Ginkgo House on Harvard

3.0 star property
Inn in Cambridge, near Harvard University

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Photo gallery for Ginkgo House on Harvard

Terrace/patio
Garden
Front of property
Standard Doble Room
Microwave, oven, stovetop, toaster oven
Ginkgo House on Harvard places visitors in central Cambridge, minutes from Harvard Square and MIT. Guests can relax in the garden or use WiFi from their rooms. The property offers outdoor furniture and barbecue grills for those wanting to enjoy quiet time outside.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

Standard Single Room With Share Bath

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
2 bedrooms
Portable fan
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Classic Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Doble Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

Superior Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Deluxe Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Family Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

Private Studio Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
2 bedrooms
Portable fan
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Private Family Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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About the area

Map
288 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

What's nearby

  • Harvard University - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Boston University - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Fenway Park - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • TD Garden - 6 min drive - 4.0 km

Getting around

  • Central Square Station - 8 min walk
  • Union Square Station - 19 min walk
  • Boston, MA (BNH-Boston Harbor Seaplane Base) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Andala Coffee House - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Moge Tee - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cantab Lounge - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Dumpling House - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Ginkgo House on Harvard

Inn near Harvard University
Located close to Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University, Ginkgo House on Harvard provides a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Express check-out, express check-in and outdoor furniture
  • Gas grills, luggage storage and smoke-free property
Room features
All guest rooms at Ginkgo House on Harvard boast thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and portable fans
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and baths or showers
  • Communal kitchens, microwaves and ovens

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking available only on request

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage
  • Virtual front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Detached shared bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Free bottled water
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Toaster oven

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types at the property

Important information

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, debit card or cash deposit 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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
Property Registration Number C0344430491
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Ginkgo House on Harvard Inn
Ginkgo House on Harvard Cambridge
Ginkgo House on Harvard Inn Cambridge

Frequently asked questions

Is Ginkgo House on Harvard pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ginkgo House on Harvard?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ginkgo House on Harvard?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ginkgo House on Harvard located?

Located in Central Square, this inn is within 1 mi (2 km) of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston University and Fenway Park are also within 3 mi (5 km). Central Square Station is 8 minutes by foot and Harvard Square Station is 15 minutes.

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Ginkgo House on Harvard Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Madeleine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful experience staying at the Ginko House. Very charming hotel in a beautiful neighborhood. The staff was thoughtful and very friendly. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic house...
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Herve

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to stay in a convenient location. The staff is super welcoming and willing to accommodate special request. I recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Victorian home, very clean and Nancy was lovely. Only issue for us was our room didn’t have a working bathroom fan so after showers our room was pretty humid. We did have a window air conditioning unit so we just turned that on to cool off the room. Would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff, delightful historic and tastefully remodeled. Walking distance to Harvard
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

NAMTRAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend for a clean, comfortable and atmospheric stay in a historic Boston house. Easy, online check in and out. A great value!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The house was so comfortable!! And the staff was super friendly! Would highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to lay your head in a quiet serene environment.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely quiet boutique hotel in Cambridge—I was met with a warm welcome.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tsuyoshi

Liked: Amenities
Safe and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Naomi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and friendly
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I arrived, everything was really well. Nancy was there to greet me and it was an excellent stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I find myself staying at Ginkgo House anytime I'm in the Boston/Harvard area. The house is always so clean and the staff so friendly. It's always so beautiful no matter what yime of year when visiting. I will be coming back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was comfortable. Some things I would have liked: - more towels (e.g. hand towel & wash cloth); and disposable hand towels in the shared bathroom. - a fan in the bathroom (I was swetting after I finished drying my hair; I have a small fan in my own bathroom, and it really helps!) Otherwise, I enjoyed my stay; wish it could have been longer.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needs to add central A/C or window units.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Yingjian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well maintained property in a convenient but quiet neighborhood. Nicely kept interior, very clean. A bit poor sound proof so it gets noisy if someone talks or walks.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yonina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
For us, the location was perfect as it was a five minute walk in a very safe neighborhood to our daughter's apartment. The owner was very friendly and connected well with us, explaining the door lock mechanism and inquiring about our grandkids. Our room was clean, comfortable, and bright. The room was made up each day of our stay. New towels and water bottles were provided without having to request them. Hubby's only disappointment was the lack of a TV in our room. I definitely would reserve at Ginkgo House again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Too many rules, lack of modern conveniences (ie TV), old
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ginkgo is a small hotel near Central Square primarily serving the community connected to Harvard and MIT. The property feels like a small inn or private home and is located in a residential area. My room (#15) was on the ground floor off the lobby, with a comfortable king size bed, chair and desk, and bathroom. Clean, comfortable and quiet were the major characteristics. The hotel manager is a very sweet Chinese-American woman who personally engages with all the guests. Enjoyed my stay and would return.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was clean and staff was very hospitable
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Nancy (runs the place) is great. Room and overall facility is very clean. Minimal amenities (shared kitchen and dining room), which is fine. I just needed/wanted a place to sleep. I've never stayed at a b&b type of facility before. I'm more used to standard hotels. Not sure how I feel about the format. No shoes required inside which I'm used to from home. I was not aware I booked a shared bathroom room. Definitely not used to that. Will need to pay more attention to that when booking next time. According to Nancy, most rooms there do have bathrooms in the room. Mine was only 1 of 2. My biggest worry was that I would lock myself out of my room when using the bathroom so carrying the key with me at all times took some getting used to. About an 8 minute walk from the nearest T station. 2 blocks from a Whole Foods which was nice. About a 10 minute slow run to the river. No gym in the facility but found out later that there is a YMCA about a 5 minute walk away which you can use via a day pass for $20 or so. Quiet hours from 10pm to 8am. Feels very much like staying at a friend's house who likes things quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xiaoqin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
rhhh
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chokchai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the atmosphere and the Japanese tradition to keep the place quiet and clean,
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a gem! Gingko House was the perfect place to stay for 4 nights. Close to transportation and easy to get into the city and to Harvard square. The hotel was spotless and the staff kind and accommodating and went above and beyond to keep us comfortable. It was a very hot week while we were there and Nancy would offer to switch on the ac in the room before we got back so it would be cool when we arrived. The beds were comfortable and the shared amenities were just what we needed. Would highly recommend and hope to be back in the future. Thanks to all the staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needed to stay in the area. This was a good option and reasonably priced.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025