Stayed at The Harding House in Cambridge over the weekend and it was snowing...

Very convenient to all shops, restaurants and Harvard Square.

The Staff was very friendly and helpful. They were very aware from my reservation of food allergies and acknowledged the same when I checked in.

Read their website for all their important details and amenities. I personally had not and was surprised after the fact regarding wine and cheese (that was free and available) and breakfast, especially breakfast (Continental). They provide parking, newspapers and magazines including my two favorites, the Wall Street Weekend Journal and The New York Times Weekend edition.

Rooms can use a little work as our sink drain stopper not only did not work, but wasn't even attached to the control mechanism and since I did not find any loose pieces on the floor, I assume it hasn't been attached awhile. Also, the room thermostat didn't ever affect the room temperature, but seemed like the "house" temp was more than sufficient. Their was an additional room heater, it had two temps, the higher temp switch never worked and the lower one felt a bit warmer than a good tube TV warmth might feel. Again, House temperature was fine... Windows did not have storm windows so single panes allow more noise.

Perhaps a higher floor to avoid street noise might be helpful, in my case the hotel considered that a young child was staying in the upper floor area and smartly put us downstairs.

Back to breakfast....

Having stayed in quite a few B&B's you never really know what you are going to really get for breakfast even when the offering is continental, and this experience was the same. There were two young ladies in the kitchen when we got there Saturday morning for breakfast and there was a small sign mentioning South Western eggs and muffin (Not exact title) and in the tray was a single, small muffin. Hmm. I said hello to the two young ladies, expecting that one might come out and explain the breakfast offerings, but that did not happen. I then asked if there was more "egg and muffin" available and one young lady came out and pointed to the lonely little muffin. When I explained that my wife and I were both hungry she put the muffin on a plate and told us we could split the first and she would get more!?

Hmm.

Splitting a small muffin gave my wife the muffin top and me the cold egg omelet and the bottom half....By the way, it was cold and no mention that we could possibly heat it up. Not knowing the chefs intention didn't automatically jump to the microwave as I typically don't but muffins in a microwave.

Perhaps she could have mentioned that?

Anyway 2 (two) more little muffins came out.... There were other offerings for bread or fruit or cereal etc. But I did wish a few more muffins had made there way out of the kitchen.. Again, read their website for more information.

As to noise, it's older home so wood floors everywhere and though wonderfully warm you also hear every step above you, then as our room was on the first floor near the front door you also hear every person outside your window especially Saturday nite after the bars close and revelers are having a laugh as they walk by, and walk by and walk by... Also, the opening and closing of the front door, and,. the stamping of snowy feet and....Windows did not have storm windows so single panes allow more noise and discovered and was a bit shocked when I looked at one of the windows on Sunday and discovered that the window latch was no latched. A bit dangerous and I normally always check but hadn't until two nights of sleep had passed. Won't happen again...

I would go back to the Harding House, it's value and price exceeds the little quirkier things, but think of it more like going to friends house instead of Hotel and all the things that come with the more intimate experience. The price was very fair, the staff very friendly and I'll make my plans for breakfast next time I come.

All in all, good place to stay and very convenient.