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
6.46.4 out of 10
Good
Popular amenities
Separate bedrooms
Pet-friendly
Laundry facilities
Refrigerator
Kitchen
Non-smoking
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
Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms
View all photos for Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area
Comfort Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area
Highlights
Yard
Balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Sleeps 3
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area
Traditional Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen, Garden Area
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
Fenway Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 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
Tatte Bakery & Cafe - 5 min walk
Insomnia Cookies - 5 min walk
J.P. Licks - 6 min walk
Waypoint - 3 min walk
Pavement Coffeehouse - 6 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 just a 10-minute walk of Harvard University and Harvard Square. A terrace and a garden are offered, and apartments have conveniences like dryers and refrigerators. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Harvard Square Station is 7 minutes and Central Square Station is 13 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Property size
5 apartments
Arranged over 3 floors
DONE
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
DONE
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
DONE
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
Pets allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
VPN_KEY
Other information
Smoke-free property
No stag or hen parties
Property amenities
Internet
Free WiFi
Kitchen
Refrigerator (full size)
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
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
Yard
Garden
Picnic area
Laundry
Dryer
Laundry facilities
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No elevators
5 stairs 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
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. 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's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
This property does not have elevators.
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
Cambridge Karma House Apartment
Karma House Apartment
Cambridge Karma House
The Cambridge Karma House Apartment
The Cambridge Karma House Cambridge
The Cambridge Karma House Apartment Cambridge
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 refrigerator.
Does The Cambridge Karma House have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, each apartment features a balcony or patio and a yard.
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
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.0/10
Cleanliness
6.2/10
Staff & service
5.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
4/10 Fair
14 October 2019
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
Marleneq, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
5 May 2019
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.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
8/10 Very good
5 March 2019
Verified traveller
4-night trip
6/10 Good
6 June 2018
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.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
6/10 Good
14 May 2018
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.
Leah
8/10 Very good
4 May 2018
Verified traveller
8/10 Very good
18 April 2018
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
Mary, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
19 March 2018
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
Chris, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
12 February 2018
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
yuki, 2-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
16 November 2017
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.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
6/10 Good
28 October 2017
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
Nancy, 1-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
4/10 Fair
4 October 2017
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.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
4/10 Fair
29 September 2017
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
Verified traveller
3-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
2/10 Poor
24 May 2017
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.
PJK
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
18 September 2016
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.
François
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
6/10 Good
11 August 2016
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.
Verified traveller
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
2/10 Poor
9 August 2016
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.
Dustin
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
7 August 2016
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.
Wendy
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
7 August 2016
Great location
Very spacious, clean and convenient to points of interest in Cambridge.
Ken
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
6/10 Good
27 July 2016
Location is awesome. Dusty and hot. Very spacious.
Bryan
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
12 July 2016
Karma House Review
Great facility - clean, easy to access, quiet....great location
James
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
6/10 Good
29 June 2016
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.
Verified traveller
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
6/10 Good
25 June 2016
Very nice for a stay. Has a full kitchen and was clean.
Steven
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
4/10 Fair
22 June 2016
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.
Verified traveller
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.