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3-star hotels in Cambridge
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Cambridge, gathered from the city's guest houses, inns and full-service hotels. It is for travellers who want a straightforward base near Harvard Square, Central Square or the Charles River without moving up a class.
Staying in Cambridge
Cambridge wears its university heritage openly: brick yards, bookshops and lecture halls sit a short ride from the Charles River, and the hotels here put you inside that fabric rather than on its edge. Distances to the centre run from 0.1 km to 3.1 km, so the whole list stays close to the middle of town. The addresses cluster in a few well-known pockets. Several sit along Massachusetts Avenue, where Hotel 1868 at 1868 Massachusetts Avenue and Porter Square Hotel at 1924 Massachusetts Avenue both stand, while Harvard Square Hotel on Mount Auburn Street and Irving House At Harvard on Irving Street are nearer the university. Others, such as The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse on Main Street and Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge on Memorial Dr, sit towards the river and Kendall.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse
350 Main Street, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereSet in a converted firehouse on Main Street, this 3-star hotel puts you 1.1 km from the centre of Cambridge. It has a fitness centre and a spa, plus a restaurant and bar on site. Express check-in and a 24-hour front desk make arrivals easy. With a guest rating of 4.6 from 656 reviews, it suits travellers who want character and full service in one place.
See The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 FirehouseMary Prentiss Inn
6 Prentiss St., Cambridge, United States
- Lounge
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 3-star inn on Prentiss Street, 2.6 km from the centre. The garden, terrace and patio give it a quiet, residential feel, while free wifi and air conditioning cover the essentials. Rooms come with a sofa bed and minibar, handy for longer stays. Couples and guests who prefer a small property over a large hotel will appreciate the setting.
See Mary Prentiss InnHotel 1868
1868 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Parking
- Fitness Center
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereLocated 2.9 km from the centre on Massachusetts Avenue, this 3-star hotel has a fitness centre and a bar, along with a business centre for working guests. A 24-hour front desk and express check-in keep things simple, and valet parking is available. Rated 4.5 from 208 reviews, it fits both short city breaks and trips that mix work with time in Cambridge.
See Hotel 1868Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge
215 Monsignor O'brien Highway, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereThis 3-star hotel sits 1.9 km from the centre on Monsignor O'brien Highway, with breakfast and a fitness centre among its facilities. Pets are allowed, and family rooms make it workable for those travelling with children. A 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a bar round out the stay. Rated 4.3 from 743 reviews, it suits guests who want reliable, straightforward comfort.
See Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston CambridgeSheraton Commander Hotel
16 Garden St, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Lounge
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereOn Garden Street, 2.2 km from the centre, this 3-star hotel offers a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and a concierge. Pets are welcome, and a 24-hour front desk handles late arrivals. Rooms include bathrobes and desks. With a 4.3 rating from 670 reviews, it appeals to guests who want full hotel services close to Cambridge's historic core.
See Sheraton Commander HotelPorter Square Hotel
1924 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Parking
- Lounge
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA 3-star hotel on Massachusetts Avenue, 3.1 km from the centre, with a restaurant, bar and garden on site. Free wifi, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk cover the basics, and valet parking is offered. Slippers and bathrobes add a touch of comfort. Rated 4.3 from 411 reviews, it works well for travellers who want dining without leaving the hotel.
See Porter Square HotelHip 5Br In Cambridge By Sonder
Story Street And Brattle St, Cambridge, United States
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 5-bedroom apartment-style property near Story Street and Brattle St, 2.0 km from the centre. Each unit has a kitchen with dishwasher, fridge, microwave and washing machine, plus free wifi and air conditioning. There is a reception area and laundry service. Rated 4.2 from 529 reviews, it suits families or groups who want to cook and settle in rather than book separate rooms.
See Hip 5Br In Cambridge By SonderHotel Veritas
1 Remington St, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Business trips
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSet on Remington Street, 1.2 km from the centre, this 3-star hotel combines a garden and terrace with a bar and concierge service. Free wifi, a 24-hour front desk and car rental service cover practical needs. Rooms include bathrobes and iPod docks. Rated 4.2 from 166 reviews, it is a good fit for guests who want a small hotel within walking reach of central Cambridge.
See Hotel VeritasCourtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge
777 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereOn Memorial Dr, 1.4 km from the centre, this 3-star hotel has a riverside setting with a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Family rooms and cots are available, and breakfast is served. A 24-hour front desk, ATM and car rental service add convenience. With 1281 reviews and a 4.0 rating, it suits guests who prefer a larger property with dependable facilities.
See Courtyard by Marriott Boston CambridgeHarvard Square Hotel
110 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereLocated 1.9 km from the centre on Mount Auburn Street, this 3-star hotel offers a bar, concierge and 24-hour front desk. Pets are allowed, and garage parking is available. Rooms come with bathrobes, refrigerators and alarm clocks. Rated 3.7 from 215 reviews, it is a practical choice for guests who want to be near Harvard Square and value straightforward service.
See Harvard Square HotelChez Pat In Cambridge
50 Amory Street, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe closest of the group at 0.5 km from the centre, this 3-star property on Amory Street includes breakfast and free car parking. There is a library and lift access, and free internet is available in the lounge. Pets are not allowed. With a 5.0 rating from just 2 reviews, it suits guests who want a central, no-frills base close to everything.
See Chez Pat In CambridgeParkside on Ellery
74 Ellery Street, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA 3-star property on Ellery Street, 1.1 km from the centre, with breakfast, free parking and free bottled water. The garden and tennis court set it apart, and rooms have fridges and televisions. Pets are not allowed. Rated 3.7 from 18 reviews, it leans towards guests who want outdoor space and a quiet residential street near the centre.
See Parkside on ElleryResidence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge
120 Broadway, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereThis 3-star hotel on Broadway, 1.0 km from the centre, is built for longer stays: kitchen units with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, plus a market on site. Breakfast, a fitness centre and laundry service are available, and pets are allowed. Family rooms and cots help with children. Suites-style space makes it a fit for families and extended trips.
See Residence Inn by Marriott Boston CambridgeWhitman House
Worcester Street 17 17 Cambridge, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereOn Worcester Street, 0.1 km from the centre, this 3-star property is the most central option here. Facilities are limited to free car parking and a library. Guests who want to be right in the middle of Cambridge and do not need extensive hotel services are the ones this suits.
See Whitman HouseIrving House At Harvard
24 Irving Street, Cambridge, United States
Best for: Families · Step-free access
- Family rooms
- Wheelchair accessible
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA 3-star guesthouse on Irving Street, 1.4 km from the centre, with a garden and terrace. Free wifi, air conditioning and family rooms make it flexible, and special diets can be catered for. A 24-hour front desk and laundry service are on hand. It suits guests who want a homely base near Harvard with a few extra comforts.
See Irving House At Harvard
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse | ★★★ | 4.6 | 656 | Yes | – | – | 1.1 km |
| Mary Prentiss Inn | ★★★ | 4.5 | 239 | – | – | – | 2.6 km |
| Hotel 1868 | ★★★ | 4.5 | 208 | Yes | – | – | 2.9 km |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge | ★★★ | 4.3 | 743 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.9 km |
| Sheraton Commander Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 670 | Yes | – | Yes | 2.2 km |
| Porter Square Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 411 | Yes | – | – | 3.1 km |
| Hip 5Br In Cambridge By Sonder | ★★★ | 4.2 | 529 | – | – | – | 2.0 km |
| Hotel Veritas | ★★★ | 4.2 | 166 | – | – | – | 1.2 km |
| Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge | ★★★ | 4.0 | 1,281 | Yes | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| Harvard Square Hotel | ★★★ | 3.7 | 215 | Yes | – | Yes | 1.9 km |
| Chez Pat In Cambridge | ★★★ | 5.0 | 2 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.5 km |
| Parkside on Ellery | ★★★ | 3.7 | 18 | Yes | Yes | – | 1.1 km |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.0 km |
| Whitman House | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | 0.1 km |
| Irving House At Harvard | ★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | 1.4 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels list family rooms, so a family can be placed together: The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge and Irving House At Harvard. Residence Inn adds kitchens, and Fairfield Inn & Suites has cots and a market on site.
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse · Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge · Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge · Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge · Irving House At Harvard
For business trips
A business centre appears at The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse, Hotel 1868, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Porter Square Hotel and Hotel Veritas. All six also have free wifi and a 24 hour front desk, and most provide a fitness centre for a workout after meetings.
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse · Hotel 1868 · Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge · Sheraton Commander Hotel · Porter Square Hotel · Hotel Veritas
Top guest ratings
The highest scores in this 3-star list belong to The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse at 4.6 from 656 reviews, Mary Prentiss Inn at 4.5 from 239 reviews, and Hotel 1868 at 4.5 from 208 reviews. Guests rate all three above the rest of the shortlist.
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse · Mary Prentiss Inn · Hotel 1868
Closest to the centre
By distance to the centre, Whitman House is nearest at 0.1 km, then Chez Pat In Cambridge at 0.5 km, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge at 1.0 km, The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse at 1.1 km and Parkside on Ellery at 1.1 km. All five keep you within a short hop of the middle of Cambridge.
Whitman House · Chez Pat In Cambridge · Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge · The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse · Parkside on Ellery
Questions, answered
Which hotels in this shortlist offer parking?
Parking is listed by The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse, Hotel 1868, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Porter Square Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge, Harvard Square Hotel, Chez Pat In Cambridge, Parkside on Ellery, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge and Whitman House. Hotel 1868, Porter Square Hotel and Harvard Square Hotel also have a garage.
Do any of these 3-star hotels allow pets?
Yes. Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Harvard Square Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge all list pets allowed. Chez Pat In Cambridge and Parkside on Ellery state pets are not allowed, so check before booking there.
Which hotels have a pool or spa?
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse lists a spa among its facilities. No hotel in this 3-star shortlist lists a pool, so plan swimming elsewhere during your stay.
Which hotels are best for families?
Family rooms are listed at The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge and Irving House At Harvard. Residence Inn also has kitchens, which helps with children.
Which hotel is closest to the centre of Cambridge?
Whitman House on Worcester Street is 0.1 km from the centre, followed by Chez Pat In Cambridge on Amory Street at 0.5 km and Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge on Broadway at 1.0 km. The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse and Parkside on Ellery are both 1.1 km away.
Which is the top-rated hotel in this list?
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse has the highest guest rating at 4.6 out of 5 from 656 reviews. Mary Prentiss Inn and Hotel 1868 follow at 4.5, from 239 and 208 reviews respectively. The remaining hotels sit between 3.7 and 4.3.
Is breakfast available at these hotels?
Breakfast is listed at Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge, Chez Pat In Cambridge and Parkside on Ellery. Fairfield Inn & Suites offers a buffet and breakfast in room; the others list breakfast without further detail.
Do these hotels have fitness centres?
Six hotels list a fitness centre: The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse, Hotel 1868, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Cambridge, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge and Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge. The smaller inns and guest houses on the list do not.