Ginkgo House on Harvard

For those searching "Hotels Near Of Me" and seeking a charming, home-like, and exceptionally well-located accommodation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Ginkgo House on Harvard stands out as a hidden gem. Situated at 288 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, this unique boutique inn offers a distinct alternative to traditional hotels, providing a warm and personalized experience. You can reach them directly at (617) 858-0882 or +1 617-858-0882.

The Ginkgo House on Harvard is nestled in a "nice neighborhood" in Cambridge, a "quiet side street" that offers a peaceful respite while remaining incredibly connected to the city's intellectual and cultural heartbeat. The inn itself is a "beautiful old Victorian house" built in 1867, named after the pair of Ginkgo trees that grace its front. It blends historical architectural details, such as elegant pinewood stairways and high ceilings, with tastefully updated interiors. Guests describe the house as "beautifully decorated, clean, and well maintained," creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

The location on Harvard Street is highly advantageous for exploring Cambridge. It's "very walkable to Harvard Square and many restaurants," with Harvard Square being approximately a 15-minute walk. Central Square and its Red Line T station are also "within walking distance," roughly 0.63 km away. This provides "easy access" for exploring major universities like Harvard and MIT, as well as accessing downtown Boston via a "very easy train ride to and from the airport and Boston." The proximity to the Red Line means guests can seamlessly connect to various parts of the city without needing a car. The neighborhood itself is characterized by its charming architecture, allowing guests to enjoy "lovely view from the window" and experience a residential Cambridge feel.

Ginkgo House on Harvard focuses on providing a comfortable and convenient stay, emphasizing amenities that create a home-away-from-home feeling:

• Accommodations: The inn offers 14 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, including various configurations such as Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen, Family Rooms, and Private Studio Suites. While some rooms are noted as "not very large," they are consistently described as "very well designed," "clean," and featuring "super comfortable beds." Each room is equipped with air conditioning, hardwood or parquet floors, a private bathroom (some rooms, while others may have shared bathrooms depending on type), a work desk, and a small fridge. Additional amenities include a coffee/tea maker, iron/ironing board, and free bottled water. Guests appreciate the "good water pressure" and quick heating of the showers. A notable addition in the rooms is a white noise machine, which guests found contributed to "wonderful sleep" in the quiet environment.
• Shared Kitchen & Complimentary Snacks: A standout feature is the "easy access to the kitchen where there are free snacks, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and filtered water." This communal space allows guests to enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout their stay and even prepare light meals, enhancing the sense of a shared home. Some room types, like the Private Studio Suite and Private Family Suite, also include private kitchens with microwaves, ovens, stovetops, and toaster ovens, along with cookware and dishware.
• Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi (250+ Mbps) is available in all rooms and public areas, ensuring reliable internet access for guests.
• Personalized Service: Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, especially mentioning "Nancy" as "very sweet and fun to talk to" and "always welcoming and friendly." This personalized attention contributes significantly to the pleasant guest experience.
• Parking: In a city where parking can be challenging and expensive, Ginkgo House offers the valuable amenity of reservable on-site parking. Guests have confirmed that they "have been able to reserve parking as well, which is great considering the limited space (and pricing!) in Cambridge." This is a significant advantage for travelers with vehicles, though it's "only on request" and may incur a fee.
• Guest Services: The inn offers express check-in and check-out (between specific hours), luggage storage, and daily housekeeping (on request). A virtual front desk may provide assistance outside of staffed hours.
• Outdoor Spaces: The property includes a garden, a terrace/patio with outdoor furniture, and gas grills, offering lovely outdoor spaces for guests to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Accessibility: While some upper floors may be accessible by stairs only, the property strives for accessibility with a front entrance ramp and wheelchair-accessible public washrooms.

The Ginkgo House on Harvard distinguishes itself with several unique features that contribute to its charm and appeal, particularly for those seeking a more intimate and personalized stay:

• Boutique Inn Atmosphere: Unlike large, impersonal hotels, Ginkgo House offers a cozy, intimate "inn" or "bed and breakfast" style experience in a beautifully restored Victorian home. This provides a more authentic and personalized visit to Cambridge.
• Shared Kitchen & Snack Bar: The communal kitchen with complimentary snacks and beverages is a highly appreciated feature, fostering a sense of community and providing added value, especially for longer stays.
• Exceptional Staff Interaction: The emphasis on warm, friendly, and helpful staff, as frequently mentioned in reviews, creates a welcoming and supportive environment that enhances the overall guest experience.
• Strategic Walkable Location: Its placement in a quiet neighborhood that is still highly walkable to Harvard Square, Central Square, and the Red Line T station offers the best of both worlds – peace and quiet with excellent urban access.
• Comfort-Focused Rooms: The emphasis on comfortable beds, good water pressure, and thoughtful additions like white noise machines ensures a restful and high-quality sleep experience for guests.
• On-Request Parking: The availability of reservable on-site parking is a rare and valuable amenity in this part of Cambridge, providing significant convenience for guests with vehicles.
• Historic and Artistic Ambiance: The house itself is a historical Victorian property with preserved architectural details and artwork on display, offering a culturally enriching environment.

As a unique boutique inn, Ginkgo House on Harvard's promotional offers may differ from larger hotel chains. It's always best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, general types of promotions or considerations for booking include:

• Direct Booking Advantages: Booking directly through the Ginkgo House website or by phone may offer the best rates and personalized service. They have previously stated they "guarantee lowest rate amongst our hotel peers in Cambridge, and our rates are usually 20-30% lower in comparison. We'd happy to price match next time when you visit Cambridge again." This suggests a commitment to competitive pricing for direct bookings.
• Seasonal Pricing: Like most accommodations, rates can vary by season. Kayak data suggests that the cheapest months to stay are typically January and December, while July can be the most expensive. Planning your visit during the low season could lead to better deals.
• Longer Stay Discounts: While not explicitly stated, properties of this nature sometimes offer reduced rates for extended stays, given the home-like amenities.
• Booking Platform Specific Deals: Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, or Kayak may occasionally feature their own promotions or packages for Ginkgo House. It is always wise to compare rates across different platforms.

To ensure you secure the best rate and receive the most current information regarding availability and any special offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Ginkgo House on Harvard website or to call them directly using the provided phone numbers.