Review: Hotel Veritas, Cambridge

Hotel Veritas is a small luxury boutique hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I stayed here during my two-day visit to Harvard and Cambridge a few weeks ago. The 31-room hotel, which opened in 2010, is near Harvard Square, which is one of the more popular dining and shopping center of the city.

The lobby

Rooms

My first reaction when I entered the room was, "this isn't backpacker accommodations." 

I stayed in the Petite Queen Room, which is a bit small, but is very well furnished. It supplied with a queen-sized bed, Anichini Egyptian cotton linens, duvets and pillows. It is decorated with contemporary art by artists Kristin Tieg and Jarrod McCabbe, and the walls are painted with earth tones, and are wallpapered in places.

The room is a welcome change from the usual backpacker accommodations 

The shower and bath area are tiled with marble, and the luxurious toiletries are Palais Jamais by Etro. The towels, robes and bath linens are also by Anichini. There's also an iPod docking station, a phone, and large LCD television in the room. 

As we were still experiencing wintry weather (there's still snow outside), the heating did wonders to regulate the temperature inside the room, controlled via a thermostat located near the bed. The bathroom floors are heated even. 

The tastefully decorated room

My only complaint about the room was that the bed has too many pillows, and I have to toss some of them in a corner where I won't trip over them when I have to go to the bathroom at the middle of the night.

Ambiance

As it is a small hotel, the ambiance is very intimate and Old World. The hotel feels sleek and contemporary but at the same time tries to give homage to the historic neighborhood where it is located.

The bathroom

Amenities

Aside from the well-furnished room, it also comes with thoughtful amenities that backpackers and business travelers alike would appreciate. There's free WiFi, both in the room and in the lobby. In the even that you'll ran out of juice for your gadgets you can find plenty of outlets throughout the room. There's also an electronic safe for your belongings, iron and ironing board, and a hair dryer.

Free drinks are provided - juices and sodas, as well as bottled water, tea and Nespresso coffee -  in the lounge, near the concierge. Newspapers are also provided.

Concierge area

There is a business center in the lobby, also open for 24-hours a day. Valet parking is also available. And as a nod to tree hugging guests, there are two electric car charging stations for the guests at the garage.

There's another amenity that I would have loved to use, but couldn't find the time - free access to the gym, Karma Yoga, across the street. 

Karma Yoga gym

Staff

The concierge is available 24-hours a day to assist the guests. I find the staff very friendly and accommodating. They would greet you when you come in, and would even stop to exchange pleasantries when you see then in the hall or the elevator.

Bar/Restaurants

There is no bar or restaurant inside the hotel, but that's hardly a problem, as there are loads of nice places to dine near the hotel - in Harvard Square and along Massachusetts Avenue.

Price 

The prices are on the high end of spectrum, with the average daily rate of ~$200-300. But I think my was able half that when it was booked for me by my friends (thanks Joan and Ian!) through  an online site. You may also book at hotels.com. 

Remington Street. Hotel Veritas is on the left.

Hotel Veritas is one of the hotels that I liked. If I'd find myself in Cambridge again one day, and if the budget allows it, I would definitely stay here again.

How to Get There

Hotel Veritas is located in 1 Remington St., Cambridge, Massachusetts. Coming from Boston, take the Red Line subway to Harvard Square station and walk towards Remington Street.

Useful Info
Website: thehotelveritas.com 
Phone: +1 617-520-5000

review by Kin Enriquez