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The Cambridge Karma House

3.5 star property
Apartment convenient to Harvard University

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Photo gallery for The Cambridge Karma House

Private kitchen
BBQ/picnic Area
Private kitchen
Property grounds
Living area
When you stay at The Cambridge Karma House, you'll be in a great location, within a short 10-minute walk of Harvard University and Harvard Square. A terrace and a garden are offered, and apartments have conveniences such as dryers and fridges. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Harvard Square Station is 7 minutes and Central Square Station is 13 minutes.

Reviews

6.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Separate bedrooms
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry facilities
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (7)

  • 5 smoke-free apartments
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Picnic area
  • Luggage storage

Feel at home (6)

  • Rollaway/extra beds
  • Kitchen
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bedroom
  • Television
  • Garden

Room options

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Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board

Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Private kitchen

Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • 79 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Queen Bed

Classic Apartment, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • 79 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Corner

Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Corner

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Living area

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

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About the area

Map
17 Banks Street St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

What's nearby

  • Harvard University - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Harvard Square - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Boston University - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Fenway Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Logan International Airport (BOS) - 24 min drive
  • Boston, MA (BNH-Boston Harbor Seaplane Base) - 27 min drive
  • Bedford, MA (BED-Laurence G. Hanscom Field) - 34 min drive
  • Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal) - 35 min drive
  • Lawrence, MA (LWM-Lawrence Municipal) - 35 min drive
  • Norwood, MA (OWD-Norwood Memorial) - 39 min drive
  • Boston Yawkey Station - 6 min drive
  • Ball Square Station - 7 min drive
  • Union Square Station - 29 min walk
  • Harvard Square Station - 7 min walk
  • Central Square Station - 13 min walk
  • Porter Square Station - 28 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Insomnia Cookies - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Tatte - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Zinneken's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Santouka Ramen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Faro - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Cambridge Karma House

When you stay at The Cambridge Karma House, you'll be in a great location, within a short 10-minute walk of Harvard University and Harvard Square. A terrace and a garden are offered, and apartments have conveniences such as dryers and fridges. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Harvard Square Station is 7 minutes and Central Square Station is 13 minutes.

More about this property

VISIBILITY

At a glance

Property size

    • 5 apartments
    • Arranged over 3 floors

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 2 AM
    • Express check-in/out available
    • Minimum check-in age – 21
    • Check-out time is noon

Special check-in instructions

    • There is no front desk at this property
    • Guests will receive an email with check-in information
    • For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 21

Pets

    • Pets allowed
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Other information

    • Smoke-free property
    • No stag or hen parties
LOB_HOTELS

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Kitchen

  • Fridge (full size)
  • Microwave
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • Rollaway/extra beds: USD 45.0 per stay

Bathrooms

  • Free toiletries

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable service

Outdoor areas

  • Terrace
  • Balcony or patio
  • Garden
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Laundry

  • Dryer
  • Laundry facilities

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lifts
  • 5 steps to reach property
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Luggage storage

Location highlights

  • Near a metro station
  • In the historical district

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 5 rooms
  • 3 floors
  • 2 buildings
  • Built in 1885
  • Individually decorated
MONETIZATION_ON

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Cleaning fee: USD 29.00 per accommodation, per stay

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 45.0 per stay

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag and hen parties.
This property does not have lifts.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip.
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property.
This property accepts credit cards.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
State tax ID – C0177510491
Property Registration Number No Registration ID

Also known as

Karma House Apartment
Cambridge Karma House
The Cambridge Karma House Apartment
The Cambridge Karma House Cambridge
The Cambridge Karma House Apartment Cambridge
HELP_OUTLINE

Frequently asked questions

Are pets allowed at The Cambridge Karma House?

Yes, pets are welcome.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Cambridge Karma House?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 2 AM. Check-out time is noon. Express check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at The Cambridge Karma House and nearby?

The Cambridge Karma House has a picnic area and a garden.

Does The Cambridge Karma House have a kitchen or kitchenette?

Yes, there is a kitchen, which also includes a coffee maker, cookware and a fridge.

Does The Cambridge Karma House have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, each apartment features a balcony or patio and a garden.

What's the area around The Cambridge Karma House like?

The Cambridge Karma House is a short 7-minute walk from Harvard Square Station and 2 minutes' walk from Harvard University.

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The Cambridge Karma House Reviews

Reviews

6.4

Good

7.0/10

Cleanliness

6.2/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Not a good experience

I am sorry I did not take the reviews into account when booking this property. The house is falling apart, very run down. Even though the cleaner made a huge effort to clean, it is actually not clean-able.Not sure how come this is listed on hotels.com
Marleneq, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

excellent location close to harvard square. the building is not in the best of shape but is more than sufficient for comfort. all the amenities are in excellent condition and i found the apartment very functional and well suited to my needs. arrival and checking in was very smooth and well managed.
3-night trip

8/10 Good

4-night trip

6/10 Okay

It's convenient to Harvard Square and the T. There is no AC, which shouldn't be a problem in most, but not all months. But--Two days before my scheduled check-in, they sent me a message saying the space I had reserved months earlier was not available and my reservation was cancelled. I had plane fare and a commitment to be in Cambridge. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESERVATION? Phone conversations with Expedia, totaling some 3 hours over two days, resulted in something being worked out with the property. The owner told Expedia those in the apt. I had reserved had extended their stay. CAN YOU LET SOMEONE EXTEND STAY IN A SPACE THAT'S BEEN RESERVED? The owner communicated to me that my reservation had been cancelled because the credit card I gave Expedia didn't work. It had worked for the airline, however. This was after he was renting us a space. The number he had was off by one digit from that which I gave Expedia. So maybe there was a typo, but THIS WAS A DIFFERENT story from the original communication. Also, if a card doesn't work, DO YOU SUMMARILY CANCEL SOMEONE'S RESERVATION AT THE LAST MINUTE WITHOUT EXPLANATION OR DO YOU ASK FOR ANOTHER CARD? It's always been the latter in my experience.
3-night trip

6/10 Okay

Know what it is before you arrive

Location was good. Cambridge is an expensive place to stay. This is more of a VRBO type of set up than a hotel.

8/10 Good

8/10 Good

Convenient location near Harvard

The property manager is easy to get in touch with and responds very quickly. I had some questions and they were answered politely and professionally. The apartment is clean and conveniently located and is a good price for the value. This is not a new place so if you are someone who needs a modern place or a slick-looking hotel room --this is not for you. However, if you want affordable accommodations in an older building with a living room, bedroom, and kitchen all to your own -- this is the place ! I stayed here while participating in the Boston marathon for the second time and it was again a great experience. I loved being able to relax and watch TV and then have my own cup of coffee in a cute little kitchen. It was perfect. If you are driving - Cambridge has resident parking everywhere and your own options are meters or a lot 1/4 mile away. No need for a car here, it's completely walkable with public transportation around the corner.
Mary, 3-night trip

6/10 Okay

Great place and location...but a little dirty

We had a comfortable stay over the weekend but it needed a little sprucing up. Under the bed it was filthy - hadn't been swept there for weeks which is a little off putting.... but generally a pleasant experience. Thank you
Chris, 3-night trip

6/10 Okay

Convenient location yet it does not look like a place for tourists to stay but just a house. It's also hard to find at night because it does not have a sign or anything like that.
yuki, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Excellent price and location

The room is spacious -- three rooms plus bath. Location can't be beat. The flat is very much "grad student" in quality, but for the price and the location it can't be beat.
1-night trip

6/10 Okay

Close to son's dorm at Harvard

It was the weekend of the Head of the Charles and the hotels in Harvard Sq I usually stay at when visiting my son were asking a king's ransom for a room. Then I discovered Karma House! Very moderate price for a 3-room apartment! I wish I had known about it three years ago when my son was a freshman. It's a little rough around the edges, but clean and the staff is friendly. Great location for all I was doing in Cambridge that visit. As there is no check-in desk, I had to wait till the day of check-in to get an email with check-in instructions. This was difficult for someone like me who likes to plan ahead. I had tried to call, and sent a message via Expedia. Unfortunately, my phone wasn't set up for voicemail when the property manager called back, but Karma House did try to reach me. I just wasn't prepared to answer a call from a strange number located in NJ.
Nancy, 1-night trip

4/10 Poor

This isn't a hotel.

Strange multi-apartment building. You need to call the number you get a code to get in, and text them for the wifi. Fridge full of half-eaten food. Not what I expected from Expedia. Bed was OK.
1-night trip

4/10 Poor

You should not stay here

This property should not be listed by Expedia. It was a total disappointment. It was very difficult to get in touch with anyone. I am trying to get ready for work and the power goes off and the maintenance person is going to be a couple of hours before he can get there. I had to go to the basement and find the breaker box so I could use a dryer to get ready for work Expedia should not have this property on their site. Sherry Cosper and Steve Poston
3-night trip

2/10 Terrible

Worse Ever Lodging Experience

Look like it is graduate school housing in transition. Hallway and stairs filled with clutter, shipped paint. Residence overbooked; double booked the room I was allocated on arrival and at 9:30 p.m. I was requested to vacate; when I provided my confirmed booking I was still hassled to leave - including knocking on my door at 11:00 p.m. by the person who claimed I was "squatting" in his room - even though I had been given the occupancy and was in bed sleeping. How did he get in and to my room on the third floor - walk up. I have filed a harassment report with the local police. No manager was on location to pay for the room either on arrival or departure - only the maintenance person. Without authorization someone submitted a bank debit.

8/10 Good

Séjour "american way of life" Boston et environs

Avons effectué 2 séjours de 3 jours, emplacement idéal pour accéder facilement aux campus de Harvard et du MIT, accès rapide à Boston par le métro. Quartier résidentiel calme, dans un écrin de verdure à deux pas de Cambridge et de son animation étudiante. Maison en bois , bien équipée pour séjour en famille, avec ambiance typiquement américaine, on se sent vraiment "at home". Permis de parking fourni par le propriétaire, obligatoire (sinon, amende de 30 $ par jour) Pas d'e-mail disponible pour prendre contact avec le gérant à l'avance pour le check-in, donc ne pas hésiter à le joindre avec par téléphone ou SMS pour les informations.

6/10 Okay

Hotel was close to Harvard square, transportation

Roomy. It was more of an apartment rather than a hotel room. Air conditioning handled the bedroom adequately but the living room and kitchen was quite warm.

2/10 Terrible

DO NOT STAY HERE

This is a place to stay if you are fresh out of high school and are looking to experience the college life. it I were going to summarize this location by a few words it would be: small, dirty, uncomfortable, cramped and unrefined... AKA do not stay here.

8/10 Good

Home away from home

Fantastic quality and price balance. It had home away from home comfort, so it didn't feel like a hotel, but like staying in your own home. Beautiful old apartment in converted house with old wood floors. The house was oozing charm and comfort. The Cambridge Karma House would be my first choice when returning to the Boston area.

8/10 Good

Great location

Very spacious, clean and convenient to points of interest in Cambridge.

6/10 Okay

Location is awesome. Dusty and hot. Very spacious.

8/10 Good

Karma House Review

Great facility - clean, easy to access, quiet....great location

6/10 Okay

Good Location

Lacation is good and is easy walk to Harvard Square. Nice on site laundry facility. Communication on check in was good but poor on check out.

6/10 Okay

Very nice for a stay. Has a full kitchen and was clean.

4/10 Poor

Not worth $320 per night with peeling paint in the bathroom and on the exterior interior. Locks we covered with tape and said don't remove will fix soon. Shared Ironing Board and No A/C in my unit.

4/10 Poor