Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville

There’s something to be said for going completely off the tourist trail and opting for a staycation away from the crowds of a big city—and that’s exactly what I did. Just outside of Boston, the charming city of Somerville is often associated with its close proximity to Harvard University or MIT, but there’s far more to it: easy access to the bustle of Boston, a vibrant arts scene, and some of the best restaurants. 

On the Cambridge/Somerville border sits the Cambria Hotel, an 163-room property which is a hub for residents, solo and business travelers, or visiting college families in a quiet pocket of the city.  

What are the rooms like at the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville?

City hotel rooms can often feel really compact, but that’s not a problem at Cambria. Categories range from king and queens rooms to varying suite options. All have a minimalistic design, with accent walls, pops of yellow, and some modern art work. For those who love the small luxuries of a hotel stay, you won’t find robes or slippers in the rooms, but they do all have casting-enabled TVs, keurig coffee makers, mini fridges, and bluetooth equipped speaker mirrors. While the suites offer larger living spaces, the king room I stayed in still felt spacious, with plenty of room to relax.

What is the food like at the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville?

There’s no room service, but handily there’s a reliable restaurant next to the lobby. Josephine’s decor channels a bougie Italian restaurant, with a laid-back, everyone’s-welcome atmosphere. The space features a large bar area, plenty of tables, and even a patio during the warmer months—it feels almost European. I stuck with a glass of Italian wine, of course, but the menu offers plenty of quirky options, like martinis with a “jazz up your olive” section and housemade cello flights. The mozzarella sticks were moreish, but the Carbonara really stole the show. Inspired by James Beard-nominated Chef Michael Scelfo’s Italian roots, don’t sleep on the wood-fired pizza. 

What are the facilities like at the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville?

There’s a fitness center with equipment ranging from treadmills and cross-trainers to weights and a Peloton. And for those looking for a little fun, the game room has pinball machines, foosball, pool, billiards, shuffleboard, and Golden Tee.

I’m all about the cozy spaces, so the lobby was my favorite area in the hotel—and it’s not often you get to say that. Think central fireplace, comfy nooks, and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also another room nearby for relaxing, reading, or co-working, decorated with plush seating, and wooden walls. 

What’s the area like around the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville?

There’s so much to see outside of Boston that often gets slept on by visitors, and the hotel is wedged between many of the area’s infamous squares—the closest being Harvard, Union, and Porter. The fun thing about Camberville is how different each of these is. You can walk a few blocks, and the personality and food scenes shift completely: a 5-minute walk from the hotel and you’ll find yourself in Union Square at Bow Market (a creative hub with over 30 independent food, retail, and art vendors surrounding a central public courtyard, plus, it’s home to Remnant Brewery and Rebel Rebel wine bar). On the way to Harvard Square and the Charles River views, be sure to stop by Dali Restaurant for traditional Spanish tapas, or Cafe Saint Germain across the street for $42 unlimited French tapas on Mondays and Tuesdays. Camberville is literally where worlds come together, and you can easily eat Japanese, Peruvian, Portuguese, or German food all in a single day.

DETAILS

Address: 515 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Price per night: Prices start at $199 per night

Closest transport link: Several bus routes nearby, and a 15-minute walk to Union Square green line or Porter Square red line. 

Book now: via Booking.com

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