Advantage: A converted Victorian firehouse officially deemed historic, the Kendall Hotel is conveniently located directly across the Charles River from Boston, right in the midst of Cambridge’s Kendall Square, and steps away from MIT, popular Legal Sea Foods restaurant, the Red Line T’s Kendall Station (two stops place you in the heart of downtown Boston), and a free shuttle bus to nearby CambridgeSide Galleria mall.

The Engine 7 firehouse that opened in 1895 is now the hotel’s main building, which contains the lobby, an on-site restaurant called The Black Sheep, and eleven guest rooms. A recently erected seven-story building behind the firehouse contains the remaining guest rooms and meeting space.

Disadvantage: If you don’t like Bed & Breakfasts or non-chain hotels, then the Kendall Hotel probably won’t suit you. Guests often describe it as a charming New England boutique hotel with tasteful antique touches in the furnishing and décor, modernized amenities, and a quaint, unique, and intimate B&B atmosphere.

Distinctive Amenities: Daily free, full breakfast in the Black Sheep restaurant is included in the price of every room, as are wired and wireless high-speed Internet access. Limited underground parking is an additional expense of $20 per night, however. [More Features]

Interesting Fact: Kendall Hotel is the first and only historic hotel in the city of Cambridge, and the firehouse portion is the oldest building in or near Kendall Square.

Location: 350 Main Street, Cambridge, 617-577-1300, 866 566-1300

Price Range: Moderately Expensive (average price of $280+ per night)

Website: Kendall Hotel

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Advantage: Landmark hotel — in continuous operation since 1855, the longest for an American hotel — located right in the heart of downtown Boston

Disadvantage: Previous visitors often note the tiny size of the rooms and the paper-thin walls

Interesting Fact: The place where the Boston Cream Pie, the official Massachusetts State Dessert that’s actually a cake, was invented by French chef M. Sanzian [More History (PDF)]

Location: 60 School Street, Boston, 617-227-8600

Price Range: Expensive, Luxury

Website: Omni Parker House

Post from: The Boston Traveler