Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston/Cambridge-Arlington, MA

We’ve stayed here several times while visiting our son and his family near Harvard, and plan to return. The staff throughout the hotel are amazing, from managers and reception to cleaning and service crews. The kitchen team keeps an eye on the buffet and responds quickly if something runs out or you need help, while understanding that some dietary needs or requests can’t be met. They do what they can. The suites are comfortable and spacious, with walk-in showers, a decent sink counter, and a kitchenette that can handle most microwave and two-burner-stove cooking. There’s a full size refrigerator and a sofa that folds into a queen sized bed. The beds are comfortable and there are different pillows to choose from. Breakfast has a reasonable range: eggs, breakfast meats, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, breads, and sometimes waffles or pancakes. Internet is good, and there are plenty of work areas for informal meetings. The 77 bus is easy to catch for Cambridge or further into Arlington. Porter Square has Red Line access, and the bus continues to Harvard Square. Going down toward Arlington center, there are lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants. A hearty well done to the hotel staff and crew.

For me, the price and location can’t be beat. There’s plenty of food and other things around, and public transit is a short bus ride away. The rooms are really comfortable and the breakfast is great. The staff go above and beyond. Jeiling and Raphael are especially awesome, though everyone else is just as great. 10 / 10 every time.

We were there for a week during a big winter storm, and everything went well. The hotel is very close to Alewife station on the Red Line, and several public buses stop just feet from the entrance. If you're driving, parking is free and covered, so the car stays protected from the weather. Good service and delicious breakfast too.

The rooms are small, with a small washbasin and a bed that’s short. Getting from the garage to the room floors means taking two different elevators. The facilities are outdated and the official interior photos are misleading. This was far poorer than other Homewood Suites I’ve stayed at. Don’t stay here unless it’s an emergency.