You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Cambridge Karma House
Apartment with kitchen, steps from Harvard University
Along with laundry facilities, this smoke-free apartment building has express check-in and express check-out. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a garden and a picnic area. Each apartment features a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave, plus a dryer and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Added amenities include free WiFi, a balcony and a private garden.
The Cambridge Karma House offers 5 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Rooms open to balconies or patios. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation includes desks. Accommodation at this 3.5-star apartment has kitchens with full-sized fridge/freezers, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.
During your stay at The Cambridge Karma House, you're just a quick walk from Harvard University. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. Built in 1885, this comfortable apartment building has 5 apartments over 3 floors. Each apartment includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
Each apartment offers a kitchen, a dryer and a balcony or patio
Free WiFi
Amenities include laundry facilities and a terrace
Steps from Harvard University and 7 minutes on foot from Harvard Square
As a guest of The Cambridge Karma House, you'll find a terrace, a garden, and a picnic area. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Cambridge Karma House also features laundry facilities, express check-in, and express check-out.
This 3.5-star Cambridge apartment is smoke free.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Microwave
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Rollaway/extra bed: USD 45 per stay
Bathroom
1 private bathroom
Free toiletries
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV with cable channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony/patio
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Yard
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.
5 steps to reach entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Luggage storage
Location highlights
In a historical district
Near a metro station
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
2 buildings
3 floors
5 units
Built in 1885
Garden
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 2 AM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before noon
Express check-out available
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
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 45.0 per stay.
Payment types at the property
Important information
Fees
Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:
Cleaning fee: USD 29.00 per accommodation, per stay.
We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Rollaway bed fee: USD 45.0 per stay
This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Tax ID - C0177510491
This property accepts credit cards
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 does not have a front desk. Guests will receive an email with check-in instructions. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
Property Registration Number No Registration ID
We should mention
Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Property is 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
The Cambridge Karma House Reviews
Reviews
6.4
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
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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
5 May 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
5 Mar 2019
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
6 Jun 2018
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
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
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
6/10 Okay
Leah
14 May 2018
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
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
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
6/10 Okay
Chris
19 Mar 2018
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
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
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
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017
6/10 Okay
Nancy, Pittsburgh, PA
28 Oct 2017
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
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.
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.
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
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
2/10 Terrible
PJK, Washington DC
24 May 2017
Disliked: Staff & service
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
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
11 Aug 2016
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
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
8/10 Good
Wendy, Silver Lake, NH
7 Aug 2016
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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.
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.
Chester the manager delivered on all that he promised - amenities, parking permit, beds. Dependable, thanks. Very happy with the rental. Hotel service a 3 only because it is basically an apartment.
I didn't know what to expect but was happy with my stay. Living room, Bed room, Kitchen, even though I didn't need it. Bath room was nice. This is not a modern room so don't expect the Hilton but not the price either.
The hotel room was more of an apartment setting. Very comfortable and spacious. It was a convenient 5 min walk to Harvard Square. My only complaint is that the family upstairs had very active young children/ child and the running around was very noisy. I didn't spend a lot of time in the apt so it was manageable. If the situation remains the same and you're planning to be home all day, it might not be optimal.
Other than that, all was well.