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.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
