The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge | Member Rates

Name: The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
Address: 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Rating: 8.7

The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge | Member Rates | Dyme

WiFi availableParkingPrivate parkingParking garageRestaurantSpa/wellness center

Check-in / Check-out

From 03:00 PM · Until 12:00 PM

Classification

5-Star Hotel

Amenities

Fitness facilities, WiFi available, Parking, Non-smoking rooms, Air conditioning, Fitness center

Location

Cambridge, us

Walkability

Walk

Bike

Unparalleled Location

The Charles Hotel is nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, offering easy access to both the Harvard campus and downtown Boston's attractions, making it the perfect base for your stay.

Charming Ambiance

Experience the inviting warmth of a New England home at The Charles Hotel, where elegant charm meets a cozy atmosphere. Relax in one of our 303 well-appointed rooms, including 46 suites, and enjoy the intellectual discourse and vibrant atmosphere that sets us apart.

Diverse Offerings

From a captivating quilt collection to jazz concerts and an eclectic restaurant, The Charles Hotel offers a unique blend of experiences for guests of all ages. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every stay is memorable and tailored to meet the highest standards.

Book your stay at The Charles Hotel and indulge in a blend of sophistication and comfort that promises an unforgettable experience.

Neighbourhood

What’s Nearby

Harvard

5 min walk

This is a major subway station serving the Red Line, providing easy access to Boston and surrounding areas.

4.2

Alden & Harlow

4 min walk

A subterranean restaurant offering creative New American fare and cocktails in a rustic-chic setting.

4.4

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Harvard Square

5 min walk

A popular cafe known for its specialty sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, and brunch dishes in a bright interior.

4.4

Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

3 min walk

A staple pub popular with students, offering a wide beer selection, happy-hour bar bites, and a patio.

4.1

Harvard University

4 min walk

One of the world's most prestigious universities, offering beautiful architecture and a rich history to explore.

4.6

The Harvard Museum of Natural History

7 min walk

An extensive natural science museum featuring collections of animals, minerals, and the famous Glass Flowers.

4.8

Longfellow Park

2 min walk

A historic park featuring the home of the 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and a site of the Siege of Boston.

4.7

The Brattle Theatre

4 min walk

A popular independent cinema showcasing indie, art-house, and classic film series, along with special events.

4.8

Harvard Book Store

4 min walk

An independent bookshop established in 1932, offering new and used titles, as well as Harvard University gifts.

4.7

Accommodations

Rooms & Suites

Check-in

Check-out

Guests

Loading rooms and rates...

Guest Reviews

What Guests Say

8.7

Excellent

783 reviews

Highlights

+Excellent Harvard Square location
+Friendly, helpful staff
+Comfortable rooms and suites
+Strong on-site restaurants and good breakfast
+Nice common areas, gym and convenient garage/ride service
+Clean, quiet hotel

Could Improve

–Perceived as overpriced / poor value for money
–Some rooms small or dated; inconsistent room quality
–Issues with shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets
–Occasional check-in/reservation confusion
–Some parts feel tired/outdated; small item complaints (e.g., bathrobe fabric)

Cleanliness9.0

Multiple reviews describe rooms and common areas as very clean, quiet and well maintained; no major cleanliness complaints.

Service9.2

Staff repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and accommodating; one mention of check-in confusion but overall service is a strong point.

Location9.6

Consistently praised as ideally located in Harvard Square—walkable to attractions and transit; a standout positive across reviews.

Room Quality8.1

Rooms range from very comfortable/spacious suites to small/tired rooms; multiple complaints about shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets.

Amenities9.0

Good on-site amenities noted (restaurants, gym, ride service, garage); common areas and facilities described as differentiated and comfortable.

Value for Money6.5

Several guests call the hotel overpriced (rates elevated for events) and note limited included value (e.g., breakfast not always included), making value the weakest area.

Food and Beverage9.1

Breakfast and hotel dining repeatedly praised (Henrietta’s, Noir); guests enjoyed cocktails and meals—strong F&B sentiment overall.

Overall Experience9.1

Majority of reviews describe an outstanding or excellent stay with classic character, good service and location, despite some dated/tired elements.

taipangv

NONE · Aug 2026

Memorable stay and great location

Liked:You cannot beat the hotel and the friendliness of the staff. From the upgrade to the late departure, everything was done with a smile. Thank you for a memorable stay.

via tripadvisor

Dalal

Extended Group · Aug 2026

Very good

Liked:Excellent location, very comfortable. It has a boutique feel. Loved the game area, snacks, bottle of water. Very helpful staff. walking distance to metro and buses.

Disliked:Breakfast at restaurant is subpar and overpriced. Do yourself a favor and walk over to any cafe or restaurant nearby.

via Nuitee

Explore10457033892

Solo Travel · Jul 2026

Five-Star Prices, One-Star Service – Getting Water Feels Like an Achievement

Liked:I chose The Charles Hotel because of its reputation and expected a high standard of hospitality. Instead, my three-week stay was filled with disappointment. The front desk made even the simplest request—getting a bottle of water—feel like asking for a favor. It’s surprising that a hotel of this level doesn’t provide complimentary bottled water in guest rooms, and even more surprising that staff seem reluctant to hand one out. Room service was unreliable, with long waits, incorrect orders, and deliveries that sometimes never arrived. The most frustrating part of my stay was housekeeping. The rooms were cleaned very poorly. If something was left on the floor, it often remained there after housekeeping had supposedly cleaned the room. I travel frequently, and this was by far one of the weakest housekeeping services I’ve experienced. The department clearly needs stronger supervision. This hotel has an excellent location, but the service simply does not match its reputation or price. I would not choose to stay here again unless there are significant improvements.

via tripadvisor

207ilianal

Business · Jul 2026

Terrible Stay – Getting a Bottle of Water Shouldn’t Be a Challenge

Liked:I stayed at The Charles Hotel for three weeks while attending a Harvard program, and unfortunately this was one of the most disappointing hotel experiences I’ve had. The front desk staff were unfriendly from day one. Something as basic as getting a bottle of water became an unnecessary struggle every single time. I have traveled extensively around the world, and I have never stayed at a hotel where guests are not provided with complimentary bottled water in their rooms and instead have to go downstairs to ask for it. Room service was equally disappointing. Orders took an incredibly long time, were often incorrect, and on several occasions never arrived. The biggest issue, however, was housekeeping. I have never experienced such poor cleaning standards. Items left on the floor would still be there after the room had supposedly been cleaned. The housekeeping department—and especially its supervision—clearly needs major improvement. Given the hotel’s reputation and price, I expected excellent service. Instead, I encountered poor customer service, inconsistent housekeeping, and a lack of attention to basic hospitality. I would not stay here again and sincerely hope the hotel addresses these issues.

via tripadvisor

FAQs

Common Questions

Check-in is from 03:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request.

Yes, the hotel offers spa, fitness center for guests.

Yes, parking is available. Contact the hotel directly for current rates.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Yes, the hotel has an on-site restaurant for guests.

The nearest station is Harvard, 5 min walk from the hotel.

No promo codes needed. As a Dyme member, you automatically receive wholesale pricing up to 35% below public rates.

Sustainability

Travel That Gives Back

Every booking through Dyme directly funds clean energy infrastructure.

5,910 tons

CO₂ Avoided Annually

~271,000

Equivalent Mature Trees Per Year

15 Central Parks

Of Mature Trees Equivalent

Sustainability at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

LowHigh

Medium Carbon

Emissions estimates are calculated using the local electricity grid carbon intensity for the hotel’s region, sourced from the U.S. EPA eGRID database (for U.S. properties) and Electricity Maps (for international properties). All sustainability information is derived from publicly available data sources, including hotel websites and certification bodies, and may not reflect the hotel’s actual energy usage or specific sustainability measures. Figures are approximate and provided for indicative purposes only.

Location

How to Find Us

1 Bennett Street

Cambridge · us

Policies

Good to Know

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in from 03:00 PM. Check-out by 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request.

Cancellation

Cancellation terms vary by rate. Flexible rates allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before arrival. Non-refundable rates cannot be canceled or modified.

Payment

All prices are all-inclusive with taxes and fees. A valid credit card is required at check-in. No additional resort or service fees will apply.

Important Information

If the method of payment provided is from someone who is not staying in the room, a credit card authorization form (sent via email) is required.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian. A deposit may be required at the property.

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Guest Reviews

What Guests Say

8.7

Excellent

783 reviews

Highlights

+Excellent Harvard Square location
+Friendly, helpful staff
+Comfortable rooms and suites
+Strong on-site restaurants and good breakfast
+Nice common areas, gym and convenient garage/ride service
+Clean, quiet hotel

Could Improve

–Perceived as overpriced / poor value for money
–Some rooms small or dated; inconsistent room quality
–Issues with shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets
–Occasional check-in/reservation confusion
–Some parts feel tired/outdated; small item complaints (e.g., bathrobe fabric)

Cleanliness9.0

Multiple reviews describe rooms and common areas as very clean, quiet and well maintained; no major cleanliness complaints.

Service9.2

Staff repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and accommodating; one mention of check-in confusion but overall service is a strong point.

Location9.6

Consistently praised as ideally located in Harvard Square—walkable to attractions and transit; a standout positive across reviews.

Room Quality8.1

Rooms range from very comfortable/spacious suites to small/tired rooms; multiple complaints about shower controls, temperature control and limited power outlets.

Amenities9.0

Good on-site amenities noted (restaurants, gym, ride service, garage); common areas and facilities described as differentiated and comfortable.

Value for Money6.5

Several guests call the hotel overpriced (rates elevated for events) and note limited included value (e.g., breakfast not always included), making value the weakest area.

Food and Beverage9.1

Breakfast and hotel dining repeatedly praised (Henrietta’s, Noir); guests enjoyed cocktails and meals—strong F&B sentiment overall.

Overall Experience9.1

Majority of reviews describe an outstanding or excellent stay with classic character, good service and location, despite some dated/tired elements.

taipangv

NONE · Aug 2026

Memorable stay and great location

Liked:You cannot beat the hotel and the friendliness of the staff. From the upgrade to the late departure, everything was done with a smile. Thank you for a memorable stay.

via tripadvisor

Dalal

Extended Group · Aug 2026

Very good

Liked:Excellent location, very comfortable. It has a boutique feel. Loved the game area, snacks, bottle of water. Very helpful staff. walking distance to metro and buses.

Disliked:Breakfast at restaurant is subpar and overpriced. Do yourself a favor and walk over to any cafe or restaurant nearby.

via Nuitee

Explore10457033892

Solo Travel · Jul 2026

Five-Star Prices, One-Star Service – Getting Water Feels Like an Achievement

via tripadvisor

207ilianal

Business · Jul 2026

Terrible Stay – Getting a Bottle of Water Shouldn’t Be a Challenge

via tripadvisor