My love for Kimpton Hotels is no fluke! After my recent stay at the Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento, which left me disappointed, I am happy to say that the Kimpton Marlowe in Boston renewed my faith. From the moment I walked in the door and smelled the Kimpton Signature Scent (which I’ve since ordered for my home), I was smiling.

 

Location

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel sits on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, just minutes from downtown Boston. For travelers who want boutique style with easy access to the city, this Kimpton property offers that. The hotel provides a quieter base than staying directly in Boston while still keeping major attractions within easy reach. We Ubered all over the city easily (using credit card benefits, of course). It also has near-direct access to a small mall which offered some shopping and easy lunch options.

 

Redemption

I could have used IHG points for this stay but decided to go with the Citi Strata Elite® hotel credit since this was a two-night stay. While my stay was not free, it was certainly reduced.

 

The part that annoys me is the resort fee of $30 per person. The summary below is what that resort fee covers; the only thing I recapped was the food and beverage credit. Guests can enjoy complimentary morning coffee in the lobby and a nightly hosted wine hour. The hotel also offers free bikes for exploring nearby river paths. However, there was snow on the ground during our visit so we spent minimal time outdoors. Attending a wedding was our activity of choice for the weekend.

 

I found some stays bookable for as little as 30K IHG points per night, meaning that a free-night certificate could cover a stay here. However, most nights were about 70K points. Cash prices usually run $200 to $400. Using a free-night certificate to stay in such a nice hotel would be amazing. (Sundays seem to run cheapest.)

Room and Decor

While our room was an adequate size, especially by big-city standards, what stood out to me was the boutique decor I am accustomed to at a Kimpton. Simply put, it was cute and stylish! Guest rooms at the Kimpton Marlowe reflect the brand’s well-known design style. Bright colors, patterned accents, and large windows give the rooms personality while still feeling comfortable. 

Standard amenities include:

• Comfortable beds with plush linens

• Large bathrooms with soaking tubs in many rooms (not ours, though)

• In-room yoga mats

• Spacious layouts with work desks

Some rooms also offer views of the Charles River, which can be a nice upgrade when available.

 

 

 

 

Bottom Line

I would not hesitate to stay here again if I didn’t need to be in the hub of Boston. Everything about this hotel felt unrushed and stylish.  While Boston has many hotel options, this is one to consider.

 

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