TL;DR

Location & vibe: In Cambridge, almost Boston, mixing the historic with modern hotel facilities.
Building: Housed in a 1895 firehouse, featuring Americana décor, patchwork quilts, antique furniture.
Atmosphere: Cozy, charming, a mix of scholarly, business, and cultural visitors; glass-roofed top floor gathering space.
Check prices here

Though technically in Cambridge, the Kendall sneaks in high on any list of Boston’s boutique hotels.

This locally-owned historic property captures the Old New England spirit with the added touch of modern luxury.

Built into a 1895 firehouse, each room and the common areas offer inviting tributes to Americana with bespoke patchwork quilts and antique furniture.

A primarily blue and white color scheme is regularly punctuated with charming cherry reds.

The lobby is also notably charming and a glass-roofed top floor offers an airy gathering space where visiting professors, parents of little prodigies, and savvy businesspeople can enjoy the best of Boston hospitality.

What are the rooms like?

Room count: 77 rooms including Queens, doubles, deluxe, superior, and one-bedroom suite.
Decor: Americana style with patchwork quilts, antique furniture, coastal-style tile work.
Amenities: Coffee maker, electric kettle, TV with HBO, Bluetooth radio; deluxe/superior rooms include microwaves and mini-fridges.
Bathrooms: Bathtub/showers, Argan toiletries, soundproof, Frette linens, Serta mattresses.
See all rooms in detail here on the booking page

Your most basic rooms are small but cozy Queens that give the feeling of visiting your rich grandmother. Small desks nestle next to plush beds with Frette linens and Serta mattresses.

From there you’ll find roomier double, deluxe and superior rooms, with the most extravagant option a one-bedroom suite with an open kitchen, dining and living area, and whirlpool tub next to the walk-in shower.

All rooms are completely soundproof, with blackout curtains and in-unit heating/cooling system controls.

Every option also includes a coffee maker, electric kettle, television with HBO and Bluetooth radio. Deluxe and Superior rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges.

There are combination bathtub/showers in every unit and you’ll enjoy Argan toiletries among charming coastal-style tile work.

What are prices like?

> Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast: Daily buffet with waffles, hot food, protein options.
Dining: The Black Sheep on-site restaurant with 20% guest discount; kid’s options available.
Drinks & lounge: Lobby couches for drinks; Rooftop Retreat wine reception.
Facilities: Complimentary fitness center access, NYT digital subscription included.

The daily breakfast buffet is vaguely continental, with a wealth of options and some hot food that will give you a real start to your morning.

The waffle station is a real star, and the more protein-focused among us will enjoy platters of eggs and bacon.

For lunch and/or dinner, do not miss The Black Sheep, the on-site restaurant where guests get a 20% discount. The menu is not huge, but everything on it is tasty, and they offer kid’s options for younglings.

If all you want is a local beer, cleverly made cocktail, or glass of wine, relax in the comfy couches in the adjacent lobby.

Better yet, head up to the Rooftop Retreat for the hotel’s nightly wine reception.

Your reservation will include a complimentary pass to a nearby fitness center and a New York Times digital subscription for the duration of your stay.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Neighborhood: Cambridge, near Harvard and MIT; cultural, university-driven vibe.
Attractions: Kendall Square cafés, historic & modern architecture, Charles River walking trail.
Transport: MIT/Kendall T station nearby; easy access to Somerville, Fenway, North End, Freedom Trail.

Cambridge is one of Greater Boston’s most popular areas, home to both Harvard and MIT. Many university lectures or events are open to the public, while the study body keeps the neighborhood fresh and cultural opportunities cutting-edge.

Many attractions are walking distance. Kendall Square is jam-packed with cute cafés and restaurants, and we highly recommend a wander around its historic and contemporary architecture.

Around each corner is a unique shop, cafe, brewery, or bike shop to get to know, and many of Boston’s best smaller music venues are in Cambridge.

There’s a walking trail along the Charles if you need a nature fix.

The hotel is across the street from the MIT/Kendall T station, so navigating the city will be easy.

Head north to Sommerville for the overflow of the student vibe, or south for the larger museums, Fenway, the North End, and the Freedom Trail.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”This Boutique Hotel is one of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed at. The room was a bit small but very cozy and the bathroom was awesome with a large comfortable jacuzzi tub. All small details made this an amazing stay. The breakfast was very tasty and a decent variety of foods to choose from. Compared to other hotels in the area which do not offer it, it was perfect! The location is right next to MIT and the metro station (15 min to downtown). I strongly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to visit Boston….”

”I would definitely return to the Kendall! Hotel was lovely. Complimentary wine tasting was nice. Lounge area was comfortable and several groups were able to converse easily in the evening over drinks. Breakfast was great. Room was comfortable and clean….”