DH and I just treated ourselves to a night's stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge in honor of our first anniversay. We saved $$ by booking an internet special, but we also were surprised by a host of free services which are part of their SummerFest special which runs from Memorial Day - Labor Day; evidently to attract families and vacationers. We received 4 free tickets on the Charles River cruise which are normally $12 each. I highly recommend this cruise. The hotel serves free ice cream all day on the terrace. We took advantage of free bike loans and helmets and took a spin along the Charles down to Harvard Square and back by way of the Esplanade. We made the trip in 45 minutes, but you are allowed to keep the bikes for two hours with no charge, they charge $5 per hour after the first free two hours. Our room was lovely (we paid an upgrade to get a river view room), spotless and cozy with two huge windows with sweeping views of the Charles River in each direction. We loved the fact that each window has a part that opens. We lay in bed with a beautiful river breeze coming through carrying sounds of summer and seagulls. Our room service breakfast was wonderful, but we did not eat any other meals there. Dante's restaurant seemed to be packed on Saturday night late into the evening, with beautiful young things enjoying the summer night on the open air terrace. Strangely, this city hotel becomes a wonderful summer resort getaway with a pool, terraces, movies and activities for the kids, and great biking and walking outside the door. You could also easily walk to the museum of Science and take in the exhibits or the Omni theater. There is abundance shopping and free shuttles right next door at the Galleria Mall. So what's not to love? I took digital photos and will post those tomorrow.

My wife and I have just returned from a three week trip to the USA, the last night of which was spent at this hotel in the Cambridge side of Boston. We had stayed in Boston for two nights earlier in the week and now wish that we had stayed at the Royal Sonesta instead. Great value (as I booked it via Hotwire) for an expensive area (Boston), but easily better than two other hotels we stayed at in the theatre district (Radisson Boston and Park Plaza). I resent the silly price for bottles of water ($5.50!!!) but otherwise the hotel is worth while. The room was a reasonable size, clean and modern, although bathroom was a bit small (not unusual for the area).

The location on the Cambridge side of the Charles river is ideal - we had a very pleasant walk along the river and then around the corner to the Galleria Mall, followed by a good dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

The hotel had a few specials on such as free ice cream, complementary boat cruise etc. but we didn't have time to take advantage of all the offers - maybe next time...

If we get back to Boston we will happily stay at the Sonesta again.

We thought that the Sonesta had an ideal location on the Charles River away from the hustle and bustle of a very humid Boston. Easy to get the T ( underground) and be in the centre in 10 mins. Our standard room was spacious and kept well cleaned. It was a good allround venue except the extras that other travellers have commented on in these pages.Breakfast was included up to $11 each- if you go over this you are charged. It also seems you are also charged even if you dont(as we found out on our last day! I think the staff were adding on their own tips).
We arrived to be informed that "the upgrade" was not covered by our reservation and had to fight to get a standard room - which we had requested and were quite happy with. We thought this was cleared up but discovered upon checking out that we had been charged for an upgrade anyhow- even though we never requested one and didnt want one! So watch out for this. There was no argument when we pointed out this error.
The hotel does spoil itself by this money grabbing style because it has a lot going for it. The restaurant Dante is superb if expensive- I was also surprised to learn that I had been charged for a phonecall from my room to Dante when I hadnt even been connected and it is the hotels own restaurant! It was agreed that this would be taken off when I queried what it was for.

We were worried this would be too far out of Boston - it isn't! A wonderful hotel, we loved our room overlooking the river, and in fact thought the hotel was great. It is within walking distance of the T, opposite a large shopping mall, within walking distance of the Science Museum, and on the Sunday morning we even walked all the way to Harvard.

Sadly it rained for most of our stay here, but umbrellas are provided in the rooms which were a godsend. The staff are more than happy to help with whatever you may need, and the service here is excellent.

The pool and leisure rooms here were really nice - and I adored the Jacuzzi. They were even giving us free ice cream. We never used the main restaurant here, but the smaller food bar was more than adequate.

It seems to be one of those hotels that whatever you may need or want, they have thought of it ahead of you and it is provided or available.

I would certainly recommend this place - and we would certainly stay here again.