(I have to admit that my opinion may be swayed by the complimentary martini I was given when I checked in! Sorry to say that they were only offered that one night.) I stayed here during Harvard graduation and got a rate of $199--a great rate for this week. The rate had to be pre-paid, but the Inn at Harvard and Charles Hotel had the same policy. This hotel is in a former Howard Johnsons, but the rooms have been redone. My room was spacious, the furniture was new, and the bathrooms were nice (I posted photos). The lobby is small and lacking ambiance, but that is a minor detraction. I did not eat here, so I can't comment on the food or restaurant. The best thing about this hotel is the free shuttle to and from Harvard Square. This was invaluable during the week to get us back and forth to the graduation events. Shuttle runs from 7 a.m to 10:45 p.m. (driver takes a break from 3-5 p.m.) Oh, and there is free parking, as well. I spoke so highly about this hotel that two families moved from their $450/night rooms at the Marriott--they were very surprised at how much bigger the rooms at the Courtyard were and they got a great rate and saved $175/night. (Graduation rates!)

My room was super-nice, very clean, and not overpriced for this quality of hotel (I paid between $99-150 per night). The staff was incredibly helpful and courteous, and the martini tastings in the late afternoons were a nice touch. The fitness room was impressive - one of the nicer ones I've used at a hotel. The hotel is right on the river, quite near Harvard campus and, conveniently, sandwiched between a Whole Foods and a Trader Joe's - as a business traveler, I prefer takeout after a long work day.
The only drawbacks were the steep price for parking ($33/day), and no breakfast was included in the room.

I will say that I used my Marriott Rewards, but I totally disagree with the other reviewers. I can't say it is worth $350 a night but I really like the area. The closest T station is a 15 minute walk but the hotel offers a shuttle service if you don't like to walk. In addition the shuttle will take you to Harvard Square. I believe other locations as well. The hotel staff was very accommodating. We walked and both walks were lovely. The tree lined streets with well kept houses are great to look at and one gets the real feel for the neighborhood. We walked along the Charles River from Harvard Square which took about 20-25 minutes. Very beautiful.

I couldn't find a lot of reviews about this hotel because it was previously the Radisson and just opened under the Courtyard Marriott name. That hotel sounded awful before which scared me a bit when I read about it. Marriott seems to have done a great job renovating. Everything is new and clean. We have been very comfortable.

We were really looking forward to staying at a brand-new hotel, and really expected (why wouldn't we?) that it be top-of-the-line Marriott standard. I am a Gold member with Marriott and travel approx 60 nights per year, and this was the first time I have not been acknowledged as a Marriott Rewards Member.

The fire alarm went off BOTH mornings, and there was no valid reason given. The cable stations are practically non-existent; for example, we were within walking distance to Fenway Park, yet the hotel doesn't have NESN for people to watch it on?

Parking is $22 night, and I barely squeezed into a spot. The garage is too small and very poorly lit. Also, no hot tub and food? There is a residence Inn and a full-service Marriott in Kendall Square, just down Memorial Drive. Both have been open for many years and do a great job.