Charles Hotel

Charles Hotel Review

It used to be that the Charles was the place to stay in Cambridge. Other luxury hotels have since arrived to give it a little healthy competition, but this Harvard Square staple is standing strong. Lower floors are replete with Le Corbusier furniture, sketches by JFK himself, and work by various local artists. Gracious service and top-notch room amenities like terry robes, handmade quilts, and LCD mirror-TVs also keep the hotel in high demand. Relax in the lobby library, chock-full of titles, some autographed by authors who happen to be frequent guests. Sign up for an art tour of the property or pick up a self-guided map of Cambridge. For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the seventh floor. In-house restaurants Rialto and Henrietta's Table are excellent; the latter especially for weekend brunch. The on-site 4,000-square-foot Corbu Spa & Salon opened in September 2011 and features herbal treatments inspired by the hotel's chefs. For the best rate, call the hotel directly.