Reviews from our Guests

Just a few weeks shy of 20 years from the day we met, I knew I wanted to do something special, something memorable to celebrate 20 years together.

I was looking for the perfect place. I searched the internet for a hotel with a fireplace. The Charles Street Inn popped up. I had never heard of it. The pictures on the website were beautiful, each room unique with it’s own character. It was right in Boston, not too far and not too close.

I knew all that I planned was going to be perfect by the look on her face as we opened the door to the Edith Warton room. She was speechless. At that moment I knew it was worth every penny and that this would not be our last trip in to the Charles Street Inn.

It started perfectly and continued that way all the way through to checkout. The flowers, the strawberries, the massage, dinner at Toscano, and the staff. The room itself has it’s own personality, it was like stepping back in time, and yet with all the modern amenities, truly the best of both worlds. A million miles away and yet so close.

We have been back twice since that first magical night at the Charles Street Inn, and we are eagerly looking forward to the next time we can come back to see our new friends at Boston’s best hidden jewel.

Mark Taylor 2/1/10

Like Countess Olenska in The Age of Innocence the man I loved married another and I could not show the world my heartbreak. Condolences towards my grief were not to be offered or appropriate to accept.

Surviving that night with put-on joy depleted my soul and I needed a place to mend. Someplace special, private and pretty to retreat and refill my will to live passionately – I found it at The Charles Street Inn.

When I stepped into the Edith Wharton room, tired from sadness, the irony of the theme made me gasp but I stood strong in the entrance way and passed the first test that let me know my healing had begun.

The Inn saved me, it was the warm hug I needed. I spent my time there cuddling with the pillows in the large soft bed and watching the shadows from the flames dance on the marble fireplace. I sat for hours in the warm bath adding soap for bubbles and being soothed by the sound of the jets – they were just loud enough to mask my tears. I felt the morning sun from the bay window and watched as the changing light through the day altered the shade of yellow that covered the walls. It was a perfect room, a feminine cocoon to heal in.

The staff smiled whenever they saw me and if they detected my sadness they left me alone to feel it - checking in gently and delivering breakfast scones and jam.

I am grateful to the Inn and congratulate it on ten years of service to its guests. The Charles Street Inn is a beautiful place that gave me the room (literally) to heal in, but the next time I visit I will experience it through happy eyes.

We were visiting Boston as the eldest of our three children attended college in Boston. I travelled around the city a good bit but had never done the tour bus. Riding along I thought to myself, “On a special occasion I shall like to visit that quaint establishment that captures the moment from a gone-by time”. Could it happen that one day he will graduate and we can have an ‘excuse’ to stay at the charming bed and breakfast on Charles Street

I recalled my jaunt on the bus and wondered what was the name of that place anyway? I did a search and lo and behold, I think I found it! Was it the Charles Street Inn? I checked out the website and indeed it was. And stay we did, indeed! Our son joined us at Charles Street. We dined at a local restaurant and gloated in the fact that yes, it did happen. A milestone for us all marked by tradition if not in the traditional sense; one certainly in good taste.

Little did I know that our stay at the Charles Street Inn would be a festive occasion filled with memories of ambiance, comfort and luxury.

Gallagher’s 1/31/2010

One of the Best Nights of Our Lives

If the answer to the question “Will you marry me” depends on the how dramatic the proposal is, then the marriage is likely to be in trouble from the beginning. Still, a marriage proposal is a very dramatic event; the story of how it is done will be retold over and over to family and friends immediately afterwards, and, when done right, is a romantic memory we will always have.

So I wanted my proposal to Jessica to be as romantic as possible. I thought that a night at a romantic hotel or inn might make it more special. When I found the Charles Street Inn, it seemed that, like my future wife, it was perfect for me. The fireplace in the room, the Jacuzzi bathtub – perfect! Our first date had been at a restaurant off Charles Street, 75 Chestnut, just around the corner. Jessica will describe the way the evening unfolded in her own words:

“The night of the proposal, I thought we were seeing a show downtown. Just before Larry was supposed to pick me up, he called to say he was running late and he had left something in the coffee table. I quickly ran to the drawer and when I opened it, saw an envelope with my name on it. Instantly, I knew. We had been dating for only 8 months but we both knew it was right and Larry was waiting for the right moment to surprise me.

The card said there was a change of plans and to be outside in 5 minutes. When I looked out my window and saw the old-fashioned limousine waiting, I decided to change my clothes for the exciting evening to come. The driver took me toward Beacon Hill and pulled up in front of the quaint, elegant Charles Street Inn. I was directed to my room by the inn staff with a knowing smile.

When I entered the room, rose petals were strewn everywhere and candles lit up the beautiful room. Larry got down on one knee, asked me to be his wife, and of course, I accepted. After making phone calls to our parents, we went out for dinner at 75 Chestnut, the site of our first date, and then enjoyed an incredible night in our luxurious room at the inn.

It was a perfect proposal: sincere, thoughtful and the most romantic setting. Today we have been married for over five years and have three beautiful children.”

Our night at the Charles Street Inn was the beginning of our commitment to married life together. It will be a lasting memory of happiness and romance. Everything about the inn – the friendliness of the staff, the luxury and comfort of the room, the romance of the atmosphere – made it the perfect place for a night we will always remember. We are tremendously grateful and look forward to celebrating many happy anniversaries there!

Larry and Jessica Rhein

The Holte family from California found the Inn to be a great home base for their Boston explorations. Each morning they set out to a different locale: Harvard Square, Martha’s Vineyard, the Freedom Trial, and enjoyed Indian, Persian and seafood delights along the way, even taking in the Blue Man Group. Then they returned in the evening to the plush elegance of their rooms to relax with a whirlpool soak or a watch a DVD together after a fun day.

Dr. Bonduel had journeyed to Boston from her home in Buenos Aries to attend a conference and receive an award for her work as a pediatric oncologist. Her husband, Dr. Reicherstorper joined her a few days later to revisit a place he had loved as a medical resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. With the help of the front desk staff, the couple planned a day excursion to Cape Cod. They stayed at the Inn for 10 days and fell in love with Boston, connecting with old friends, shopping, feasting, and rejuvenating from the demands of their careers. Dr Reicherstorper calls Boston, “The most beautiful city in America.”

Drs. Mariana Bonduel and Enrique Reicherstorper

On one of the coolest streets in downtown Boston is this private, quiet little gem. Each of the nine rooms has been stunningly decorated and named for a historic figure. We stayed in the Henry James room, a king with canopy. After seeing 7 of the nine rooms we would have been happy in any of them. Having stayed in 5 star hotels all over the world, Paris, Beijing, Vienna, this Inn rivals the best in detail while being true to an historic ideal. Within a half a block from the front door are wonderful shops, bars and restaurants. A perfect location to leave the car and explore by foot or subway.

KestelsMom NH
Feb 22, 2009

This was our third stay at The Charles Street Inn and it continues to exceed our expectations. The 1st visit was for business, on the 2nd we had to combine some pleasure with business since this haven exudes romance, this last trip was for a much needed retreat, wanting only to indulge ourselves in the idyllic setting and pleasures of this treasure. We had a lovely dinner close by, walked across the Common adorned with snow and Christmas lights to our evening's entertainment and eagerly returned "home" to the loveliness of Charles street and the inn. We left after a weekend feeling like we'd had a week's rest

Janstance JP
Feb 3, 2009

What a freat find! What a great place, excellent room (although no view to speak of) check in desk very informative. Very central to everything. Clean with luxury amenities.

NJBrit, New Jersey
Nov 21, 2008

We had stayed at the Charles Street Inn in 2004 and had enjoyed it very much, but our more recent stay in Oct. 2008 was even better: the staff was consistently helpful, polite, and solicitous throughout our stay beginning with our initial contact, and all of our extra requests were so graciously accommodated. The rates are a bit higher than some other B&B in Boston, but we feel that the location and ambience are worth it; the rates are certainly comparable to some Boston hotels, but the ambience is so much better!

pln61 Minnesota
Nov 12, 2008

My partner and I stayed at the Charles Street Inn over Labor Day weekend. It was incredibly romantic, the staff couldn't have been any kinder, and the location was perfect. For a romantic getaway, this simply couldn't get any better!

Ian-and-Clarisse, Denver, Colorado
Sep 5, 2007

We loved staying at this B & B in Boston. First of all, it is located in Beacon Hill, a wonderful part of Boston and close to everything within walking distance. The staff is great and the place is just beautiful. Accomodations are outstanding and breakfast is brought to your room each morning. Staying here made our whole vacation.

CityGirl60, Chicago, Illinois
Aug 19, 2007

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Charles Street Inn for the last two nights of an amazing round-the-World adventure: we decided to treat ourselves, and we weren't disapppointed.The Inn is understated yet splendid, the room was beautiful and the whirlpool bathroom was a big hit (the BVLGARI toiletries also went down well).

-GlobalScene, London, UK
Jun 5, 2007

My husband and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversairy by taking a trip to Boston. I'm not sure which website first linked me to the Charles Street Inn, but it was one of the one 2 places I looked at, and I'm glad! I booked a room for 1 night on a weekend (a rare occurance because the hotel requires a 2-night stay) due to its availability. We stayed in the Henry James room, a must because of the King sized bed. There was no picture on the website of the bathroom, which had me a little worried, but I must say the bedroom was prettier than the pictures and bathroom was gorgeous to match! The whirlpool tub was deep and comfortable. The service was above and beyond. We had an in-room massage when we arrived, and also a cheese and crackers plate delivered. The hotel manager brought up a menu guide when we couldn't decide where to eat and even made suggestions, which we took! He was very helpful and even let us park our car for an extra few hours after checkout (we reserved a parking space). A great, romantic, cozy room and a great experience!

-asaccomando, Connecticut
March 7, 2007

"It can't be said enough, what a wonderful honeymoon we had! The Charles Street Inn is by far the most beautiful place we've ever stayed in. It made for a very relaxing and luxurious vacation. The service was excellent as well. And, we cannot forget to mention the fabulous breakfast which arrived at our door every morning! We loved every bit of our stay and recommend it to all!"

"Just wanted to THANK YOU all for the wonderful environment you create for your guests. Despite the bad weather, we had a magical stay. The room was cozy and warm and the charm of the Inn added to the whole Boston experience. I'll be sure to tell my family and friends that if they want a perfect gettaway, the Charles Street Inn is the place to go!!!!"

"The decorating is beautiful. The friendliness and atmosphere is great. As Ben Stein would say, '5 stars'. Thanks!"