Harvard Square Hotel

For those who are looking to spend most of their time seeing the local sights in a stylish room, it's hard to beat the location and look of this simple hotel in Harvard Square. Decor throughout the property is bright and modern. The bold, green and brown color palette on the first floor feels like a blend of futuristic and organic, and interiors throughout have a pleasant Scandinavian quality (think: IKEA). As a tiny property, there's no social vibe here -- the only space where any guests might encounter each other is in the cafe -- an a la carte marketplace that sells Starbucks brand coffee, juices, snacks, and other light fare. There's not much space for anyone to mingle, as the entire lobby lounge is only large enough to accommodate a dozen guests. Consequently, it’s rarely busy, as guests appear to always just be passing through on the go. Despite having relatively few on-site features, rates are quite high here. Still, it's a popular pick for families and business travelers.

The hotel is situated in the heart of Harvard Square. The restaurants, shops, and bars of the famous Cambridge neighborhood are all within a five- to 10-minute walk. Harvard Yard and the university's most historic buildings are all a five-minute walk from the hotel (though the business school and stadium are across the Charles River in Allston). The Harvard Red Line T stop is likewise less than five minutes away on foot. South Station -- which connects to Amtrak and a number of regional buses and trains -- is just six stops away. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Faneuil Hall and the North End by a combination of T and walking. It will also take 30 minutes or so to reach the shops and restaurants along quaint Newbury Street by public transit. 

The hotel does not provide transportation to Boston’s Logan International Airport. Taxi service is readily available throughout the city. However, Uber rides are as well, and typically cost half the price. Alternatively, for the absolute cheapest fare, the airport is reachable within 45 minutes via a short series of subway and bus connections through South Station.

The decor in every room is bright and modern, with a few touches of Scandinavian retro elements. White walls, furniture, and bed linens plus occasional pops of red and orange all add to the eye-catching design. Accents like bright photo murals over the beds, Van der Rohe-inspired chairs, and bright leather platform beds perk things up even more. All in all, the rooms here are a lot more appealing than many two-pearl hotels across the Boston area.

The hotel offers one room type -- Standard -- available in either a single king or two double bed configuration. The floor plans are tight, but average relative to other Boston hotels. The bed(s), a nightstand, a dresser, and a small work desk fill each room allowing just enough space for guests to move around. Every room is well-appointed for a two-pearl property. Flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges are standard. Wi-Fi is also free, with fast, reliable service property-wide. Notably absent, however, are in-room coffeemakers.

Bathrooms are just as sharp as their respective rooms. Wide, tray sinks, contemporary chrome fixtures, and glass and tile walk-in shower stalls all feel a step above what many would expect of a hotel in this category. Hair dryers and generic bath amenities are also standard.

As a two-pearl hotel, there are few common amenities here. On the first floor, the small reception area connects to an equally small lobby lounge that feels like an airport business lounge. The entire space is adorned with modern decor that includes bold patterned fabrics, chrome, upholstered chairs, and frosted glass walls. A handful of bar stools, lounge chairs, and a dining-like table provides seating for a dozen guests.

Immediately adjacent, a tiny a la carte marketplace (which the hotel confusingly calls Starbucks Cafe) offers light breakfast foods and snacks. Starbucks brand coffee, yogurt, juices, and bottled water are available throughout the day with prices comparable to an actual Starbucks cafe. Paid self-parking is available in a sizable garage. Rates are pricey but comparable to other hotels in the area, though you're likely to get more at those hotels.