Fodor's Expert Review The Charles Hotel

It used to be that The Charles was the place to stay in Cambridge, and while other luxury hotels have since arrived to give it a little healthy competition, this Harvard Square staple is standing strong. Lower floors are replete with Le Corbusier furniture, sketches by JFK himself, and local artists' work. Gracious service and top-notch room amenities like waffle robes, shaker detailed furniture, goose-down comforters, and LCD mirror-TVs keep the hotel in high demand. Relax in the lobby library, chock-full of titles, some autographed by authors who are also frequent guests. Sign up for an art tour of the property or pick up a self-guided map of Cambridge. For a partial river or skyline view, ask for something above the seventh floor. Check out adjacent Henrietta's Table, a mainstay for local, seasonal food; or onsite Bar Enza, home of the 100-layer lasagna. The on-site 4,000-square-foot Corbu Spa & Salon features French-inspired herbal treatments.  For the best rate, call the hotel directly.