Hotel 1868

The hotel stands out for its exceptional location directly across from the Porter Square T station, offering unparalleled access to Cambridge and Boston. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's remarkable cleanliness, modern design, and the friendly, helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive experience. The comfortable beds are also a recurring positive. This makes it an ideal choice for business travelers seeking convenience to university areas and downtown, sightseers wanting easy access to city attractions, and couples looking for a cozy, well-located base. For those planning an extended stay or traveling with significant luggage, it's advisable to consider a larger room option, as some standard rooms are noted for their compact size. Leveraging the hotel's direct access to the Red Line is key to maximizing exploration of the area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of well-maintained facilities that enhance the guest experience. The fitness center receives high praise for being well-equipped with modern machines, including treadmills and weights, and is accessible 24 hours a day, allowing guests to maintain their routines. A dedicated business center and library/conference room provide quiet spaces for work or study, complete with amenities like printing services. Guests appreciate the availability of purified water and ice machines in the basement, along with complimentary bottled water in rooms. While the Wi-Fi is generally reliable, some guests noted the absence of a mini-fridge or microwave in their rooms, which could enhance convenience for longer stays. The hotel also operates on an on-request room servicing policy, which many guests find convenient for privacy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, immaculate, and well-maintained. The beds are frequently highlighted as very comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep, though some noted their height. While many rooms are described as small or compact, guests generally find them well-designed and functional, maximizing the available space. However, some found the limited space challenging for luggage. The bathrooms are often lauded for their modern design, good size, and excellent water pressure with hot showers. Conversely, a recurring concern is the shower design, with many mentioning small stalls, thin curtains leading to water splashing onto the floor, or slippery surfaces. Some guests also noted a lack of vanity space or storage around the sink. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet, though some rooms facing the street or near the elevator experienced occasional disturbances, and a few mentioned noise from neighboring rooms or issues with the HVAC system. In-room coffee makers are a welcome amenity.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer an on-site restaurant or breakfast service, which is a consistent point noted by guests. However, this is largely mitigated by the abundance of dining options and coffee shops within easy walking distance. Many guests highly recommend the Cafe Nero located right next door for convenient breakfast and coffee. The surrounding area in Porter Square provides a diverse selection of restaurants, including popular spots like Bagelsaurus and various eateries, ensuring guests have ample choices for meals. Additionally, a microwave is available for guest use in the business center, offering a convenient option for heating food. The proximity to grocery stores and other food establishments allows guests to easily find whatever they need for their culinary preferences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, being directly across the street from the Porter Square T station (Red Line). This provides exceptionally convenient and quick access to Harvard Square, downtown Boston, and other key areas, making it ideal for both sightseeing and business travel. Guests appreciate the extensive walkability of the area, with numerous restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and essential services like Target and CVS all within a short stroll. The neighborhood itself is described as safe and vibrant, offering a pleasant environment for exploration. For those arriving by car, valet parking is available and praised for its efficiency, though some guests note the associated cost. Limited street parking is also an option, particularly overnight and on Sundays.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the welcoming demeanor of the front desk team, who are described as professional, courteous, and eager to assist with various needs, from local recommendations to accommodating requests. The check-in process is often noted as quick and seamless, contributing to a positive first impression. Many guests appreciate the convenient luggage storage service, with staff efficiently handling bags and even delivering them to rooms. The valet service is also highlighted for its efficiency and the pleasant interactions with attendants. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated instances mentioned less satisfactory interactions regarding specific issues, but overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a defining characteristic of the guest experience.