2-Star Hotels in Cambridge

This is a popular hotel in a decent location. Affordable and what you would expect for a Holiday Inn Express just outside the downtown core. Nothing fancy, but very functional Breakfast was fine (liked the pancake machine) but it was often very hard to find seating, food wasn't refilled as often as it needed to be and tables were not quickly wiped down. Sleep quality wasn't the best I have had at a Holiday Inn Express. The beds were not that comfortable and the blankets thin. I did like the fact that there were hard and soft pillows automatically in the room. I also found the room on the dark side. You can tell that the space has been recently upgraded and it looked decent. Location was okay. It is convenient, but only ”walkable” if you have 30-40mins. It is on a busy road which can make it noisy (and there is currently a construction site right across the road). Parking was busy, but there were spots - not a hotel issue, but some very large trucks parked in ”compact car only” spaces taking up two spots and / or blocking the narrow space. We were able to find parking each time we took the car out of the lot, but often it was the last spot.

The hotel is very cost effective and is the only hotel I have ever encountered to offer a complimentary breakfast in a similar hotel. like!

Very good location and friendly staff. Bed is average comfort. Room was clean. This is where the positives end. There is very little protection from sound. I was up all night both nights hearing doors slam inside (particularly the very heavy door to the stairs that was near my room) and vehicles outside. Pack very good earplugs if you come. The hotel has zero food service. No breakfast, no bar, nowhere (bar, etc) to unwind after a day of work. WiFi was spotty and cut out on me during video calls, so don't plan on working from the room. Overall, I would have preferred to have a worse location but a nicer hotel. Boston is pretty small and Harvard Sq is only a 15 minute Uber to almost anywhere in the city. The good location here wasn't worth the negatives.

The maintenance of this property is abysmal. We were arriving from an international trip and wanted to sleep off our jet lag and visit our adult child living in the area. We arrived exhausted to find a bloody toilet seat, dirty bathroom, peeling paint from the ceiling, moldy bathroom and dusty room. When we called the desk to mention it- they said they would send housekeeping. They didn't offer to change our room- and we were so tired- we didn't ask. Housekeeper arrived (and entered without us opening the door) to clean the bathroom only. But clearly missed a lot of corners. The next day they offered to change our room-but we were too tired and busy to change- in the window of time that they offered us, so ended up staying in the filth. The bed was quite worn/spongy and didn't support us at all. The sofa bed mattress didn't have a mattress cover available. The view of the trash and T tracks were unappealing. The room was rather small/tight for 3,too. It was hysterical that we were sent emails confirming the hotel's commitment to COVID cleanliness. No hotel employees were masked. The best part of the stay was the good coffee always available in the lobby and the access to Cambridge and the T. I am a Bonvoy Gold member and expect a minimum quality to Marriott properties-this property was below all standards. It was the only time I was not recognized as a Bonvoy elite member too. When we complained about the filth- the hotel offered to refund us 1 night- but charged us the full amount. It only refunded AFTER we complained that there was a billing error. This hotel is not worth more than $300 per night. Look elsewhere.

Everything was perfect about our stay from fulfilling our request for a higher floor room with a view, to the breakfast staff meeting our request for a ”hot” vegetarian item. We were leaving at about 5am on the final day and the breakfast doesn't open until 6:30am/7am, but the staff was very nice enough for us to let us pick a few bakery and refrigerated items for to go that early morning. The room was VERY spacious with a fully stocked kitchen with pots and pans. It was very helpful for the Uber Eats delivery we had one of the nights as we could eat in the ”real” plates and use the silverware. We put the left overs in the fridge. The entire staff of the hotel was very respectful and ever smiling. Having a Starbucks attached to the hotel was great and the exit thru the Starbucks to the parking garage was super convenient.

As with most things we do this booking was last minute so we didn’t do the research beforehand. That being said we were pleasantly surprised. Deyli at the front desk was extremely accommodating. She checked us in early to a room with a partial river view. When we asked her if she could move us to a room with a more strait on view she didn’t hesitate. She really did everything she could to make our stay as comfortable as possible. When we asked for extra towels and coffee it was there in less than 5 min. All this during one of the areas busiest weekends. Plus your no more than 15 minutes away from anything you’re going to do. We had a great time and will definitely be back next year. Thanks Deyli and staff. See you next year for HOCR !

It was hard to rate this hotel. Hotel staff is friendly and professional. Room and lobby areas were clean. Valet parking with in/out privileges is much less than competing hotels. Colette, the attached restaurant, was excellent. However, there are some misses. One was no fridge in the room which is big for us when we are on a road trip. But the big reason why it is hard to recommend this place was the extremely small size of the rooms, at least the one (315) that we were placed into. I was surprised it even met building codes. I couldn't even turn around or bend over in the shower (no tub) without contorting my body. To walk in the room meant that my wife and I had to climb over the beds. There was hardly any floor space which meant my wife had to sleep with her luggage on the bed with her. If you need some space to spread out in the room, this is not the place for you.

My husband and I were so impressed with the front desk, particularly, Mr. Bishop. He was extremely welcoming, and knowledgeable and answered all of our many questions about what to see and do in Cambridge and the Boston area. Our room was immaculate and very comfortable – we had everything we needed and more! We really enjoyed the sunny window seat. The housekeeping staff, too, was very accommodating. Valet parking was quick and efficient. We loved walking into Cambridge and venturing into Back Bay on the T. We only wished we could have stayed longer and will definitely return again soon! Thank you to the entire staff and a special shout out to Mr. Bishop!

I had the privilege to stay at the Commander every other week for 8 months due to business. This property is a treasure in Cambridge. Exclusively located right on Cambridge common, this hotel is a 10-20 minute walk from Museums, Harvard Campus, Harvard square and dozens of restaurants and shopping. The second you arrive the character is apparent, from the front visage modeled after Mount Vernon, a bronze statue of the Commander himself, and stunning ornate ceilings in the lobby. The rooms are well appointed and full of character. Built in the 1920's, it was originally an apartment building and hotel rooms, which does leave each room to be slightly different. You never know quite what you're going to get in the rooms. But you can count on comfortable beds, great closet space, and stellar service. The front desk is kind and always go above and beyond, Kaitlyn, Jose, and the rest of the front desk crew are always ready to greet you with a smile. Johannes at the concierge desk is a delight and ready to help. The hotel is connected to a nice restaurant, Nubar, which also serves as the breakfast buffet location. Breakfast is not free, but if you have Marriott Titanium and above you do get vouchers. The wait staff in the morning are wonderful, although I can't recall everyone's name, I had a great pleasure getting to know Claudia. The Commander truly became a home away from home. I hope to visit again soon!

Loved this hotel. What a gem in Boston! Parking was convenient with easy in and out access. It’s right by the T as well if you’d like to skip driving. Breakfast was delish! The room was so cute with comfy robes and the most comfortable bed I’ve slept on in a hotel since I can’t remember when. I love the adorable decor and well furnished room. Did I mention they have Dison hairdryers with a diffuser? Who does that? They even provided snack and water. Such a nice surprise. I can’t say enough about our stay!