I agree with other reviewers about the good service and stellar location. The rooms were nicely appointed with a very classic decor, but the age of the building definitely showed through. For example, the paint in the bathroom was peeling, and the showers had no water pressure whatsoever. We had to wait a couple of minutes for the water to heat up in the shower, and it never really got *hot*, per se. For me, great service and nice furniture really doesn't make up for substandard plumbing...it's hard to be excited about anything else if you can't even take a hot shower.

A manhole explosion in Harvard Square knocked out electricity to this hotel and they handled the situation with terrific customer service and lots of grace. Strong guys with flashlights were roaming the halls to help escort those of us checking out to the lobby via the stairs. He was very kind, apologetic and even carried my bag. The lobby quickly scattered battery powered candles around and hot coffee appeared. They said that this was the first time they'd ever lost all power, but they defaulted to providing service to their customers and maintaining smiling, positive attitudes. Made it sort of fun, actually.

Even before this mini crisis, the service was terrific. The front desk was helpful and efficient, the room service was quick and tasty. My room was nicely decorated and large. And you can't beat the Cambridge location - close to the T, close to Harvard U and the Square.

This is a stately old hotel, impeccably maintained, of a kind that will one day be extinct. The lobby is huge and impressive. They just don't make lobbies like that anymore; it belongs to a different time when sitting in the lobby was a social experience. Our room was clean and spacious, with very classy and comfortable furniture. Flat-screen TV, ample closet space, and a nice breakfast in the club room.

My only complaint is that they have a high-definition television in the room but an analog feed. That's a pretty marginal complaint. Some people don't like the fact that the valets might have to move your car to a larger lot around the corner. With the parking situation in Cambridge, I don't know what more you can expect, and of course they're glad to go bring your car for you when you need it. I also saw a few gripes on here about the location, but I love it. You're right in the heart of Cambridge, overlooking Cambridge Common, but you're not right on top of Harvard Square with all the noise.

A qualifier of my review is that we judge hotel based on ability to accomodate our family of 5. We booked a 2 bedroom suite for an excellent rate on the hotel website and enjoyed a comfortable stay. The suite was not enormous but definitely afforded privacy for parents vs. children and made a week-long hotel stay very enjoyable. The hotel is perfectly located: easy walk to Harvard U campus, close to a large playground and with plenty of green space to run around almost in front of hotel (other side of the street). Service was fine. We can not make any comments on food because ate at the many restaurants within walking distance.