frequently asked questions

Check-in is at 3 PM, and check-out is at 12 PM.

Guests must be 21 years or older to check in to a hotel room.

Visit our Offers page to find the perfect package for your stay.

The Charles is a pet-friendly hotel. A one-time deep cleaning fee of $75 applies per stay.

Please visit our Front Desk or call the Front Desk at 617-864-1200 to purchase one over the phone, online. The gift cards are redeemable at any outlet of the hotel, except Bar Enza and Corbu Spa & Salon.

Yes, a Cambridge Saving Bank ATM is located in the hotel lobby.

A concierge is on site from 10AM-6:30PM daily. Front desk agents are available 24/7.
Concierge can be reached at 617 661 5080.

• Early check-in is subject to availability at check-in and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
• Late check-out is available upon request:
  • Between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM: A half-day rate applies.
  • After 4:00 PM: A full day’s rate will be charged.

We recommend contacting the front desk in advance to confirm availability and arrange your preferred check-in or check-out time.

Valet Parking is available for $65 per night.  Self-parking is available for $60 per night in the Charles Square Garage, located beneath The Charles Hotel in historic Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.  Additional information can be found on our Maps and Directions page.

Self-parking is $60 per night, and Valet-parking is $65 per night. Both options include in & out privilege.

Yes, all dining outlets in the hotel validate self-parking tickets. Validation rates are $10 off for up to 3 hours. $4.00 off thereafter. Overnight parking is a flat rate of $60 and $65 for Valet.

Yes, Avis and Budget car rental are available in the hotel lobby.

• • Weekdays: 8 AM - 6 PM & Weekends: 7 AM - 5 PM

We do not offer airport shuttle service at this time. Our concierge and Front Office team can arrange for car service to/from the airport – fees vary.

Yes, we offer complimentary shuttle service available Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–10:00 AM. To check availability, please contact the front desk.

The Charles Hotel is located a block away from the Red Line metro station (T).

Each of our rooms and suites is thoughtfully appointed with comfort and convenience in mind. Enjoy New England-inspired design, goose-down comforters, a 55" TV, bathroom mirror TV, and large windows for natural light.

You’ll also find Grown Alchemist bath products, a plush bathrobe and slippers, a Drybar Buttercup blow-dryer, luxury hair wrap,  Nespresso coffee machine, Snooze machine, and bedside reading selections. Need to stay connected? Tech-friendly features and connection options are available. Guests also have access to the complimentary shuttle (Mon-Fri 7am-10am) to Harvard locations in Cambridge.

Visit our Amenities page to learn more.

Yes. Every room and suite at The Charles Hotel includes a Nespresso coffee maker and a well-stocked mini-bar for your convenience. At check-in, you will receive a key to the mini-bar should you wish to purchase any items during your stay.

If you require a mini-refrigerator for personal use, we’re happy to provide one upon request. Please contact the front desk prior to arrival to have it placed in your room before check-in.

Yes. The Charles Hotel offers a state-of-the-art Fitness Center located on the Lobby Level, complimentary for all guests. It is open 5AM to 11PM. Our facility provides a wide range of equipment and wellness amenities in a space that reflects a relaxed, country club atmosphere. Whether you're looking to run, cycle, stretch, or strength train, you'll find everything you need to maintain your fitness routine during your stay.

Yes. Corbu Spa & Salon is located in the Upper Courtyard of The Charles Hotel. This serene retreat in the heart of Harvard Square offers a full range of luxurious services, including massages, facials, blowouts, and natural nail care. Corbu uses premium products like Oribe, Kerastase, Goldwell, and Dr. Dennis Gross to ensure an exceptional experience. Whether you're looking to unwind or refresh your look, Corbu Spa & Salon provides a peaceful escape just steps from your room.

No, The Charles Hotel does not have a pool. 

Yes. The Charles Hotel offers a full range of business services to support your professional needs. Guests enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and our dedicated business center provides convenient access to computers, printing, and other essential services.

For meetings and events, the hotel features over 18,000 square feet of flexible conference and event space, ideal for everything from board meetings to large receptions.

The Charles Hotel has five on-site dining options: 

• Henrietta’s Table
• Noir Bar
• Bar Enza
  
• Pronto

Enjoy 24-hour in-room dining and five on-site food and beverage outlets. On-site dining hours range from 7 AM to 1 AM, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Visit our Dining Overview page for more details on each outlet.

Yes, The Charles Hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining service.

Yes, the dining outlets at The Charles do provide dietary accommodations upon request.

Yes. Seasonal outdoor seating is available at several of our on-site dining venues, including Henrietta’s Table, Noir Bar, and Bar Enza. Enjoy fresh air and fresh flavors in the heart of Harvard Square.

Henrietta’s Table, Noir Bar, Regattabar Jazz Club, and Bar Enza all offer unique settings for private dining, cocktail receptions, and special events. The hotel also offers an additional 18,000 sq ft. of indoor and outdoor private space for meetings and gatherings from 10-500pp. Contact [email protected] to learn more. 

You can find all upcoming events, including concerts, seasonal programming, and cultural happenings, on our Event Calendar 

Tickets for all Regattabar performances can be purchased online at https://www.regattabarjazz.com/ or at the door before a show. 

Tickets are available for purchase online in advance and at the door the night of the performance, depending on availability. We recommend purchasing ahead for popular shows.

Upcoming shows are available on the Regattabar website and our Events Calendar. 

Regattabar features an acclaimed lineup of jazz artists, along with blues, world music, and contemporary performers. The venue showcases both renowned international musicians and local rising talent.

Occasionally, special events such as seasonal concerts, courtyard performances, or holiday programming take place in other hotel venues like Noir or at One Reason Garden Bar. Upcoming entertainment is listed on our hotel's Event Calendar.

We sometimes offer exclusive packages that pair overnight accommodations with Regattabar tickets or other on-property events. Check our Offers page or inquire with our Reservations team for current availability.

Regattabar is available for private events and is a distinctive setting for receptions, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. Contact our Sales & Catering team for details on availability, capacities, and customization.

Yes, The Charles Hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from the heart of Harvard University’s main campus. Whether you're visiting for a tour, attending a lecture, or meeting faculty, campus access couldn't be more convenient.

While located in historic Harvard Square, Cambridge, we’re mere minutes from Boston proper. Fenway, Back Bay, and downtown Boston are all reachable in under 10 minutes by car or via the Red Line T

• Harvard University: Just a 1-minute walk (approximately 0.1 mile) to Harvard Square and campus.
• Lesley University: Less than a 10-minute walk; located adjacent to Harvard Square.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 2 miles away; an 8-minute drive or a short ride via the Red Line.
• Boston University: 2 miles across the Charles River; a 10-minute drive or accessible via the BU Central stop on the Green Line.
• Northeastern University: 4 miles away; a 15-minute drive or about 25 minutes via public transit (Red Line to Orange Line).
• Tufts University (Medford campus): 5 miles away; 15 minutes by car or 35 minutes via the Red Line and bus.
• Suffolk University: 4 miles away; a 15-minute drive or 20 minutes via the Red Line to Downtown Crossing.

The hotel is located in the heart of Harvard square with pedestrian access to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues.

The hotel is a block from the Red Line T station at Harvard Square, offering fast access into Boston and to Logan Airport. Frequent buses and pedestrian-friendly streets make getting around simple.

Guests can enjoy Harvard’s historic campus, the Harvard Art Museums, the American Repertory Theater, the Charles River Esplanade, and the vibrant street life in Harvard Square all just steps from the hotel. Music lovers can also visit the renowned Regattabar, located right inside the hotel.

• Fenway Park: 2.5 miles; about a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes via the Red and Green Lines.
• Boston Common: 4 miles; a 15-minute drive or 20 minutes via the Red Line.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace: 4.5 miles; approximately a 15-minute drive or 25 minutes via the Red Line.
• New England Aquarium: 5 miles; around a 20-minute drive or 30 minutes via the Red Line and a short walk.
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: 3.5 miles; a 15-minute drive or about 25 minutes via public transit.
• TD Garden: 4.5 miles; a 15-minute drive or 25 minutes via Red and Green/Orange Lines.
• Boston Children’s Museum: 5 miles; roughly a 20-minute drive or 30 minutes by public transit.

Yes, the hotel’s concierge is on site from 10AM-6:30PM but our front desk agents are available 24/7 to assist with directions or recommendations. 

Yes, the restaurants Henrietta’s Table, Noir, Bar Enza, One Reason Garden Bar, Pronto, and Regattabar are on-site. The surrounding square offers dining ranging from upscale to casual cafés and global flavors.

We’re right in the heart of it! The Charles Hotel sits directly in Harvard Square, meaning you can walk outside and immediately enjoy its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Harvard Square’s top spots are within walking distance, including the Harvard Art Museums, Charles River walking paths, and The Brattle Theatre.

Harvard Square is extremely walkable, but you can also explore Cambridge and Boston easily via the MBTA Red Line (Harvard Station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel), local buses, or rideshares. Biking and walking along the Charles River Esplanade are also popular ways to see the city.

Public tours are available through the Harvard University Visitor Center and several student-led organizations. Ask our concierge about local tours in the area.

Absolutely. The area features a mix of local boutiques, Harvard-themed shops, and national retailers. You can find everything from handcrafted gifts and vintage books to stylish apparel and art.

Harvard Square is full of local charm. Explore independent bookstores, live music venues, art galleries, and the historic Harvard campus. There’s something for everyone. Popular stops include the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Harvard Yard walking tour. Guests also love browsing at The Coop bookstore, seeing a film at The Brattle Theatre, or catching live music nearby. Our concierge is happy to recommend hidden gems and help plan your day.

Harvard Square hosts many seasonal events, including the Harvard Square MayFair, the Oktoberfest & HONK! Parade, and winter holiday markets. There’s always live music, street performances, and campus happenings throughout the year.

We offer more than 18,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including the Charles Ballroom, spacious Pavilion-level salons, and smaller breakout rooms, all equipped to support groups from 10 to 600.

We offer over 18,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space across 12 versatile rooms. 

• Charles Ballroom: 4,730 sq ft (seated up to 550 theater style, reception style up to 600)
• Kennedy Room: 1,881 sq ft (50–150 guests)
• Regattabar: 2, 805 sq ft (up to 225 guests)
• Other Pavilion rooms (Brattle, Longfellow, Hamilton, etc.) and third-floor rooms like Agassiz, Compton, Rogers‑Stratton support smaller groups (10–50)

Yes, many of our meeting rooms offer large windows with views of the Kennedy Walkway or our landscaped courtyard, providing an energizing environment with ample natural light.

Located steps from Harvard University, we’re a preferred venue for academic conferences, alumni gatherings, commencement receptions, and visiting scholar events. Our setting offers both prestige and practicality.

Early check-in and late check-outs are based on availability. Fees may apply.

Preferred group rates may be available for event attendees or larger blocks of guestrooms. Contact our sales department for options. 

We welcome a wide variety of milestone celebrations, including bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, galas, fundraisers, reunions, memorials, holiday parties, and more. Our flexible spaces and dedicated events team are here to make each occasion memorable.

The Charles Hotel offers beautiful outdoor spaces for events. Our expansive upper and lower courtyards provide a charming setting for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and private gatherings. Surrounded by the architecture of Harvard Square, the courtyards offer a unique blend of urban energy and garden tranquility, making it ideal for both daytime and evening events.

We offer several elegant options for weddings, including the iconic Charles Ballroom (4,730 sq ft, up to 275 guests with a dance floor or 600 theater-style). The courtyard is available for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours, and our Pavilion-level rooms, Kennedy, Brattle, Longfellow, and Hamilton provide intimate indoor settings for gatherings of 14 to 150 guests.

Yes, our group sales team can block rooms for your guests at preferred rates. Reach out to our events team or sales department for availability and options

Yes! You’ll find plenty of scenic backdrops, including our tranquil courtyard, the Walkway with views of Harvard Square, JFK Park with its fountain, the Charles River, Regattabar’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and nearby historic architecture perfect for capturing special moments.

Our versatile spaces such as the Charles Ballroom, Pavilion rooms, and the Regattabar with its floor-to-ceiling windows are ideal for both services and celebrations. We offer family-friendly setups and customized menus to suit your vision.

We love seeing creative event themes come to life. Our team can help you with vendor coordination, room layouts, and décor guidance to match your vision.

Yes, The Charles Hotel is a favorite for holiday parties, team celebrations, and company galas. Request information about our seasonal packages and catering options.

Yes. We provide in-house AV support including microphones, projectors, screens, and more. We also offer advanced capabilities such as hybrid meeting support, video recording services, and private, password-protected internet access to ensure a seamless experience.

The Charles Hotel offers in-house catering exclusively. Outside vendors (e.g. florists, photographers) may be arranged with prior approval. Please confirm details with your event planner.