My husband and I booked 2 nights at A Cambridge House based on the recommendations of the folks at A Friendly Inn at Harvard Square and after seeing the lovely rooms on the website. We paid $179 per night plus 12 % tax and anticipated a Victorian experience. Upon our arrival we were told that our room was "next door" - later, I noticed this also on my confirmation, but had been given no communication as to what that meant or a choice. We came to find out that "next door" is a modern condo that has been cut up into rooms. Our room had a huge empty kitchen ( no use to us ), a tiny shower- only ( obviously second ) bathroom and a bed - no headboard - placed squarely in what was designed to be a dining or living area - one wall was all glass doors with flimsy curtains. No bedside tables - only lamp tables, but the lamp and the clock radio could not both be plugged in at once (!). The only chairs were 2 hard wooden desk chairs. Almost bare walls. In short, no atmosphere or amenities - a far cry from the Victorian rooms that they advertise. The walls were paper thin - we were awakened constantly by footsteps, talking, laughing, sneezing - you name it. We were assured that we could take advantage of the parlor next door and of course, breakfast, but it meant going outside to get there and quite frankly, we felt like outcasts. Who wanted to go have conversation with the "luckier" patrons whose rooms were in the Victorian? For all of this, we paid the same price! When we complained, we were told that they may need to "work on " their communication regarding the condo setup. I feel that they don't tell you because of just this situation - busy weekend in Cambridge and no where else to go. They get your money and that's all that matters to them. We felt completely duped and would never recommend or stay here again.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Management Response
ACHCambridge, Manager
(Management representative)
16 Feb 2007
The above guests made their reservation in the last minutes during the busy weekend of Tufts Commencement. The Victorian guests rooms are always fully booked months ago during special events and busy weekends. The townhouse is our newly renovated guests rooms with hotel style setting. Some of the guests do prefer townhouse over main house, since the rooms are very bright, sunny and spacious, also microwave and refrigators in each room. Two rooms have full kitchen which are very convienient for guests who stay longer time. Other than decor, both townhouse and main/carriage house have very similar amenities, in term of size of bathroom, beds, furnitures etc. We understand some guests prefer the Victorian experience, but it's not fair to debase townhouse just because someone doesn't like it.
Before guest making reservation, staffs always inform guests if they are going to stay at next door townhouse, so as the email confirmation. We never just put guests into those rooms without notice.
Although, we believe the townhouse is as good as Victorian main/ carriage house, if any guests prefer staying at Victorian rooms, please make your reservations earlier.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC