Just across the Charles River in Cambridge, the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel is one of my favorite places to stay near Boston. It’s a short drive from the airport but feels a little more relaxed than the busier downtown hotels. The location really hits the sweet spot — close enough to downtown Boston that you can be at Quincy Market or Fenway in minutes, yet tucked just far enough away to feel calm. If you love being able to walk or bike along the Charles River, the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel is a dream base. You get skyline views and neighborhood charm in one stay.With oversized rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a staff that actually seems happy you’re there, it’s a hotel I’d book again in a heartbeat.
The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel is just a 12-minute drive from the Logan Airport. I recommend rideshare unless you’re renting a car, in which case there’s valet and self-parking available.
The lobby is stunning—bright, stylish, and welcoming without being overdone. The staff was wonderful, accommodating, and genuinely friendly. It set the tone for the rest of the stay. I also appreciated the little details — complimentary infused water in the lobby, cozy seating nooks perfect for planning your day, and a modern art collection that gives the space personality without feeling pretentious. It’s one of those lobbies where you actually want to linger for a minute.
The location makes it perfect for following my Ultimate 7 Day Boston Itinerary.
The rooms at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel are spacious and spotless. My exterior-view room overlooking the bridge was one of the highlights. There’s something special about waking up to the Charles River each morning. The rooms are spacious and spotless, with plenty of room to unpack and breathe. The beds were incredibly comfortable, with crisp linens and plenty of pillows — not those sad, flat ones you sometimes get. The bathrooms were bright and modern, stocked with full-size Atelier Bloem products that smelled like a spa.
One thing that really sets the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel apart is how much it encourages guests to explore. On sunny days, you’ll see people kayaking right from the nearby dock or pedaling down the Esplanade. In cooler months, it’s just as inviting to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the river views from inside. It’s the kind of property that makes both business trips and weekend getaways feel a little more personal and memorable.
The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel stands out for its thoughtful amenities:
Bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards available for guests—perfect for exploring the Charles when the weather cooperates.
24-hour fitness center with cardio and strength equipment.
Evening hosted wine reception in the lobby (a classic Kimpton touch).
Pet-friendly with no extra fees—huge perk if you’re traveling with a furry friend.
Business-friendly with a 24-hour business center and meeting spaces.
Bambara Kitchen & Bar is the hotel’s restaurant, and it’s excellent for both breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast highlights:
Dinner: creative New American cuisine with craft cocktails (or mocktails if that’s more your style).
I also love that Bambara doesn’t feel like a typical “hotel restaurant.” It draws locals for brunch and after-work cocktails, which says a lot. The service was attentive but never rushed, and everything I tried was beautifully plated. If you’re a breakfast person, splurge on the brioche French toast — it’s worth every bite and pairs perfectly with a latte from their espresso bar.
This is the kind of hotel you could use as a home base for your entire Boston trip, especially if you like a quieter, more spacious vibe. For variety, I recommend pairing it with a few nights downtown at the Revere Hotel, but the Marlowe alone would be a comfortable choice for a week. Even if you’re visiting Boston for a long weekend, staying here makes sightseeing easier and mornings feel less rushed.
The Kimpton Marlowe Hotel blends convenience, personality, and a touch of luxury. From river views to thoughtful amenities like kayaks and bikes, it’s a hotel that makes you feel like more than just another guest. It’s pet-friendly, traveler-friendly, and stylish in a way that doesn’t try too hard. I loved it, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat.
Overall, the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel delivers the rare mix of boutique charm and practical convenience. Whether you’re heading out to explore Harvard Square, catching a show downtown, or just relaxing by the river, it fits seamlessly into any Boston itinerary. Between the warm staff, stylish decor, and those easy Charles River views, it’s one of those hotels that quietly becomes your favorite — the one you recommend to everyone afterward.
Compare it to my Revere Hotel Boston Common Review for another great Boston stay option.
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
Went in for Italian. Left thinking about pasta for three days straight.🍝
Osteria Stella in Knoxville is THE date night spot, pink door, moody lighting, and a radiatori con broccoli pesto that I would genuinely go back for alone. The lasagna comes out as its own perfect slice with crispy edges all around. The focaccia with garlic confit disappeared before anyone admitted to eating it.
Make a reservation. Order the pasta. Thank me later.
Full review linked in bio. 🔗
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