Not the worst place to stay but for the money I’d expected better. Upon arrival after unpacking I discovered the fridge and phone in my room did not work. I was offered to switch rooms but seeing I was only staying for 1 night and had already unpacked I decided to stay. The gentleman at the front desk did give me a coupon to the coffee stand, I appreciate this but would’ve like to see something more substantial done. Further, I found that a large piece of the headboard was broken and instead of replacing it they painted it black. There was also a hole in the ceiling of the bathroom where an exhaust fan would typically be. Despite requesting a higher floor we were on the fourth. While it was ultimately about $200 cheaper than alternative hotels in Boston, still paying roughly $400 for one night I had expected a better experience. Next time we will definitely be checking in to a different hotel and bite the bullet on price for hopefully a better experience. I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a place to stay

The location is great, the view from the room was lovely but for what you get it is way overpriced. Did not have AC for two nights and the first night they have my room key to someone else by mistake so I had someone walk in my room at 11pm. They did not even offer me a free bottle of water to apologize. They said they would give me a discount on the total bill and that never materialized. No room service for the entire week I was here, no coffee in the room. No breakfast options beside a small Starbucks. Super small room with some strange noise from the fan. The restaurant is not bad for dinner. The gym is great and has a Peloton bike but I recommend you go running outside. The Hotel has a ton of potential and it is so big it is great for a conference, but they charge too much for what you get.

The website falsely advertises $1 parking per night (it costs more than 40), the AC in our room made sputtering death sounds intermittently through the night, the floor had stained patches, the bed was tilted with the head of bed low hanging, and there is no cleaning unless you stay for 5 nights. The lack of cleaning strikes me as incredibly cost saving (and stingy) of the management as the cleaners and the vast majority of the staff aren't even wearing masks, while citing Covid safety. When checking out, we even pointed out the website advertisement which we were told was not applicable (though was promoted at time of our booking and our stay). The view of the Charles and proximity to MOS is nice, but there are other options where the care for the customer would be much better. Do not recommend and will never return- this was my first time in years where I felt that there was no actual hospitality rendered. I often feel pampered and well taken care of at my hotel visits - but not here.

The location of this hotel, halls and pools are great. It has also a nice gym. The service was also very gentle and the room was large with a good view to the river. However, several points are not expected from a hotel that charge more than 400 dollars per night: the premises are already showing signs of aging, I stayed for an entire week and not even once my room was cleaned (hotel policy), the shower has no preassure and takes ages for the hot water to come out, there is no breakfast area only a Starbucks where you can buy coffee and some snacks, the room lacks basics for a such a extensive hotel as a water cooker or a decent coffee maker. It seems cost reduction has been the policy now for that hotel. It is in general a good hotel but definitely overpriced.

Poor service overall. Employees were not helpful at all. We had to beg for our room to be cleaned once during a 5-day stay. One of my friends ordered a new iPhone to the hotel and it just “disappeared”, even though it appeared as delivered by the mail company to one of the hotel employees. No one to escalate, nothing to be done. The facilities were comfortable, and great location, but that was the minim that we were expecting for the price and name of the hotel.

Front desk was very nice, respectful with rude, challenging guests ahead of us at check-in. Bellman was very sweet and attentive. Room was small, appointed very average but very, very clean. Kudos to housekeeping. Room was hot at night. Wished we could have a fan stay on rather than off and on. Loved the motion nightlight at foot level between the beds.

Had a pleasant check in with Kerwin and Saquan. They were so polite. They let us use the pool while we were waiting for our room at be ready at 4pm. The indoor heated pool could use some refurbishment but its a great size and an amazing amenity in a city location. What is unique about this Cambridge hotel is the amount of lounge area they have downstairs. Its very spacious, and the location right on the river means they have outside dining too. ‘ The room was had on the top floor could have used a deep clean, especially of furniture and bed base. The bed and linens were super comfy. The a/c was incredibly loud but fortunately we didn’t need it to sleep. The windows were well sealed and we didn’t hear much traffic noise. The location is right on the river and across from the mall, with lots of restaurants in easy walking distance. I’ve stayed in a few large hotels in Cambridge and I prefer the Sonesta over the Marriott, for the friendly staff, the spacious lounge areas and the river location.

A near perfect experience for our weekend trip to Boston. We stayed in a queen suite on the top floor of the hotel. Everything was clean and the staff were very nice. Smallest gripe was the shower was a little small and would leak out onto the bathroom floor. Don't let this distract you from the fact it's still a very nice hotel for checking out Boston and Cambridge with short walking distances.

First thing I want to tell people, is know about the hidden charges that their website fails to tell customers. When searching for a hotel for about 8 of us, I came across the Senesta. Price sounded good so I booked a couple rooms for me and my wife and my oldest son and his girlfriend who were celebrating their 30th birthday. Once booked I found out that we could not cancel. Something that the website fails to tell customers ahead of time. Luckily the weather held off and we made it to Boston. When we checked in we found that the hotel charges a destination fee which basically is a $22 daily charge to use the pool and fitness center regardless if you will use them. $75 per day for incidental, so that was a $150, hold on your credit card. And parking was $42 A day, even though you can park across the street for $35. So that's the fees so if you're on a budget find another hotel. Now my experience at check in. So they charge you for the rooms a few days before arriving, so at check in they run your card for the daily incidental which they ran my card, it approved and I signed. Minutes later I was told that the card failed and needed to run again. I told the front desk that I just signed and the little signature pad said approved. So I pulled up my credit card account on my phone and showed it to him. So he gets his manager, a Mr Gonzalez who insisted that my bank was wrong and his system was correct. So he suggested that I call my bank, which I did. Bank teller told me exactly what the bank statement showed which was that it went through. He continued to tell me I was wrong and he even refused to speak to the bank. After an hour of wasted vacation arguing with him he finally said that I can go to the room and that their accounting would talk with the bank. At this point I was so upset that my weekend was ruined. I will never stay here again.

We enjoyed a most excellent stay in every way! The accommodations are modernistic yet quite comfy and cozy. The pool is extraordinary! Here it was, the middle of winter, and I felt like I was vacationing on a dreamy tropical island. The water was so warm and inviting and there was no lack of fresh, thick, thirsty towels available poolside. Perhaps best of all was the kind, courteous, and caring hotel staff. Each member was uncommonly gracious. The lobby Starbucks was also a true winner! Just an awesome hotel experience in every way and aspect!

The room was very clean and the location is great however the customer service was not what I was expecting for such a high rated hotel. Got a room with a king bed but the room and bathroom (especially the shower) was tiny. Had one window looking out to the river which was nice. Under construction so had to take the stairs. They do have a later check out time then usual which is nice. Overall nice, but wouldn’t stay again.

Alright so I booked with them after reading reviews and knowing about a lot of complains around cost etc. I was still fine with it just because of the location. So after happily overpaying them I come back to my room the next day all made up and good but there is no complementary water bottle but the paid ones are still there. I'd like to highlight how such small practices and not providing the adequate service maybe normal at this hotel. Please be cautioned.

We loved our stay at this hotel and we will be back! To start, the parking garage had tons of space to park, it’s free and led right into the hotel lobby. The lobby has a nice cafe, the hotel restaurant had a great breakfast and the indoor pool has a beautiful view of Boston and the river. Our room was modern, clean and an excellent view of the city. The whole property was really kid friendly and it’s only a short walk from the Museum of Science and the massive Cambridge Side mall. I will add a photo of our view from the room. Long story short, I highly recommend this hotel.

Travelling with students for a tournament - had troubles at check-in with the charge authorization since my school paid for the rooms, but (after some anxiety) they got us rooms, and we got settled in. The stay itself was great - rooms were comfortable, quiet, and well taken care of by housekeeping. At the end, they tried to charge all 7 rooms to my personal credit card, but Kaley (bless her) got that straightened out and corrected the charge authorization with my school.

Beds and views were exceptional on the tenth floor. Attended an event and the catering and staff were also great. Plumbing in bathrooms would be the weak point, but honestly better than several hotels I've stayed in. Closer to several attractions and immediate access to the river walk along the Charles.

I have mixed feelings about the Royal Sonesta. I stayed here for two nights for a business trip and it was an okay experience. The room they gave me was a handicap accessible room, which wouldn't have been so bad if the shower head wasn't a foot below my head (I'm 6'4). So that was a disappointment. The mattress on the bed was pretty worn out. Felt more like an old bean bag chair than a mattress. And probably the most frustrating thing was the complete lack of bedside outlets. The closest being the desk on the side of the room. Now for the kudos - the front desk staff was amazing. Super nice folks. I don't know that I'll start here again though.

Great location, but very expensive for what it is. Positives: -Location -Hotel restaurant had good breakfast and there were plenty of restaurants within walking distance -Front desk staff were very accommodating -Hotel and rooms were clean and there were complementary apples out front every day -Good shower pressure Negatives: -The heating unit in my room was broken. They fixed it the next morning, but had to have them bring a space heater for the night. -The seals around the shower door were broken so there was a big puddle of water on the floor after taking a shower. They said they'd have the "engineer" take a look, but no one did. -The hotel restaurant accidentally charged my room for someone else's meal. I was still required to pay for it at checkout and it was on me to call back for three days until I reached someone who could correct it. Honestly, they should have made the note and followed up with me, not the other way around. -This wasn't so bad, but if you're put next to the service elevator, be prepared to hear lots of stuff being moved around. Again, it didn't bother me, but I could see it being annoying for others.

There are federal and state regulations on sanitary guidelines for hotels to keep guests safe. When they are not followed, guests are at risk. This hotel puts their guests at serious health risk as it has now been confirmed I caught MRSA from a stay here November 2023. It has been a nightmare, and the treatment is intense. Book elsewhere. Nothing is worth this.

I’m here to share my experience at the Royal Sonesta hotel in Boston. Arriving at the hotel Sunday afternoon, my wife was greeted pleasantly by the doorman. I believe this is the only pleasant moment during our stay at the hotel. During check in the front desk reception seem cold and it was an unpleasant welcome to the hotel. Charging about 4-500$ a night you would expect a bit more than 3 star service and overall feel and experience. A free smile perhaps would brother things up. The hotel seemed pretty vacant and lots of parking was available. The family headed to our room on the third floor and the door was open/unlocked? It seemed strange, we asked the cleaning lady if perhaps someone was in the room? It would have felt unpleasant if there was another guest in the room we were just assigned to. She say no and we proceeded to enter. The room was clean and warm. The view of Boston was a sea of gravel being on the 3rd floor. Furniture in the suite was chipped in multiple places and the bathroom looks like it has some mold. For my family our experience at this hotel was far from Royal. It does not make sense to pay a premium for this hotel when Mediocre is what you may get. It’s unfortunate for my wife and son to experience what we did. Maybe, perhaps I can help save others the experience of disappointment. Only the doorman was pleasant and a very welcoming man! Too bad I couldn’t say more nice things about the hotel. The key card you receive states “Long live the guest” Too bad their only referring some guest. I will post pictures of the view, the chipped furnishing's and mold in bathroom.

Good hotel in a nice location. The gym facilities are very modern and open 24/7. Some rooms are really big with amazing views on Boston. Rooms could be better sound isolated as you here neighbors all the time.

Had a great time clean. only problem was the fire Alarm going off twice one at 1am and the second was around 330 then couldn't go back to sleep after that. But over all experience was amazing.

I've been sending friends, family, and clients here for ages given my past experiences. I've had the occasion to stay a bit recently and the experience has only gotten better. Gertrude and the other housekeeping professionals are kind, as are all the staff under Mark's management. Mike and Michael, who's taken over from his father Carl at the bar serve up fine libations with great company. The front desk team led by Luis & Martha, including Mark, have been wonderful and happy to meet requests with the wisdom of the best local hosts.

Don’t believe what front desk tells you. Each person at the front desk is playing to their own tune. Confirm everything in writing. They told me they adjusted my booking on the phone and later claimed they had no record of the change a day before I was to checkin.

Some rooms have shared doors between them and you can hear anything going on on the other room. With a family next door that becomes a nightmare for guests who want quiet environment. Beside that it's an average hotel.

Location is beautiful on the Charles River. The view is fabulous. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Parking onsite was handy. There is a mall and restaurants across the street within walking distance. The Art Bar restaurant inside hotel had beautiful breakfast choices and great service. Awesome indoor Pool was actually warm enough to swim in.. loved our stay!

This hotel would've received 5 stars if it wasn't for the rust and clogging in the tub. Lobby area is welcoming and so is that staff, rooms are spacious and clean and beds are comfortable and plush. The hotel is in a great location, right on the water, across the street from the mall and plenty of restaurants and lots of boutiques. There are always taxis on the property if you need to go in a hurry, and the concierge is more than happy to help you with get to where you need to be. Gym is also nice and spacious with an indoor pool. Will definitely come back!

I had a birthday celebration here a few weeks ago and was treated so well! The hotel itself is beautiful, the pool is gorgeous, and you can’t beat the location! Special shout out to Biraj at front desk for being so welcoming and accommodating, and for getting us a room with a wonderful view of the river. It’s the small things that are so appreciated. Thanks for making my birthday so special!

Very friendly staff. Great location. We'll be back.

The lobby is beautiful!! The valet was super friendly and I felt very comfortable giving him my car. When I got my car back I was greeted with a huge smile and "thank you for staying with us"

The view from my room was good, the bed was really comfortable, and the desk with Herman Miller chairs was really good. The pool was good if you want to relax as well, good size when there are not many people around. As a normal hotel room it's fine, but I don't think it was worth the very high price. The lever to open the shower fell the first time I opened it and the toilet had running water until I opened the water tank and fixed the seal myself. The blind was really hard to open so it stayed close most of the time.

Overall we had a good stay. The pool was one of the reasons we picked this hotel. It did not disappoint. The kids loved it. The view in the room was pretty amazing and the room was big and comfortable. However, the hotel does not do housekeeping unless you stay more than 4 nights. The reason I was given was due to COViD. We had to call to get towels and just put out our trash ourselves in front of the door so they would take it. There wasn’t many options for food but the Cambridge Mall was just steps away. Next time I will most likely stay closer to Boston Commons.

Stayed for 3 days over the Boston Marathon weekend and really enjoyed it. Location is quite good, in Cambridge but quite close to both bridges to downtown Boston (15-20 minutes walk). The room we got was quite spacious and with an awesome view of the river and downtown. The bar is also quite nice, good service, fair prices and the clam chowder was top notch, imagine! Will definitively use again for any visit to Boston and recommend to my friends and family the same.

Parking price for guests should be free. Other than that the location is nice. The staff was very attentive and pleasant both in person as well as over the phone. The lobby was clean and spacious with a pleasant aroma flowing through the air. The room was clean and equipped with a mini fridge for leftovers, one might bring back from the many restaurants in the area. Even better the hotel is a stones throw from the Cambridgeside Galleria mall.

Pro: Room old but clean. Nice location. Con: The team was understaffed, resulting in long waiting lines for both check-in and check-out. I ordered food through a delivery app, but nobody brought it to my room. Instead, it was left on a table, and I didn't receive any call from the reception. In other 4-stars hotels, it was always delivered to my door. Despite asking multiple times, I never received the receipt for my stay. Customer care just keeps replying that it was sent to my emails, which is not true.

A place where I've stayed 20+ times and always love it. People are very friendly. Decent rooms. Nice views are a plus. Looks like they recently closed the art bar for breakfast which I liked a lot before. Hope to see it re-open soon.

I'm mixed on this hotel. When checking in, the front desk person did one of those "this way to your room" type hand motion showing what direction to go ... but I didn't get any additional information about the hotel, what amenities they provide, room service, or anything else. The location is pretty fancy looking. There don't seem to be cameras in the hallways which leads me to believe the area is pretty safe, though there seems to be quite a bit of cameras in their lobby. I guess they don't want you to disturbing their expensive decor they have laying around. At one point, I put down my leather jacket and some belonging to use the bathroom, and when I returned, my stuff was gone. Thankfully, it was at the front desk, but I was told it was moved for 'security reasons'. Really? To me, that's a great way to give someone a heart attack. It's awesome that they are so proactive, but it is a little *too* proactive if you ask me, bordering on concerning. The pillows in the rooms are uncomfortable. The lights and the way you can actuate them to point in a variety of directions are pretty decent. The room I stayed in was clean. The bath towels are okay, nothing to write home about. I also appreciated a small 'courtesy' light at the foot of each night stand to illuminate the room slightly if you're shuffling around. It seems it was broken on one side of the room, however. Your room key affords you the ability to access their fitness area. Although I don't work out, I was intrigued by the equipment all having QR codes with information on how to use the equipment, along with a snack and soda machine. As to why there are no snack or soda machines on the individual floors remains a mystery and annoyance to me. In typical hotel fashion, there seemed to be a downed elevator, but at least it was properly demarcated and easy to tell that work was being done. One thing that forces me to remove a star is on day of check out, I inquired about late check out. The standard check out time is Noon. However, if you ask for late check out, they extend you to 1PM. Anything after that is a $75 fee. That's *absolutely astronomical* to be charged a fee to check out. You have been warned. Also, there looked to be a $10 fee for public parking for each hour. I guess this is due to the nature of how busy the hotel is, but these level of fees are crazy. The one redeeming quality of this hotel is location (I guess, ease of walking distance to where I was going) and the soap. the soap they use is Pogessi soap and apparently you can buy it in bulk online if you enjoy efficiency. It is pretty awesome soap. Also, the hot water is sufficient for a long shower. There was one morning in my stay where all the hot water was gone, though I'm unsure why that was. I thought that every few rooms had their own hot water feed, but I guess each hotel design is different. All and all, an okay hotel. If you utilize it just to sleep it and get to/from a venue, it serves that purpose.

This is a dated hotel, on a busy street, in desperate need of an upgrade in its facilities and its employees. Common areas were worn. The plastic bathtub base was not glued to the ground so there was water under the bath tub, and you felt like you were surfing while taking a show. One of us fell over. I find it really annoying when hotel gives you swipe keys that don't work - so you make your way back to the elevator and wait 10min since only one was working during our stay. The beds were so incredibly soft with no support that it was impossible to get to sleep. Using covid is no longer an excuse when you charge exorbitant rates for an inferior product. This place should be shut down and rebuilt with new staff. Overall it was a HORRIBLE experience for us, and strongly recommend against staying here.

We just had our wedding!!!! Bianca - the wedding coordinator - went above and beyond in every way, shape, and form for us - even helping to fix my dress. Furthermore, all of the staff knew we were the bride and groom and treated us and our guests like royalty!!!!!! The food was as good as the best Boston steakhouses, and the atmosphere was electric there. They made the day so easy and relaxing - 0 stress. They made our weekend so special - plus you can’t beat those views!!!

Location is great and if you get a balcony view, it's a great overlook of the river. The room itself was fine. There were some nice touches and the bed was pretty comfy. No actual complaints over my short one night stay. Very quiet too. There is a Starbucks on premise which is nice. For me though, the highlight was the views and getting to watch the sweep rowing teams from the balcony.

The location is near the train so that's nice but that's about it. They do nothing about screaming children running around a neighbor's room at 7am on a Sunday so I hope you don't plan to sleep in. I guess quiet hours only apply at 9pm to adults! The quiet time signs posted said 10pm-8am but I guess staff are allowed to make the rules up as they want. There is ZERO sound proofing if you are unfortunate enough to be assigned a joined room with a door. It was as if the children were in our room, screaming in our ears at 7am. One of the elevators is broken and this building is SO busy, you'll have to take the stairs if you want to go down because it fills up so fast. This place is horrifically overpriced, find literally anywhere else to stay for a better experience.

Location is very good, the staff very friendly. The quality is on the lower side, you can expect rooms not clean enough, old furniture and 0 attention to details. Definitely this is not a 4 stars hotel. I don’t recommend this hotel for the price.