Best Hotels with Free Parking Near Harvard University: Save on Parking While You Stay
Let’s be real—parking around Harvard University can be as hard to find as a seat in a sold-out lecture hall. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard isn’t just an Ivy League dream; it’s a tourist hotspot, a business hub, and a historical gem all rolled into one. Whether you’re here to tour the campus, attend a conference, or catch up with your favorite future Nobel Prize winner, you’ll want somewhere comfy to crash without worrying about parking meters or garage fees.
Good news: you don’t have to sacrifice location or comfort to save on parking. We’ve scouted the best hotels near Harvard that actually offer free parking (yes, really). From artsy vibes to old-school charm, this list has a little something for everyone—plus, your car gets a stress-free stay too. Ready to save your parking budget for more important things (like books or Boston cream pie)? Let’s dive into the top spots.
Studio Allston Hotel
2229 reviews
4-Star | Free Parking | 1.9 miles from Harvard University | No Pool
Looking for bold colors and big personality? Studio Allston Hotel is your artsy escape. Only 1.9 miles from Harvard, this boutique hotel feels like a creative gallery you can sleep in. Think vibrant murals, quirky décor, and Instagram-worthy corners everywhere you look.
Parking? Totally free. So you can focus on admiring the art—not feeding a meter. While there’s no pool, the hotel makes up for it with comfy lounges and a funky bar scene.
Room perks you'll love:
- Ultra-comfy beds
- Netflix-ready flat-screen TVs
- Mini fridge for late-night snacks
- Chic work desks (because emails never stop)
Whether you're traveling solo or bringing your creative crew, Studio Allston blends comfort with cool in all the right ways.
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge
684 reviews
3-Star | Free Parking | 3 miles from Harvard University | Indoor Pool
If you're looking for space to spread out and feel at home, the Residence Inn is your jam. Located just 3 miles from Harvard, it offers free parking and free breakfast (two of our favorite F-words). Perfect for families, business travelers, or anyone who enjoys a kitchenette close by.
What really sets this place apart? That sparkling indoor pool—a lifesaver during Boston’s chillier months.
Room highlights include:
- Full kitchen with stovetop and dishwasher
- Plush beds and pull-out sofas
- Workstations with ergonomic chairs
- Smart TVs for binge-worthy downtime
It's a stay that says, “I’m here for business and bacon.”
Irving House at Harvard
673 reviews
3-Star | Free Parking | 0.4 miles from Harvard University | No Pool
Want to wake up basically on campus? Irving House at Harvard is a cozy, welcoming inn just 0.4 miles from the university gates. It’s like staying in a charming B&B, only better—because parking's free and breakfast is homemade.
This spot nails that home-away-from-home feeling with quiet reading nooks, warm hospitality, and cookies (yes, actual cookies).
Room amenities that make it special:
- Cozy beds with soft linens
- Bookshelves for the lit lovers
- Complimentary breakfast buffet
- Air conditioning for those warmer New England days
Whether you're visiting a student or reliving your academic glory days, Irving House is a top pick for comfort and closeness.
A Friendly Inn at Harvard
270 reviews
2.5-Star | Free Parking | 0.4 miles from Harvard University | No Pool
The name says it all. A Friendly Inn is just what you'd expect—a warm, no-fuss place where the people are kind and the parking is, bless it, free. It’s tucked away in a super walkable neighborhood just 0.4 miles from Harvard, making it ideal for campus visits, graduation weekends, or quick getaways.
This inn’s charm lies in its simplicity. Nothing too fancy, but everything you need.
Room features worth noting:
- Classic, comfy furnishings
- Airy windows with natural light
- Cable TV and private bathrooms
- Coffee and tea always on hand
This one's for the budget-conscious traveler who still wants location and good vibes.
A Cambridge House Inn
1194 reviews
4-Star | Free Parking | 2 miles from Harvard University | No Pool
A Cambridge House Inn is where historic charm meets hotel ease. Located just 2 miles from Harvard, it’s perfect if you love antique touches, peaceful surroundings, and—you guessed it—free parking.
The rooms blend Victorian decor with modern comforts, making your stay both elegant and cozy. Think high ceilings, warm wood, and a gentle escape from the city buzz.
Room goodies that guests love:
- Classic four-poster beds
- Private bathrooms with luxury toiletries
- Fireplace (in select rooms)
- Free breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee
It’s like staying at your classy aunt’s house—if your aunt also offered free Wi-Fi and didn’t mind late check-ins.
Let’s be honest: finding free parking around Harvard feels a bit like scoring an A+ in Organic Chemistry—it takes luck, strategy, and a lot of patience. But thanks to these lovely hotels, you can skip the stress and enjoy your visit to Cambridge without circling the block for 30 minutes.
Whether you’re into bold boutique hotels like Studio Allston, full-kitchen suites like the Residence Inn, or old-school charm like A Cambridge House Inn, there’s a perfect match waiting—plus a cozy parking spot for your car. And hey, the money you save on parking? Maybe use it to treat yourself to some cannoli in the North End or snag a Harvard hoodie you definitely don’t need (but will definitely wear).
So pack your bags, skip the parking garage roulette, and book one of these gems. Nearby Harvard University hotels with free parking? Now that’s what we call a smart choice.
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