Freepoint Hotel
220 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USAWhy We Like It
One of the Freepoint's most unique attributes is its very own podcast channel on RadioPublic. They are also very dog-friendly, with a bowl and treats on hand for your pet. (Danehy Dog Park is also right down the street.)
Fodor's Expert Review
One of the newest hotels in the Boston area, the Freepoint Hotel is a refreshing addition to the Fresh Pond area of Cambridge. Embracing the intersection of art and technology, the hotel thrives on innovation (check out their three-dimensional art installations, like the Polaroid Wall) while still exemplifying high-quality service. Those in town to work at the nearby Technology Corridor or to visit family at Harvard and MIT will be very pleased with a stay at the Freepoint.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Creatively decorated rooms are filled with locally-sourced art and furnishings, and feature 48-inch flat screen televisions, mini-fridges, and bedside USB charging stations.
Bathroom
The Freepoint's bathrooms earn big bonus points for their hair products from Living Proof, a Cambridge-based beauty brand that started at MIT. There's also Beekman 1802 bath products and a bathrobe.
Lobby
The vibrant lobby is incredibly unique, boasting an industrial-chic vibe with a technology spin. It's packed with hard-to-find magazines and unique art installations. Continue into the "secret garden," an open-air courtyard where guests can enjoy drinks surrounded by fire pits and greenery.
Gym
The 24-hour fitness center is filled with cardio machines equipped with personal Android devices, a weight machine, plenty of free weights, kettle bells, a rope trainer, and more. Towels and water are provided.
You Should Know If you'd prefer to get out of the gym, don't miss a stroll to the nearby Fresh Pond Reservation, a 155-acre lake and parkland.
Dining
Freepoint Kitchen + Cocktails is the hotel's restaurant, helmed by Matthew Gaudet. Known for his gone-but-not-forgotten Cambridge restaurant West Bridge, Gaudet's new hotspot uses locally-sourced food to embrace global flavors. (A favorite is the Shakshuka made with chorizo stewed eggs, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and chèvre.) There's also a 24-hour lobby pantry where you can grab a snack.
Drinking
Freepoint Kitchen + Cocktails features an intricately curated drink menu, included a dedicated Manhattan menu with 8 variations from around the world. The 13-seat bar in the hotel's lobby beautifully highlights a locally sourced sugar maple live edge slab top, with a lounge vibe and several high-top tables in the surrounding area. There is a Starbucks coffee on-site.
Tip Don't miss the short distance projector in the bar, which displays video art, classic cartoons and cult-favorite flicks projected on the back wall.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
It's about a half-mile walk to the nearby Alewife MBTA station on the Red Line, which may be too long for some. There's a complimentary shuttle service while takes guests to attractions within 2 miles until 9:30pm, like Alewife station and Harvard Square. (You can even reserve the shuttle for up to 11 passengers.)
Restaurants
If you don't mind walking along the Parkway, there's a Whole Foods Market (4-minute walk) nearby. For Greek-style pizza and salads in an uber-casual environment, hit up neighborhood classic Ma Magoo's (2-minute walk). Genki-Ya (3-minute walk) is a popular sushi spot around the corner.