Boston/Cambridge guesthouse

August 26, 2005 12:57 PM

Boston/Cambridge guest houses?

Can anyone recommend a pleasant, reasonably priced guest house in Boston/Cambridge with easy access to Harvard?

posted by nyterrant to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

Haven't stayed there myself, but friends recommended Irving House in Cambridge. Very close to Harvard (I used to live around the corner).
posted by occhiblu at 1:06 PM on August 26, 2005

It's been my secret get-away for years... and I'm loathe to share it... but it's just between us, so it shouldn't be a problem. The College Club of Boston.

It's around the corner from the Ritz Carlton, and a block from the T... and it's wonderful.
posted by silusGROK at 1:59 PM on August 26, 2005

I spent a month in Irving House when I had a visiting fellowship at Harvard a few years ago. Yes, on the whole I'd recommend it -- it's a comfortable place to stay, and very conveniently situated (just 5-10 mins walk from Harvard Yard) -- though if, like me, you just want somewhere to sleep, wash and get dressed, you may find yourself paying for more than you actually need. Also, if you want a single room, you may need to book quite a long time in advance. I had to move into a double room for part of my stay (and pay extra for doing so) because there weren't any single rooms available. If I had to visit Harvard for a short period, I think I'd just stay in the YMCA on Mass. Ave., but for a longer visit, I'd probably stay in Irving House again -- though I'll be watching this thread closely to see if anyone has any better suggestions ..
posted by verstegan at 2:06 PM on August 26, 2005

( I didn't know there was a YMCA there! What's it like? Have you been? )
posted by silusGROK at 2:11 PM on August 26, 2005

Yeah "guest house" is a bit vague, so I'm not sure this is the right tree I'm barking up. There's a relatively new place called the Kendall. It's immediately next to the T station, two stops from Harvard square. Very nice, clean, friendly, usually reasonable prices, and a lovely restaurant on the first floor. Also right next to Legal Seafoods.
posted by whatzit at 2:36 PM on August 26, 2005

My office puts folks up at A Cambridge House and they seem to like it. It's in North Cambridge on Mass Ave. Bus to Harvard is on the corner and you can walk to Davis Sq.

Also friends' parents have stayed at Cambridge Bed and Muffin, a B&B walking distance from Harvard.
posted by jdl at 4:56 PM on August 26, 2005

Another reco for Irving House
posted by flyby22 at 6:46 PM on August 26, 2005

Thanks everyone.
posted by nyterrant at 9:44 AM on August 27, 2005