Sheraton Commander Hotel

For those actively seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" in the historically rich and intellectually vibrant city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Sheraton Commander Hotel stands out as a true gem. Situated at 16 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA, this iconic hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, making it a highly recommended choice for both leisure and business travelers. You can reach the hotel directly at (617) 547-4800 or +1 617-547-4800 for inquiries and reservations.

The hotel's location is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Nestled in historic Harvard Square, it's just a short walk (approximately 4-8 minutes) from Harvard University's campus, including Harvard Yard, and the bustling Harvard Square itself, which is brimming with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions. This prime position makes it an ideal base for prospective students and their families, alumni, or anyone visiting the prestigious academic institutions in Cambridge, including MIT and Tufts University. Public transportation (the "T" subway system) and taxi services are readily available right outside the hotel, offering seamless access to downtown Boston and other parts of the greater metropolitan area. Its location also offers a charming neighborhood feel, appreciated by guests who enjoy walking and exploring the local environment.

The Sheraton Commander Hotel, originally built in 1927 and having undergone renovations in 2016, exudes a timeless elegance that perfectly blends its storied past with contemporary comforts. The moment you step into the grand lobby, you are greeted with a sense of historic ambiance. Despite not being the "newest or trendiest hotel in the area," as one review aptly puts it, its well-maintained classic decor and inviting spaces create a warm and sophisticated environment. The hotel features 175 well-appointed rooms and suites, designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat. The overall atmosphere is often described as quiet and peaceful, offering a calm respite from the vibrant energy of Harvard Square.

Guest reviews consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, with rooms noted as "spotless" and common areas well-maintained. The positive culture among the staff, often described as feeling like "one big family" with a low turnover rate, contributes significantly to the welcoming and comfortable environment. This is a smoke-free property, ensuring a fresh and pleasant indoor atmosphere for all guests. The hotel also boasts a garden, providing a serene outdoor space for relaxation.

The service at the Sheraton Commander Hotel is consistently praised by guests as "exceptional," "outstanding," and "second to none." The staff, from valet attendants to the front desk team, housekeeping, and restaurant staff, are repeatedly lauded for their warm hospitality, professionalism, and attentiveness. Special mentions in reviews often go to individuals like Katelynn, Lisa, Fabiola, and Kevin at the front desk, Chef Rudy at NuBar for his "fabulous omelets," and Richard, the manager, for ensuring guest satisfaction. This genuine care for the guest experience is a defining characteristic of the hotel.

A comprehensive range of services is available to cater to diverse traveler needs. These include a 24-hour front desk, ensuring assistance at any time, and express check-in and check-out for efficiency. Complimentary wireless internet access is provided in guest rooms, meeting rooms, and common areas, allowing guests to stay connected. Valet parking is available for a fee (currently around $45 per day, which includes in/out privileges). While the hotel is pet-friendly, it's important to note their policy of one pet per room (dogs only, max 150 lbs, $100 per stay). Other services include bell staff/porterage, luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry service, and an ATM/banking service.

For business needs, the hotel features a business center with computer stations and printing facilities. It also offers five elegant meeting venues, encompassing over 5,000 square feet of function space, equipped with audio-visual equipment and custom catering services, making it an ideal choice for professional gatherings and events, as attested by a glowing review from a vendor for a Harvard School of Public Health event.

The Sheraton Commander Hotel features 175 non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each designed to provide a restful stay. Rooms are noted for their comfort and spaciousness, with many offering an abundance of natural light from expansive windows. Standard amenities in guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with premium channels, a coffee/tea maker, an in-room safe, iron/ironing board, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Many rooms feature custom-designed four-poster beds and plush bedding, enhancing the classic elegance. Connecting/adjoining rooms are available upon request, subject to availability, which is convenient for families.

For dining, the hotel boasts its on-site restaurant, NuBar. NuBar serves classic New England cuisine with an innovative twist for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests particularly praise the breakfast offerings, including made-to-order omelets. While breakfast incurs a charge (approximately $26 per person for buffet breakfast), the quality of food and service is highly regarded. The restaurant also includes a bar/lounge area for drinks and relaxation. Room service is also available, though one review mentioned it might not be universally available across all room types or at all times, so confirming this directly with the hotel upon arrival is advisable.

Recreational facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines. While the hotel does not have a swimming pool, the proximity to Harvard Square and the charming local streets offers ample opportunities for walking and exploring. The hotel also has a gift shop/newsstand for last-minute needs or souvenirs. Some rooms offer Executive Lounge access for Marriott Bonvoy Club level guests, which typically includes complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and dedicated service, although the exact offerings and lounge hours would need to be confirmed directly with the hotel.

As a Sheraton property, the Sheraton Commander Hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This is a significant advantage for members, allowing them to earn and redeem points for stays, enjoy exclusive member rates, and benefit from elite status perks such as complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and access to the Club Lounge (for eligible tiers). Booking directly through Marriott's official website or the hotel's site is always recommended to ensure eligibility for these loyalty benefits and to access the most current promotions.

The hotel frequently participates in Marriott's global promotions, which can include discounts for longer stays, package deals that combine accommodation with dining or local experiences, and special rates for AAA/CAA members, seniors, and government/military personnel. Guests can also look for "Park & Stay" packages that might include valet parking, which otherwise carries a separate daily fee. While the nightly rates reflect its prime location and quality, the overall value for money is often rated positively by guests due to the exceptional service and comfortable environment. Guests are encouraged to check the hotel's official website or the Marriott Bonvoy app for the latest offers and to secure the best available rates for their specific travel dates, especially when searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in a desirable location like Cambridge.