippers. There were no additional slippers in the closet, and the bedside tables had no water or glasses. It made us question who this turndown service was actually meant for. The effort felt incomplete and careless—almost as if the hotel assumed we wouldn’t notice or understand. A service performed halfway is worse than not doing it at all, because it only highlights the lack of attention and sincerity. The location is convenient for visiting Harvard Square, and the breakfast staff were the one truly pleasant part of our stay—their service and the food were excellent. Parking, however, is steep, though there is a more affordable lot next door. Overall, for a rate exceeding $300 per night, the experience fell far below expectations. The service inconsistency, communication issues, and basic room comfort problems make it difficult to recommend this hotel. We do not plan to return.

The rooms are spacious and well appointed and the location is convenient to Harvard and to restaurants and shopping. Housekeeping was very attentive the first 2 days of our 5 day stay, but then fell off. At one point, we vacated the room so they could clean only to return to full trash cans and dirty towels. We also had issues with an inability to stream video to our TVs, poor air/heat circulation between the bedroom and living room and a mattress that was not as comfortable as expected.

Upscale hotel with a great location. Very walkable to Harvard Square. Relatively busy bars and restaurants as it seems to be a meeting place for many people. Room was nice, though I could definitely hear the person walking (and showering) in the room above me. Other than the noise (and the high price), a nice hotel.

The Charles Hotel offers an elegant and comfortable stay with beautifully designed rooms and top-notch amenities. The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, making every guest feel welcome. Its location in Harvard Square is ideal, providing easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. A perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking a sophisticated experience.

Room spotless. Coffee maker a bit fiddly but fine when we figured it out. Faucet water pressure a bit weak but shower pressure was fine. Bathroom fairly compact but with good fixtures, not cramped and shower itself quite spacious. Mattress extremely comfortable. Parking $50 a day, but then again this is Cambridge. Dinner at Henrietta’s very tasty with excellent service. Room service quick and efficient with very good food. Overall definitely closer to a 5 than a 4.

My mom and I are staying here for Boston Calling. We picked the hotel for its location and we had heard it’s a beautiful, safe, clean hotel. Needless to say we were pretty shocked to find our bathroom curtain had poop on it. When we alerted the front desk, they sent some folks up to clean and to replace the shower curtain. I went down to speak to the manager. We’re here for four days, he gave us three breakfast coupons, said it’s “below their level of service” and that “anyone with eyes should have seen that”, and wished me a pleasant stay. That was it. I am still pretty shocked that human feces on the shower curtain is “sorry, here’s a new shower curtain and a free breakfast coupon”.

From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by Mark, who kindly offered to assist with my luggage. His attentiveness set a welcoming tone for my stay. While the room was generally comfortable, I did encounter a minor issue with the lighting—only about half of the lamps were working. A maintenance technician promptly came by and demonstrated a particular way to insert the key card to activate the power. Despite my efforts, the lighting remained inconsistent. It wasn’t a major inconvenience, but it may be time for a small upgrade in that area. The in-room coffee machine was initially on a cleaning cycle and didn’t function, but after I called on the second day, it was quickly replaced without any hassle. The dining experience was excellent—the food was flavorful and well-prepared. The on-site gym was another highlight, equipped with high-quality machines and everything needed for a solid workout. Leaving the hotel, I was offered help with my bags the attendant called me a taxi. Overall, my stay was comfortable and enjoyable, thanks to the attentive staff and thoughtful amenities.

The bedding is the best ! Soft white goose down pillows and comforters and comfy fresher beds make you feel right at home! I haven’t had such a good night sleep in any other hotel !

Very convenient if you have classes in Harvard. It was a short 8 minute walk to Harvard Hall. Love that the concierge was very helpful and attentive. The rooms are clean.