At a Glance
Charles Hotel is the best place to stay for those visiting Harvard University, be it for a college tour or parents’ weekend/
Indagare Loves
- Location in Harvard Square convenient for visitors to the university
- Large indoor pool and expansive health club
Review
In the heart of Harvard Square, just a few blocks from campus, the property has 294 spacious rooms and suites; a modern fitness center with an indoor pool, a spa and a salon; and a host of restaurants, including Henrietta’s Table, whose child-friendly brunch is beloved by local families (Cambridge native Ben Affleck has been spotted here with his daughter). Opened in 1985, the hotel is neither the most historic nor the grandest in town, but its elegant version of New England luxury has helped make it a magnet for well-heeled families and dignitaries, such as the Dalai Lama and the Clintons. The rooms are simple and sophisticated and have handmade quilts, Shaker-style furniture and comfortable beds that rival those in more expensive hotels. Nice amenities include oversized writing desks, Bose sound systems and 55-inch flat screens and mirror televisions.
The standard guest rooms aren’t small, but the Dean Suites with pull-out couches are a better choice for families. The Chancellors Suites and the Presidential Suite have connecting options, and all suites have separate sleeping and living and dining areas. Because the Charles was built as part of a business-and-condo project, some rooms overlook an inner courtyard; ask for one with views of the river or town.
Who Should Stay
Parents visiting college students and families with children of all ages
Written by Henley Vazquez