Freepoint Hotel Cambridge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

While this property isn't the most charming or personality-filled hotel in the Boston area, things are pleasantly modern and reflect the hotel's suburban setting. The homey interiors have bright pops of blue in the small clusters of seating, plus an abundance of earth tones complemented by abstract art hanging on the walls. As there's not much around the hotel within an easy walk, the on-site lounge, Bar 220, is a welcome addition. It has a drop ceiling, forgiving gray carpet, and blue vinyl furniture with plenty of space for socializing. Given its relatively reasonable rates for the area, it should be no surprise that this is a busy spot. Visiting students and professors, families, and business travelers make the Tria buzz with energy.

The Hotel Tria's location is off the beaten tourist path, but it can still be a convenient hotel choice with a little navigating. It's a three-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to the Alewife T station, which is on the Red Line, with trains that stop at Harvard Square, MIT (Kendall Square), and downtown Boston. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the T station, Tufts, and Harvard Square, and to nearby businesses like Pfizer and Raytheon. Freshpond Shopping Center and movie theater are next to the hotel, along with a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. There is a jogging, biking, and walking path around Fresh Pond, which is across from the hotel, and Fresh Pond public golf course is a mile away. Baseball fans can drive to Fenway Park in about 25 minutes, and it's also reachable by public transportation (take the Red Line at Alewife to Park Street, and change to the Green D Line; get out at Fenway). The trip will take about an hour. Logan International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

The 121 rooms at the Hotel Tria come in a variety of configurations, with full, queen, or king beds. They're all similar, with armchairs and ottomans plus work desks. While the decor won't win any awards for style or innovation, the rooms are modern enough and have a homey style to them. The color palette is a neutral mix of browns, rust, and olive green, and complements the contemporary dark wood-veneer furniture and beige patterned or striped carpets. Crisp white bedding looks sharp next to upholstered dark wood headboards, and a bit of generic abstract art hangs on the wall. All come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and pay movies, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are roomy, with shower/tub combinations and toiletries. There's a good amount of space on black quartz countertops, and fixtures are all contemporary. 

Given its setting away from most of the action of the Boston area, there are a decent number of on-site features to help make a stay here convenient, though the hotel notably lacks a pool. One of the better perks is the attached Starbucks -- it's just off the lobby for anyone who needs to refuel. The hotel also has Bar 220, a casual lounge with a full bar that also serves light fare, including flatbread pizza and salads. The Tria offers a free hot breakfast buffet each morning that includes waffles, eggs, sausage, pastries, and fresh fruit. There is a small, skylit fitness room with a few cardio machines, as well as a game room with a pool table. The hotel has a business center with fax and photocopy services. There is a small lobby shop stocked with ice cream, cold soda, snacks (including microwaveables), and other sundries. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.