We stayed in the Irving House for six nights and were totally satisfied.

The place is a large house that has been converted into a homey property. I can't really call it a B&B, at least as I understand B&Bs, but more of a house hotel and a very nice one at that. Our room was en suite -- large, airy and light with a nice bathroom and a large closet. It was very clean.

The food provided for breakfast buffet and tea was fine. The breakfasts were vegetarian--eggs (but not to order), cheese, and other great treats (mini quiches, popovers, etc). The breads were superb and the coffee excellent--deep and rich. I was saying this morning that this is the first hotel I have ever been in that puts out properly ripe bananas--not hard green grassy bananas that you usually get. Bravi! Everything is local and fresh. After 10AM, there is coffee, tea, cookies, and some other baked goods. It was fun to come home after a day in the archive to have a tea and excellent spice cookie.

The location is ideal for Harvard--across the street. The T (Subway) is a 8 minute walk through Harvard Yard.

So our review of Irving House is ++++++.

Two restaurants we enjoyed: Russell House Tavern on JFK Street. It was a gastropub with good food and beers. It was filled with upscale young Harvard/Cambridge types. A bit noisy but we would go back.

Yenching on Mass Ave. Right across from Harvard, this chinese restaurant was much, much better than we expected. Most of the customers were Chinese students from Harvard having a taste of home (a good sign). The food we had -- Tea Smoked Duck, Fresh Veggies in Garlic Sauce, Dumplings--was just fine.

Dessert at JP Licks was a good local experience. This is a deluxe Ice Cream place that was lots of fun with excellent ice cream.

If you're looking for lodging near Harvard Square, it's hard to imagine a better choice than Irving House. We expected a charming B&B at a reasonable price, and they certainly delivered that. Positive surprises beyond the usual included: wide variety of healthy home-made breakfast choices, delicious coffee, snacks all day (until 10pm) including fruit and great cookies, free off-street parking, extra room heater upon request and plenty of extra blankets, fantastic location convenient for walking to Harvard Square or driving elsewhere (without having to contend with Harvard Sq), interesting people doing short-term or longer-term visits to Harvard... Free wifi, with reasonable speed. Books that you are encouraged to take away with you. Wall St Journal, Boston Globe, and New York Times. We will definitely be back and will send all our friends here.

I stayed in The Irving House in Decermber as a few friends were staying there too. It was a good value for the location, but my room was a bit small, (a twin up against the wall) and had to share a bathroom which I am not a big fan of. But this was the only room that was available. The bigger rooms with the private baths were very nice. And the location is great with a 10-15 minute walk to Harvard Square. The breakfast was yummy and had a great variety. It reminded me of the European B&B's.

I would definitely stay here again. But would prefer a room with my own bath.

The Irving House really embodies the definition of hospitality and home-from-home. It was such a joy to stay there.
Highlights included:
- I stayed here for business but during my birthday. When Rachel, the manager, found out that it was my birthday, she gave me a room discount, a gift bag with local goodies in it, and giftcards to local shops and restaurants.
- The food! It's all locally sourced. When I arrived, I was welcomed to the kitchen for pie, tea, and hot apple cider. Breakfast is also a feast of local delicacies, including multiple kinds of eggs, jams, cheeses, fruits (dried + fresh), and veggies (olives and tomatoes). And there's afternoon/evening snacks, also locally baked, (cookies, cakes, savory pastries). Divine!
Also: The value for money is unbeatable. I opted for a single room w/shared bath for 70 dollars per night. It was never a problem to find a bathroom, which were always clean and well supplied. It's a delightful touch to have books - to take away - dotted around the house and its rooms. And the artwork and prints are beautiful.
Do, DO, stay there!
To Rachel, Leah, and all the staff - THANK YOU for a delightful visit to Cambridge.