IRVING HOUSE AT HARVARD, Cambridge

Irving House sits on a quiet residential street just off Harvard Square. Harvard Yard is a 5-10 minute walk, giving direct access to university buildings, museums, and the Harvard T stop. MIT is 3 km away, downtown Boston 6 km. The Red Line provides quick connections to Boston Common, Fenway Park, and Logan Airport (via shuttle). Nearby restaurants include Mona Lisa Pizza & Grill (0.5 km), Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar (0.5 km), and several others within a 5-minute walk. The area is safe and walkable, with the Cambridge Public Library right next door.

The building is a classic New England house with an older, slightly worn character - creaky floors, eclectic decor, and a homey atmosphere. Room sizes vary; some are quite small (just enough for a bed and desk), while others (e.g., queen or family rooms) offer more space. All rooms have air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, and a work desk. Shared bathrooms are located in the hallways and are cleaned frequently; they are secure with lockable doors. Noise can carry from hallways and between floors, so light sleepers may want to bring earplugs. No rooms have balconies. Mobility-impaired guests should note the three steps at the entrance and no elevator.

The breakfast buffet includes eggs, pastries, breads, muffins, cheeses, fruits, yogurt, and hot items such as mini-quiches. Coffee, tea, and fruit juices are provided. The selection is consistent from day to day, which some find repetitive. After breakfast, the common area remains open until 10 pm with a guest microwave, hot water, coffee, tea, fresh fruits, cookies, and cakes. There is no on-site restaurant or café for lunch or dinner, but the surrounding Harvard Square area is filled with restaurants, cafes, and takeaway options within a short walk.

Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace with outdoor furniture. The common area includes a library with a selection of books in multiple languages. Board games and puzzles are available for family or quiet entertainment. Discounted passes to a nearby fitness center are offered, though the property itself has no pool, spa, or gym. The quiet neighborhood and proximity to Harvard's green spaces make it easy to enjoy a walk or jog.

Irving House provides free wireless internet throughout the building, a 24-hour front desk, and a secure luggage storage area (useful for early arrivals or late departures). There is a coin-operated washer and dryer on site, a guest refrigerator in the common area, and a safety deposit box at reception. Daily housekeeping is included. The property is wheelchair accessible with grab rails in some bathrooms and accessible rooms available by request (subject to availability). Fax/photocopying is available for an additional charge. No pets are allowed, and the entire property is non-smoking. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Diners Club; a deposit is taken at booking.