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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Ginkgo House on Harvard

Stay at Ginkgo House on Harvard, a cozy Victorian inn with warm rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to Harvard University and Boston attractions.

288 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States View on map
9.8/10
Exceptional Based on 486 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Laundry service
What recent guests emphasize

Exceptional comfort, thoughtful hospitality, and ideal location

Recent guests highlight a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with clean, cozy accommodations and a convenient Cambridge location that balances quiet charm with easy access to Harvard Square and local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, attentive, and personal hospitality from the hosts who make guests feel at home
  • Spotlessly clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated rooms with cozy common areas
  • Quiet, charming Victorian house setting with a relaxing garden and well-maintained shared spaces
  • Convenient location within walking distance to Harvard University, public transport, cafes, and shops
  • Rooms and some apartments feature kitchens, appreciated by guests for convenience and dining flexibility

Worth knowing

  • Parking is available but limited; hosts assist with neighborhood parking passes and luggage
  • Stairs inside the Victorian house may be a consideration for guests with mobility issues
  • No breakfast service, restaurant, or fitness center on-site
  • No airport shuttle or pool facilities are provided
  • Strict no outdoor shoes policy indoors contributes to the overall cleanliness and cozy atmosphere

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a quiet, homey stay close to Harvard University and Cambridge’s cultural hubs
  • Families and small groups needing spacious, clean rooms or apartments with kitchen facilities
  • Travelers who appreciate personalized service and a relaxed, smoke-free environment
  • Guests wanting a convenient base to explore Boston attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park
  • Those looking for a calm retreat amid a charming historic neighborhood near public transit
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About this property

Welcome to Ginkgo House on Harvard

Set within a restored Victorian house on a quiet street in Cambridge, Ginkgo House on Harvard offers a relaxed inn atmosphere combining warm rooms and apartments with the charm of a garden courtyard. The property features kitchens in some rooms, air conditioning, and free parking, catering well to guests who value a comfortable, home-like environment. While breakfast and restaurant services are not provided, guests appreciate the convenience of on-site laundry services and free Wi-Fi.

Located at 288 Harvard St, the inn is positioned to serve visitors exploring the historic Harvard University area and nearby neighborhoods like Inman Square, which boasts bookshops, cafes, and a variety of dining options. Guests highlight the easy walking access to Harvard Square and public transportation, making it a practical base for those keen to explore both Cambridge and the broader Boston area.

Reviewers consistently mention the welcoming and attentive hosts, who contribute to a quiet and comfortable stay. The interior spaces are described as cozy, clean, and thoughtfully decorated, with common areas that invite relaxation and socializing. However, guests with mobility concerns should note the presence of stairs, though assistance with luggage and neighborhood parking passes are offered to mitigate this.

Ideal for visitors seeking a calm retreat near academic, cultural, and foodie attractions, this smoke-free inn fits well with families and travelers who appreciate the ability to prepare their own meals and enjoy a peaceful neighborhood setting. Its proximity to major museums, Fenway Park, and convenient transport links, including Boston Logan International Airport just under 20 minutes away by car, adds to its appeal for a variety of guests.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Laundry service
Kitchens in some rooms
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JO
Jenny Oh Apr 18, 2026
10

We had such a wonderful stay at the Ginkgo House on Harvard! From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at home. The hosts were so kind and welcoming, they genuinely went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed, even with our two little ones in tow. The rooms were spotless, cozy, and thoughtfully decorated, and the beds were so comfortable after long days exploring Cambridge. The location couldn’t be better. It was an easy walk to Harvard Square, great coffee shops, and playgrounds, yet tucked away enough to feel calm and quiet. It was the perfect balance. It was also a huge plus the place had a kitchen to prepare our own food, a dining room to share meals and a living area to lounge and read books. We’re so grateful for such a lovely experience and would absolutely stay here again the next time we’re in town!

ES
Eddie Sohn Mar 29, 2026
10

Clean, cozy, and courteous--the Ginkgo House was a perfect stay for our family of four for two nights. The friendly staff made us feel at home. The location was an ideal home base to explore Cambridge (walkable to Harvard campus) and Boston at large. The rooms were clean and comfortable. And you can't forget the onsite parking available as well! We will definitely be back. Thank you Ginkgo House team!

CK
Colleen Kelly Mar 16, 2026
10

This was the perfect spot for our long weekend stay! A quiet neighborhood but close to public transportation. The house itself was beautiful, as was our room. We loved the dining area with coffee/tea supplies and fresh fruit. Nancy and Lance are wonderful hosts—very hospitable and friendly, and quick to answer questions and assist with anything we needed. I would recommend the Gingko House for anyone looking to visit Cambridge/Boston!

KMH
Kelly M. Hanlon Feb 24, 2026
10

Having been to Cambridge many times, I’d never been to the Gingko House. Conveniently located between Harvard and MIT, it was lovely all around. Everything was walkable and safe. The hospitality offered by Nancy was extraordinary—from the reservation experience through arrival, my stay and all the way through to my late afternoon departure. The common areas were pristine (and decorated for the holidays). The rooms were cozy and clean and quiet. All of the amenities, none of the headache. The Gingko House will be at the top of my list for future stays!

KH
Kaitlyn Harrell Jan 30, 2026
10

I stayed here during graduation weekend, and it was a wonderful experience. The location was perfect—close to everything and convenient during such a busy time. The room was spotless and comfortable.I loved the no–outdoor-shoes policy inside, which really added to the clean and cozy feel of the space. The hosts were incredibly kind and thoughtful, with touches like graduation balloons and a bottle of champagne waiting in the room.

RP
Ron Perez Jan 26, 2026
10

Our first stay in Cambridge and Ginkgo House made it such an enjoyable and very memorable visit. We were just a few blocks from our daughter’s apartment, and it was another short and enjoyable walk to several mass transit options, Whole Foods, and many wonderful places to grab a bite or just some coffee. The house itself was so cozy and comfortable, and having use of the wonderful kitchen really came in handy. We also met several other guests that we unexpectedly struck up friendships with. But the staff, especially Nancy, were so helpful from the moment we stepped through the door until we were on our way again after four fabulous days. We are definitely coming back to Ginkgo House again soon. We highly recommend it!

AJ
Alicia Jiang Jan 15, 2026
10

Our stay was absolutely wonderful! The room looked even better than in the photos — cozy, stylish, and spotless, with a very comfortable bed. The courtyard was full of charm; it was so relaxing to sit there for tea, chat, read, or simply daydream. It truly felt like a warm little home away from home. We took so many beautiful photos! I’ll definitely come back again and recommend this place to my friends.

GW
Gary Wong Jan 12, 2026
10

Ginkgo House is a jewel of an Inn, a charming, renovated property with a great location ...walkable to Cambridge and Boston. The interior is tastefully decorated, relaxing and serene . Situated in a charming neighborhood, walking around each day provides a sense of community and daily life. The management is very friendly and knowledgeable, making the stay very enjoyable. When is the last time you stayed where they greeted you daily by your first name? took interest in you and your well-being? Two considerations, parking is limited and there are stairs if you have mobility concerns. They mitigate this by providing neighborhood parking passes and help with luggage. Friendly, comfortable and clean. We would stay here again.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Ginkgo House on Harvard

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Broad area including Harvard University, surrounding bookshops & cafes & foodie hub Inman Square.

  • Porter 40 min Walk
  • North Station 1 hr 2 Walk
  • Back Bay 1 hr 1 Walk
  • Boston Logan International Airport 19 min Car · 46 min Transit
  • Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport 1 hr 15 Car · 1 hr 55 Transit
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport 1 hr 6 Car · 1 hr 33 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Massachusetts. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 19,561 reviews

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

4.8 · Art Museum
Fenway Park 1 reviews

Fenway Park

4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States

4.8 · Stadium
Museum of Science 23,020 reviews

Museum of Science

1 Science Pk, Boston, MA 02114, United States

4.7 · Science Museum
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