Starwood Preferred Guest - *wood property near Harvard Univ. Boston

I am planning to visit Boston in next 2 weeks, can someone please suggest a decent *wood property close to Harvard Sq. Thanks in advance

As far as I know, the only one in Cambridge is the Sheraton Commander . . . I've never stayed there, but I can vouch for its convenience to Harvard Square -- it's about three blocks.

The Sheraton Commander is in Harvard Square, but the Sheraton Boston is only a 20-25 minute bus ride from Harvard Square, and (unless the Commander has been renovated recently) is a much higher-class property.

Following up on chalf's post, you can't go wrong with either of the Copley properties, which are not too far either by cab or the T -- I've never stayed at the Commander, but can certainly vouch for both the Sheraton Copley and Westin Copley being very nice properties. I've been particularly fawned over at the Westin Copley, and was amazed that the bartender actually remembered me from a previous stay almost a year before!

The other plus with the Copley properties are their proximity to Newbury Street. They're also connected to a very nice indoor mall at the Pru Center.

If you decide to stay at the Commander, certainly let us all know how it is!

Best hotel is the Westin at Copely Place (shopping mall with Neiman Marcus).

#2 is the Sheraton Boston at the Prudential Center (shopping mall with Saks).

Copley Place is connected to the Prudential Center by elevated covered walkway.

Some Platinums consider the Sheraton preferable because of upgrades and free breakfasts in the club lounge (the Westin doesn't have a club).

I think the Sheraton has been somewhat recently rennovated.

My guess is that the Commander is somewhat of a dump.

I stayed at the Sheraton Commander in February and the hotel was fine. I received an upgrade to a suite (I am platinum). A colleague traveling with me had a regular room and had no complaints. My room had relatively new carpet, wall covering. Furniture was a little worn, but no worse than most Sheratons I have seen.

I wouldn't classify the property as a dump. If you are doing anything in Cambridge late at night, it is much more convenient than going back to Boston.

They only have valet parking; I think it was $18/night.

I stayed at the Commander for a few nights last June. I was upgraded to a very nice suite (as a Platinum) and given complementary breakfast certs each morning. I found the staff to be quite friendly and accomodating.

The hotel is rather old, but well kept. The room was clean and the bed comfortable. I do not recall if they were Sweet Sleeper beds. I found the hotel to be somewhat similar to the Westin Morristown, if that helps.

It is very convenient to Harvard Square and the university. If you stay several nights, check the rate for each night separately. I found that the rates can vary significantly from night to night.

I have stayed at the Commander many times and it is far from being a dump. I eventually became very fond of this hotel. As a plat I was always upgraded to a nice suite, and once even got a huge 2 bedroom suite. If you need to be in Cambridge I'd recommend staying there.

I've stayed at the Sheraton Commander and the Sheraton Boston, and I concur with many of the comments here. My room at the Boston property was more upscale, but the Commander was not a dump. Its location in Cambridge, right across from Cambridge Common, is excellent. I'm not an SPG Platinum member, so my experiences might be different that some posters who have only seen the suites. Incidentally, the Charles Hotel and the Inn at Harvard are two other places to stay that are very convenient to Harvard.

Sheraton Commander is most convenient to Harvard U and Harvard Square. A smaller and older property than the Copley locations but with some character. Wonderful (and helpful) staff.

I stayed there last July. As a Gold, I got a very large and nice corner room and breakfast coupons. If proximity to Harvard is important, I'd certainly recommend it.

Looks like it Sheraton Commander vs Sheraton Boston. Thanks for all your input.

The Commander is certainly not a run down hotel. Of course the Sheraton Boston is much better, but the Commander isn't bad and usually much cheaper.