Irving House At Harvard

I chose Irving House at Harvard because the photos made it look charming and quintessentially New England. As my first stay in Massachusetts, it was exactly what I imagined a historic inn would be. Getting there from the airport was an adventure in itself. My GPS seemed determined to have me tour every street in Cambridge before finally guiding me to the inn. Once I arrived, I discovered there was no street parking available directly outside. Fortunately, the inn offers a limited number of parking spaces beside the building. I arrived during a quieter period and was lucky enough to snag one. Parking my SUV was a bit of a challenge, but I managed. Before I even made it inside, I received a memorable welcome from two very large rats near the ivy-covered exterior. They were equal parts adorable and alarming. For a brief moment, I felt like I had wandered into a live-action version of Cinderella. Inside, things became much more civilized. I was greeted warmly, handed an actual room key (a refreshing change from key cards), and asked to complete a registration card for my vehicle. Guests are also welcomed with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. They were so good that I had one each day of my stay. One thing to note: this is a historic inn, and there is no elevator. My room was on the fourth floor, which meant hauling a heavy suitcase up several flights of stairs. By the time I reached my room, I felt like I had completed a stair-climbing workout. The room itself was cozy and full of character. It had a charming "grandma's house" feel, with mismatched antique furniture, green carpeting, and a skylight overhead. The view was mostly of a neighboring brick building, but the comfortable bed more than made up for it. The room included all the essentials, and while the television was small and tucked into a corner, I appreciated having one. What surprised me most was how well I slept both nights. I also managed to find parking each evening, which felt like a small miracle in itself. The highlight of my stay was the complimentary breakfast served in the basement dining area. It was simple but delicious. I enjoyed oatmeal, yogurt, a hard-boiled egg, toast, hot tea, and, importantly, bananas. Everything was fresh and satisfying. My only suggestion would be to play some background music. The room was so quiet that I could hear neighboring conversations—and occasionally someone chewing. Thankfully, the quality of the food outweighed the awkward silence. I also appreciated the evening hot cocoa, which was a nice touch after a long day of exploring. Overall, Irving House at Harvard is full of charm, character, and thoughtful touches. Between the cozy atmosphere, delicious breakfast, friendly staff, and those unforgettable chocolate chip cookies, it provided a memorable Massachusetts experience. Just be prepared for stairs, tight parking, and perhaps a wildlife encounter or two.

Pleasantly satisfied with the Irving House. The vibe of the place truly matches with my poetic whims. My quaint room was sufficient for me. Shared toilet and bath was clean and accessible. The cleaning lady does a wonderful job. Although my usual Filipino breakfast comes with rice and meat, I truly enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. I love the coffee and cookie! What a treat. Congrats to the kitchen team. I love the gentle knick-knacks at the reception and the chill approach of the team. The gardener does a great job with the flora and fauna. The place looks like a scene from a gentle poem. The owner/s truly have defined the narrative for the place that the teams have embrace wholeheartedly. I will return. Lastly, I love it that I can directly book through their website.

Terrific little place. Warm, friendly and cozy. European in flavor. Attractive rooms. Tasty breakfast with many options. Very nice staff. Well situated to Harvard. Perfect for a solo female traveler. Parking provided but is challenging.