Le Meridien Cambridge, MA [Master Thread]
Jan 2, 2008, 8:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: SPG, AA: PLAT; Hilton: Diamon, UAL: Premier Exec; IC_PriClub; 308 hours flying Boeing 707's
Posts: 242
Le Meridien Cambridge, MA [Master Thread]
Hotel joined Starwood 05 DEC 07
http://www.boston.com/business/artic...be_a_meridien/
Stayed one night. Booked queen, 2 adults, for $119.
Platinum upgrade to suite reflected at 11 pm the night prior.
Welcoming staff, who was very fastidious about following Starwood check-in. The check in agent (Jessica) apologized for not having the "You've been upgraded sticker." Check-in was smooth and done in less than 5 minutes. Took a second or three to enter platinum amenity. It was the first one she'd done.
Whimsical lobby. Trendy, yet welcoming. Not as hip as the Le Meridien Vienna, but with the same upscale technology vibe. Open lobby with easy flow from parking garage to elevators and restaurant. Outstanding lobby lounge that would make a good club lounge, named for Norbert Weiner. Contains entire library of Technology Review http://www.technologyreview.com and Tech Talk (MIT alumni magazine and daily paper).
Three suites per floor. Hotel is in L shape, two corner suites, one in the "angle" of the L facing Mass. Ave. Upgraded to 8th floor corner suite facing the river. Superb views of the city. Two rooms, one with pull out sofa and standard 21" TV, sofa and chair, working desk and refrigerator. One with 18" Plasma mounted on wall, spectacular linens and Bose alarm clock radio. Spacious bathroom, built in a curve around column that supports structure. Modern basin style sink. Same amennites as I received at Le Meridien Budapest and Le Meridien Beverly Hills. Don't remember the brand. Sofa bed was worn and needs to be refurnished. Wolfgang Puck coffee.
Occupancy on the night I stayed, possibly 12 people. I walked 4 floors at 7 am and saw only 10 copies of USA Today in front of doors. The night before, I saw only 6 or 8 lights in rooms.
Valet parking, attendant always on duty. Helpful and friendly. Parking is available on the street perpendicular to Sidney Street. 30 minutes per 25 cents. There is a municipal garage down this street with affordable overnight rates.
Wonderful urban garden on the third floor. Great, green outdoor space in urban Cambridge.
Gym is lacking. 3 treadmills, one stepper, one cross training machine, one weight machine. Weight machine had frayed cables. No free weights. For $8 you can use the city gym across the street. For $12 you can use the MIT gym facilities. This $12 option may go away as the hotel reduces its association with the Hotel@MIT.
Local amenities:
On site:
Three blocks to MIT
Four blocks to MBTA (Mass Transit system) $2 with fare card, $1.70 with Charlie Card
Five blocks to Vassar Street (Electrical Engineering offices)
8 or 9 blocks to MIT Media Lab
http://www.boston.com/business/artic...be_a_meridien/
Stayed one night. Booked queen, 2 adults, for $119.
Platinum upgrade to suite reflected at 11 pm the night prior.
Welcoming staff, who was very fastidious about following Starwood check-in. The check in agent (Jessica) apologized for not having the "You've been upgraded sticker." Check-in was smooth and done in less than 5 minutes. Took a second or three to enter platinum amenity. It was the first one she'd done.Whimsical lobby. Trendy, yet welcoming. Not as hip as the Le Meridien Vienna, but with the same upscale technology vibe. Open lobby with easy flow from parking garage to elevators and restaurant. Outstanding lobby lounge that would make a good club lounge, named for Norbert Weiner. Contains entire library of Technology Review http://www.technologyreview.com and Tech Talk (MIT alumni magazine and daily paper).
Three suites per floor. Hotel is in L shape, two corner suites, one in the "angle" of the L facing Mass. Ave. Upgraded to 8th floor corner suite facing the river. Superb views of the city. Two rooms, one with pull out sofa and standard 21" TV, sofa and chair, working desk and refrigerator. One with 18" Plasma mounted on wall, spectacular linens and Bose alarm clock radio. Spacious bathroom, built in a curve around column that supports structure. Modern basin style sink. Same amennites as I received at Le Meridien Budapest and Le Meridien Beverly Hills. Don't remember the brand. Sofa bed was worn and needs to be refurnished. Wolfgang Puck coffee.
Occupancy on the night I stayed, possibly 12 people. I walked 4 floors at 7 am and saw only 10 copies of USA Today in front of doors. The night before, I saw only 6 or 8 lights in rooms.
Valet parking, attendant always on duty. Helpful and friendly. Parking is available on the street perpendicular to Sidney Street. 30 minutes per 25 cents. There is a municipal garage down this street with affordable overnight rates.
Wonderful urban garden on the third floor. Great, green outdoor space in urban Cambridge.
Gym is lacking. 3 treadmills, one stepper, one cross training machine, one weight machine. Weight machine had frayed cables. No free weights. For $8 you can use the city gym across the street. For $12 you can use the MIT gym facilities. This $12 option may go away as the hotel reduces its association with the Hotel@MIT.
Local amenities:
On site:
Budget rent a car.
Shaw's (former Star Market) in building on second floor.
Sidney's Grille, Austrailian themed. Amiable bartender. Dependable food.
One block:Shaw's (former Star Market) in building on second floor.
Sidney's Grille, Austrailian themed. Amiable bartender. Dependable food.
Novartis
University Park @ MIT apartments.
Miracle of Science (Mass. Ave), healthy little brew pub with an ingenious menu.
Two blocks:University Park @ MIT apartments.
Miracle of Science (Mass. Ave), healthy little brew pub with an ingenious menu.
Recently renovated MIT museum
The Middle East (for all the local music fans)
Phoenix Landing (great eighties night on Friday nights).
Specific area of town: Central SquareThe Middle East (for all the local music fans)
Phoenix Landing (great eighties night on Friday nights).
Three blocks to MIT
Four blocks to MBTA (Mass Transit system) $2 with fare card, $1.70 with Charlie Card
Five blocks to Vassar Street (Electrical Engineering offices)
8 or 9 blocks to MIT Media Lab
Last edited by CaptainG; Jan 2, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Jan 2, 2008, 8:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
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Excellent and informative first review. I strongly considered staying here this past weekend, but chose Sheraton BOS instead and ended up in the best suite I've ever had there, so I guess I made the right choice.
I remember when this Cambridge Hotel first opened years ago it was with great fanfare and media coverage. I recall seeing photo spreads of the hotel's public spaces and the rooms. It all looked unlike any other hotel I'd seen at the time with the exception of the short-lived concept that the "old" Le Meridien concept folks were trying (Art + Tech). In any event, I find it interesting that this hotel has now joined the Le Meridien team.
I look forward to checking it out myself. Thanks, again, CaptainG for a great review.
I remember when this Cambridge Hotel first opened years ago it was with great fanfare and media coverage. I recall seeing photo spreads of the hotel's public spaces and the rooms. It all looked unlike any other hotel I'd seen at the time with the exception of the short-lived concept that the "old" Le Meridien concept folks were trying (Art + Tech). In any event, I find it interesting that this hotel has now joined the Le Meridien team.
I look forward to checking it out myself. Thanks, again, CaptainG for a great review.
Jan 3, 2008, 5:41 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Washington, DC
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Posts: 196
For your info, this is the old Hotel @ MIT (which was run by Hilton). It's a very cool and funky property. Good fit for LM. Although, I much prefer to across the Charles in the Back Bay.
Jan 11, 2008, 6:45 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
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Posts: 1,086
Double Points at the LM Cambridge. Registration required.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...ml?promoID=MDD
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...ml?promoID=MDD
Jan 13, 2008, 4:54 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YWG
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Posts: 1,260
Thanks for the review
I am staying there at the beginning of March, and was glad to see the review. Any one know how much a cab to the convention centre area would cost?
Darren
Darren
Last edited by Golden Toque; Jan 13, 2008 at 4:56 pm Reason: Can't spell my name right.
Jan 13, 2008, 8:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central CT
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Posts: 1,490
The new convention center is near the waterfront, and the same traffic caveat applies. My guess is it's at least $15 and could get up to $25 pretty easily with downtown traffic. Or you could take the subway, which is a couple bucks and reasonably easy to get to in Central Square.
Jan 14, 2008, 5:56 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
The new convention center is near the waterfront, and the same traffic caveat applies. My guess is it's at least $15 and could get up to $25 pretty easily with downtown traffic. Or you could take the subway, which is a couple bucks and reasonably easy to get to in Central Square.
Cheers,
Jan 14, 2008, 4:12 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YWG
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Posts: 1,260
Didn't think of the subway option.... Will have to look further into that option. But yes I am heading to the Convention Centre attached to the Westin, or vice versa.
Jan 14, 2008, 8:06 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Out and about..
Posts: 1,102
I was just there this last weekend.
Second all of the OP's impressions except the valet was tardy for me on Sunday afternoon. Took about 25 minutes for the lone valet to get to my car.
Wish I would have known about the double points ahead of time!
Second all of the OP's impressions except the valet was tardy for me on Sunday afternoon. Took about 25 minutes for the lone valet to get to my car.
Wish I would have known about the double points ahead of time!
Feb 2, 2008, 3:26 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: SPG, AA: PLAT; Hilton: Diamon, UAL: Premier Exec; IC_PriClub; 308 hours flying Boeing 707's
Posts: 242
Printed News on Le Meridien Cambridge
Starwood makes moves with Boston properties: Starwood Hotels has news on two fronts in the Boston area.
The first is actually across the Chrales River in Cambridge and the second is right in the heart of the Theatre District.
Early last month (December, 2007), HEI Hotels & Resorts announced its purchase and rebranding of the Hotel@MIT in Cambridge. The newly named Le Meridien hotel will be the Boston market's only hotel under that brand, which was recently acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The hotel will undergo a $7.3 million renovation designed to retain the uniqueness and "locational experience" of the hotel, with guestroom and lobby upgrades, a new gourmet restaurant concept and the conversion of the current library into a multi-function space. The hotel will remain open during renovations, with an expected completion in early 2009.
"As a global destination market, we are delighted to reintroduce the international Le Meridien brand back to the Boston area," said Ryan "iHeir, general manager for the hotel. "While most of the operations team will remain the same, we will be better equipped and supported to create a more unique guest experience and unparalleled service.
According to the Boston Redevelopmen Authority (BRA), Starwood is also building a W Hotel on the corner of Stuart and Tremont Streets, for an expected opening in 2009. The hotel. is expected to have about 235 rooms and just over 120 condominium units. It will also house 12,0000 square feet of retail, restaurant and spa space.
The first is actually across the Chrales River in Cambridge and the second is right in the heart of the Theatre District.
Early last month (December, 2007), HEI Hotels & Resorts announced its purchase and rebranding of the Hotel@MIT in Cambridge. The newly named Le Meridien hotel will be the Boston market's only hotel under that brand, which was recently acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The hotel will undergo a $7.3 million renovation designed to retain the uniqueness and "locational experience" of the hotel, with guestroom and lobby upgrades, a new gourmet restaurant concept and the conversion of the current library into a multi-function space. The hotel will remain open during renovations, with an expected completion in early 2009.
"As a global destination market, we are delighted to reintroduce the international Le Meridien brand back to the Boston area," said Ryan "iHeir, general manager for the hotel. "While most of the operations team will remain the same, we will be better equipped and supported to create a more unique guest experience and unparalleled service.
According to the Boston Redevelopmen Authority (BRA), Starwood is also building a W Hotel on the corner of Stuart and Tremont Streets, for an expected opening in 2009. The hotel. is expected to have about 235 rooms and just over 120 condominium units. It will also house 12,0000 square feet of retail, restaurant and spa space.
Feb 2, 2008, 9:40 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central CT
Programs: UA MM/1K, SPG Lifetime Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond, HH Gold, Natl Exec Elite
Posts: 1,490
Stayed overnight on the "Break Free" promotional rate of $119, my first stay at this hotel since it was rebadged. It's still basically the Hotel at MIT, and frankly I hope Starwood doesn't change that completely: I like the quirky hallway lamps with acid etchings of circuit board designs lightly frosting the glass, and the geeky cartoons in the bathroom.
In spite of the low rate and a fairly full house, we were pre-assigned Suite 602, a 2 room suite with a single large and well-equipped bathroom. As noted by the OP, the staff is making an effort to learn and comply with the SPG rules. I also noted an improvement in the restaurant staff attitude, they were exceptionally attentive at breakfast. Two somewhat critical comments: a slight odor of mold in the bathroom, and no free internet (which is ridiculous considering that University Park is right next door, with free wi-fi leaking into the hotel).
Valet parking at $28 is a bit steep; if you don't need immediate or frequent access to your car, you could choose to park it on Vassar Street adjacent to MIT (and about a 7-8 minute walk from the hotel). All in all, a fine stay, and I'll be back more often now that it's an SPG property.
In spite of the low rate and a fairly full house, we were pre-assigned Suite 602, a 2 room suite with a single large and well-equipped bathroom. As noted by the OP, the staff is making an effort to learn and comply with the SPG rules. I also noted an improvement in the restaurant staff attitude, they were exceptionally attentive at breakfast. Two somewhat critical comments: a slight odor of mold in the bathroom, and no free internet (which is ridiculous considering that University Park is right next door, with free wi-fi leaking into the hotel).
Valet parking at $28 is a bit steep; if you don't need immediate or frequent access to your car, you could choose to park it on Vassar Street adjacent to MIT (and about a 7-8 minute walk from the hotel). All in all, a fine stay, and I'll be back more often now that it's an SPG property.
Feb 3, 2008, 4:06 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
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Posts: 3,581
A couple of additional notes on this area, as it's in my back yard...
Parking: there's a City of Cambridge garage two blocks away, at the corner of Green St. and Pearl St. Details here; current rates are $1/hr, $13 daily max, $5 night rate.
Food: Tons of good options in the area. A few highlights:
This is just scratching the surface -- very good area. Avoid the nearby Asgard pub -- terrible food. Good Indian in the area as well, but I'm not terribly familiar with the choices.
Parking: there's a City of Cambridge garage two blocks away, at the corner of Green St. and Pearl St. Details here; current rates are $1/hr, $13 daily max, $5 night rate.
Food: Tons of good options in the area. A few highlights:
- Toscanini's Ice Cream, about a block away where Main St. intersects Mass Ave. Some of the best ice cream in Boston; People Magazine says it's the best vanilla in America. Don't miss the Burnt Caramel.
- Central Kitchen for good, somewhat upscale American fare. Opposite side of Mass Ave about two blocks down.
- The Enormous Room, a loungey bar with persian carpets and surprisingly good mezze-style middle eastern-ish food and cocktails. Loud and hip. If going to dine, go early. Directly above Central Kitchen; the door is unmarked save for an elephant.
- Mary Chung, an absolute hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant with some of the best Chinese in Cambridge. Any of the dishes on the cover of the menu are great. Known particularly for their "Suan La Chow Show," stuffed wontons in a very spicy sauce over bean sprouts.
This is just scratching the surface -- very good area. Avoid the nearby Asgard pub -- terrible food. Good Indian in the area as well, but I'm not terribly familiar with the choices.
Feb 3, 2008, 5:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: PSP
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, *wood Platinum, Hertz President's Circle, A|Club Platinum, Avis President's Club
Posts: 119
Mary Chung's and Toscanini's alone make it worth staying there!
A couple of additional notes on this area, as it's in my back yard...
Parking: there's a City of Cambridge garage two blocks away, at the corner of Green St. and Pearl St. Details here; current rates are $1/hr, $13 daily max, $5 night rate.
Food: Tons of good options in the area. A few highlights:
This is just scratching the surface -- very good area. Avoid the nearby Asgard pub -- terrible food. Good Indian in the area as well, but I'm not terribly familiar with the choices.
Parking: there's a City of Cambridge garage two blocks away, at the corner of Green St. and Pearl St. Details here; current rates are $1/hr, $13 daily max, $5 night rate.
Food: Tons of good options in the area. A few highlights:
- Toscanini's Ice Cream, about a block away where Main St. intersects Mass Ave. Some of the best ice cream in Boston; People Magazine says it's the best vanilla in America. Don't miss the Burnt Caramel.
- Central Kitchen for good, somewhat upscale American fare. Opposite side of Mass Ave about two blocks down.
- The Enormous Room, a loungey bar with persian carpets and surprisingly good mezze-style middle eastern-ish food and cocktails. Loud and hip. If going to dine, go early. Directly above Central Kitchen; the door is unmarked save for an elephant.
- Mary Chung, an absolute hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant with some of the best Chinese in Cambridge. Any of the dishes on the cover of the menu are great. Known particularly for their "Suan La Chow Show," stuffed wontons in a very spicy sauce over bean sprouts.
This is just scratching the surface -- very good area. Avoid the nearby Asgard pub -- terrible food. Good Indian in the area as well, but I'm not terribly familiar with the choices.
Apr 23, 2008, 7:37 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Any more recent experiences at this property? Specifically, how is the location, staff, and Platinum benefits? I see that they have lots of King + sofa bed suites - how are these in relation to a standard room?
Thanks,
Troy
Thanks,
Troy
