Is parking available at the hotel?

Parking is available on-site and includes valet parking for a fee of USD 28.00 per night, which allows in/out privileges.

Does the hotel allow pets?

Pets are not allowed at the hotel, but service animals are exempt from this policy.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

What accessibility features does the hotel offer?

The hotel features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms, to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Where is the hotel located in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located in North Cambridge, within a 5-minute drive of Harvard University and Harvard Square. It is approximately 2.7 miles from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 3.6 miles from TD Garden.

What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the hotel, and kids can stay for free up to a certain age, although the specific age limit is not provided.

Porter Square Hotel in Cambridge

Average nightly price at Porter Square Hotel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$112
February	$123
March	$150
April	$205
May	$201
June	$267
July	$203
August	$179
September	$213
October	$231
November	$163
December	$126

What guests think

Porter Square Hotel earns consistent praise for its excellent Porter Square location steps from the Red Line, walkable dining and shops, and welcoming staff, while rooms feel modern and quiet, offering comforts and smart layouts suited to short city stays.

Cleanliness is frequently highlighted, and many guests commend the on-site restaurant. Common drawbacks include very small rooms with minimal storage, translucent sliding bathroom doors or tight showers, limited in-room amenities such as no standard fridge, occasional temperature-control issues, and valet-only parking with an added nightly fee. Service is widely described as friendly and accommodating, though a few report slow car retrieval, temperature controls requiring front-desk help, or occasional housekeeping misses under the request-only policy. Overall, expect a clean, efficient, boutique base in a superb, transit-rich location.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: valet-only parking with a nightly fee, an on-site lounge/business area with 24/7 coffee and water, and a bar/restaurant. There is no gym on-site, though guests can use a nearby partner gym.

Related guest reviews

10

Weiqi

May 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice property with excellent location. The hotel has microwave for guests to reheat food, which is a plus.

8

jay

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room itself was immaculate but a little small, which wasn't a big deal. The AC did not cool well, though, and thus the 3 star for comfort. Also, parking is available by valet only, which is currently a $28 premium. Area is safe and nice, close to Harvard University. Overall, we liked it. The facility was very clean and the staff was nice. A little pricey though.

10

Aniket

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location - close to Porter Sq T station and plenty of dining options nearby. Great service. Nice restaurant and bar inside the hotel.

8

cameron

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. Price is reasonable for Cambridge. There’s a T stop a block away, and it’s a pleasant walk to downtown Cambridge. Rooms are small but clean. Staff is friendly. If you are driving, the only parking option is valet for $28 per night. They offer in-and-out privileges, but it sometimes takes a while to get your car.

10

Margaret

Sep 19, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

We really enjoyed our our stay at the Porter Square Hotel. The suite we stayed in was spacious and comfortable, and the staff was very friendly. While there is no gym at the hotel, they offer access to the gym at a hotel just down the street. Access to the red line made public transportation a piece of cake. Great stay, would absolutely return!

10

Katie

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect spot for exploring both Cambridge and Boston. Red line is right out the door but it's a cool neighborhood on its own. Plenty of coffee bars and restaurants. It was very quiet and safe too. Had cheap valet parking so we left the car

8

Katie

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We have stayed here a number of times during our daughter’s four years at Harvard, along with its sister hotel 1858 and various other Cambridge and Boston hotels. It can’t be beat for value for money. The location is great for walking to Harvard Square (25 mins) or getting the T to Boston or the airport (or Harvard Sq if feeling lazy!). The station is 3 mins walk from the hotel. Some rooms are small, others larger - you get what you pay for on booking. Cleaning is on request. There’s a business room in the basement with free coffee and water 24 hours. Staff have always been great. No luxury here but a great hotel if you want to keep costs down.

8

bent

Apr 29, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice, but small room. Clean. A lounge type of room was missing. Gym at another hotel, but close.

8

Ray

Dec 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Beds were firm and comfortable. Business center is well organized and clean. Staff is friendly and efficient. I wish they had a vending machine or pantry with soft drinks and snacks. I don't drink coffee and tea wasn't that good. A refrigerator and microwave in the room would be great.

8

Jennifer

Apr 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A fantastic location right on the Red Line, with everything you could need close by: a 24-hour CVS, Target, Caffe Nero, restaurants, etc. Margeaux, the hotel restaurant, is absolutely exceptional and worth a splurge. On the other hand, it's a bare-bones hotel. No breakfast options, no gym (one is available down the street), coffeemakers in the rooms but nowhere else, not much storage, etc. All that said, the bed was comfortable, the staff was helpful, the shower water was hot and plentiful, and the location will probably have us coming back again!

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Cleanliness

Reviews frequently describe the hotel and rooms as very clean. A few guests noted isolated issues such as stained sheets, minor mold, or shower leaks.

Related guest reviews

10

Jennifer

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room and the whole property was very clean and well taken care of. That is why we've stayed here more than once. Convenient to the T as well.

10

Loretta

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was very well-designed and has everything we needed for a short stay. Very clean and comfortable.

6

Mark

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

SHEETS WERE STAINED.

10

Patti

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, quiet, firm mattress. Excellent.

10

Jacqueline

Feb 6, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff, clean hotel, great wine bar/cafe in lobby. We have stayed 3 times and will be back. T station across the street.

10

Kelly

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and comfortable.

10

Rebecca

Sep 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean, except for some mold around the soap bottles in the shower. Other than that it was perfect.

10

Kathryn

Mar 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was great! Every person was friendly and helpful. Easy valet parking, beyond excellent restaurant in the hotel (Colette! So delicious!) lovely room, clean, comfy and well appointed. Transit nearby and lots of shops and restaurants close by. Amazing all around!

10

Jaime

Jan 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is nice, bathrooms are modern. There are blackout curtains. Staff in the lobby 24/7. The rooms were small but worked well for me because I was solo. Places nearby include a Target, CVS, and places to eat. It's also not too far from downtown. Overall 9.4/10

10

Moran

Mar 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel was clean. Great shower. Small but nice room. Friendly and helpful staff. There is a nice downstairs sitting area with coffee and tea 24/7. Location is very convenient- few feet’s from the T and shopping center.

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Rooms

Rooms are compact with efficient layouts and minimal storage; many note very small twin-bed setups, firm mattresses, and limited in-room amenities like no standard fridge. Noise and temperature control are mixed, and some mention translucent bathroom doors or tight showers.

Related guest reviews

6

Peter

Jun 27, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Your Wifi was annoying. We could not download emails on it. Front desk said it might have something to do with a shared system with another of your hotels. No one knew what do do. We used data on our iPhones to so it. Also, smart play on limiting the TV volume controls. But the walls between the suites were rather thin. Liked the decor. Good rates. Would probably book again.

8

margot

Mar 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. My room was small for one person. Would have been smaller for two. And it was very cold. I only learned later that the front desk could control the temperature.

8

Eithne

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms very small and not soundproofed. Could hear trains, planes and every room beside us. Expensive room with no breakfast and poor soundproofing.

8

scott

Nov 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room is exceedingly small - about 220 square feet - about 12’x19’. Not necessarily bad, and not a surprise. The reddish brown stain on the sheet was gross, but it was, at least, not on a part that touched my skin. Front desk was excellent! Check-in and check-out perfect. Many restaurants nearby. Easy 20-min walk to Harvard. The on-site restaurant looked good, but didn’t try it. The beds were reasonably comfortable though two twin beds isn’t typical. If you are a single person in town for a short stay, this hotel might be a great option. Two or more people and/or a longer stay … maybe not a first choice.

8

Karen

May 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff was great. It’s just that rooms are super small and tight even though it was a single occupancy for one night. The bed and bedding was comfy. It was pricey but the location was perfect relative to the MBTA and Harvard, which precipitated my visit.

8

Philip

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

New construction, clean and modern. Very quiet. Friendly helpful staff - they checked our bags for a couple of hours after we checked out. Only complaint - extremely small room. Adequate for one person but so small two people had to take turns when getting off the bed to walk anywhere in the room.

8

Elijah

May 2, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a serviceable and actually pretty comfortable place to stay, and was affordable despite the location. The room is quite small, however, and there isn't really any closet space. Oh, and there's something weird about the wifi: it wouldn't let me use a VPN, and also (with or without VPN) prevented Apple Mail from sending, presumably because Apple secures its transmissions also. So, I recommend the place, but maybe don't let your device touch the wifi.

10

Morna

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is excellent, close to the Redline and commuter rail. Plenty if dining options. The room I was given was on the second floor but I did not hear any street noise. Though the room is small but it was well designed. I had a very comfortable night. Thank you.

8

Claudia

Jul 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is in a great location, offers valet parking and looks super modern and nice. My only complaint is the size of the room. I stayed in a 2 twin bed room, and it’s too small. It does not have a mini fridge in the room or a place to hang your clothes. Space is super limited.

8

Rachel

Sep 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, very conveniently located close to the subway and surrounded by plenty of shops and restaurants. The room was a bit on the small side and felt very cramped with no proper wardrobe space. But overall a pleasant stay

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Service

Service is broadly described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with early check-in, lost-item assistance, and thoughtful support. A few guests reported impersonal interactions or slow responses.

Related guest reviews

10

Stephanie

Dec 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff was friendly, funny and helpful. Room was clean and modern

6

Jennifer

May 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff during check in was not very friendly or attentive. Check out was pleasant

10

Heather

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately, due to a family emergency, I couldn’t stay. The staff and manager couldn’t have been more respectful in understanding my situation. I can’t thank them enough.

8

Olivier

Jun 20, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

4 nights for business. Overpriced during a global conference but still best deal in town. Very conveniently close to a station of the T red line. 15 minutes to downtown - much better than by car or bus. My room got flooded. That happens and was fixed somewhat. But no comment or apology from management. Front desk impersonal.

10

Tim

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was compact but had nice, modern amenities, coffee maker, ironing board, large TV etc. It was clean and quiet. The location was great - just a 1 minute walk from the Porter Square T-stop. Lots of restaurants & shops right there, too. I called the night before to ask for an early check-in and was in my room by 11am.

10

jane

Apr 27, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The Porter Square Hotel staff were wonderful. We contracted Covid during our stay, and had to quarantine and stay two extra days. The staff brought us everything we needed and left it outside our door for five days. They could not have been more gracious and supportive. Their attentive care made what could have been a nightmare into something that was only a mild hassle. :). We visit the Boston area regularly and plan to stay at the Porter Square Hotel in the future.

8

Philip

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

New construction, clean and modern. Very quiet. Friendly helpful staff - they checked our bags for a couple of hours after we checked out. Only complaint - extremely small room. Adequate for one person but so small two people had to take turns when getting off the bed to walk anywhere in the room.

10

Evelyn

Oct 11, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The manager Bryan Bishop was extremely helpful.

10

Anthony

Sep 26, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

I forgot some items in the room when I checked out. I returned to Canada and I was called by the hotel to let me know they had found the items and made arrangements to ship them to me. One item is quite expensive. Great customer care and service.

8

Alanna

Jul 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff retrieved a forgotten item. They held it at the front desk for us. Excellent staff.

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Location

Outstanding location steps from the Porter Square Red Line, with easy access to Harvard, Tufts, and many shops and restaurants. Most find it walkable and convenient for Cambridge and Boston.

Related guest reviews

10

Rieko

Feb 11, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

A cute boutique hotel at convenient location to subway. Walking distance to Harvard square. Tons of dining options including many good Japanese restaurants and cafes just around the corner.

10

Gabe

Mar 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, right across the street from the T station.

10

Yifon

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location next to Porter Square T station and Commuter Rail to other parts of MA. Lots of restaurants across the street and one at front of hotel. CVS, Target nearby, clean rooms and beds. Friendly and helpful staff. Able to store luggage for rest of last day while I walked around with just a backpack.

10

Tim

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was compact but had nice, modern amenities, coffee maker, ironing board, large TV etc. It was clean and quiet. The location was great - just a 1 minute walk from the Porter Square T-stop. Lots of restaurants & shops right there, too. I called the night before to ask for an early check-in and was in my room by 11am.

10

Carolina

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It is an ideal location if you are visiting Harvard Students.

10

John

Dec 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking was easy and secure. Hotel is in a great location. Excellent restaurant. I had the Deluxe Twin room. Great for a shorter stay. Modern and clean. This hotel is like a lot of these newer hotels where the room space is more efficient. There is no closet, dresser or refrigerator, but plenty of places to hang your stuff. Nice staff. Loved the breakfast. Practically next door to the Red Line subway Porter Square stop. Close to Davis Square as well, and the whole area is safe and walkable.

8

cameron

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. Price is reasonable for Cambridge. There’s a T stop a block away, and it’s a pleasant walk to downtown Cambridge. Rooms are small but clean. Staff is friendly. If you are driving, the only parking option is valet for $28 per night. They offer in-and-out privileges, but it sometimes takes a while to get your car.

10

Ryan

Sep 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location to be able to get around.

10

Katie

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect spot for exploring both Cambridge and Boston. Red line is right out the door but it's a cool neighborhood on its own. Plenty of coffee bars and restaurants. It was very quiet and safe too. Had cheap valet parking so we left the car

10

DoanNhi Dona

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location just one block away from the Porter T stop. Lovely and spacious rooms.

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Dining

The on-site restaurant earns strong praise for food and ambiance, and there are abundant eateries nearby. Some guests mention limited breakfast availability or occasional restaurant noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Phillip

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel, very close (1 minute walk) to the T and shopping area. Great new restaurant inside with a very good breakfast. Nice Thai restaurant across the street. It was a very good experience and excellent alternative to downtown Boston when hotels are $500+ per night

10

Chizuko

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Restaurant was wonderful. Wish that they serve breakfast on Sunday too.

10

Aniket

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location - close to Porter Sq T station and plenty of dining options nearby. Great service. Nice restaurant and bar inside the hotel.

10

Carrie

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Enjoyed the restaurant that’s part of the hotel. Excellent dinner and brunch.Margeaux supper parlor. The hotel is simple, clean and professional. Smells great and was super quiet on a sold out night. Room was quite snug, as described. Valet parking, very prompt and easy.

10

Barbara Helen

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I did not mind having to ask for the room to be cleaned - I appreciated the privacy. The restaurant next door was excellent but much too loud - the owners should consider hiring an acoustician - it would probably be easy to fix the noise problem with advice from a specialist.

10

Cynthia

May 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

So convenient, economical, and excellent restaurant!

10

Petra

Nov 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I was pleasantly surprised by this hotel. Nice and clean place with a beautiful restaurant and great service.

8

Jennifer

Apr 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

A fantastic location right on the Red Line, with everything you could need close by: a 24-hour CVS, Target, Caffe Nero, restaurants, etc. Margeaux, the hotel restaurant, is absolutely exceptional and worth a splurge. On the other hand, it's a bare-bones hotel. No breakfast options, no gym (one is available down the street), coffeemakers in the rooms but nowhere else, not much storage, etc. All that said, the bed was comfortable, the staff was helpful, the shower water was hot and plentiful, and the location will probably have us coming back again!

10

Terri

Sep 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the restaurant in the hotel. We ate there multiple times even with dining options close by. Very close to metro. The room was beautifully appointed. I'd book here again

10

Cynthia

Nov 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent restaurant, very walkable area with lot of food options. Comfortable room.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $140	2 $144	3 $185	4 $242	5 $272	6	7
8 $182	9 $166	10 $166	11 $197	12 $228	13 $258	14 $235
15 $159	16 $167	17 $197	18 $197	19 $228	20 $235	21 $189
22 $121	23 $136	24 $136	25 $151	26 $151	27 $151	28 $151
29 $152	30 $151

Porter Square Hotel

Prices for Porter Square Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Suite, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Basic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Double Room, 1 Queen Bed

Guest reviews of Porter Square Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Porter Square Hotel

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25 $168	26 $486	27	28	29 $301	30 $290	31 $266