Cambridge, MA

Key Highlights

Hotels	30
Total Sleeping Rooms	6,000
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $183
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $71
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $355

Cambridge, MA Meeting Planning Overview

History, culture and two of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world make the city of Cambridge an attractive destination for business and leisure travelers alike. Just a stone's throw from Boston, Cambridge is a convenient alternative for meeting planners. Easily accessible by air, Cambridge is served by Boston's Logan International Airport. As the region's premier gateway, Logan International is served by more than 30 airlines and offers flights to over 100 domestic and international locations.

Once in Cambridge, visitors can take advantage of the region's speedy and efficient public transit system known as the "T." Whether utilizing the subway, commuter rail, public bus or ferry, traveling on the "T" is an easy and affordable way to traverse the city's attractions and accommodations neither of which is there a shortage. From charming historic inns to elegant suites, the city has every type of lodging imaginable to satisfy the most discriminating of traveler.

Several of Cambridge's first-class hotels also serve as ideal meeting venues. In fact, it's Conference Collection of hotels provide nearly 3,500 hotel rooms and 102,000 square feet of meeting space. Venues such as the acclaimed Hyatt Regency Cambridge combine meeting space and first-class amenities. Here, planners can take advantage of 25,000 square feet of meeting space along with 469 guest rooms, a 24-7 business center, high-speed and wireless Internet access, complimentary shuttle service and more.

By virtue of its proximity to Boston, Cambridge has the advantage of easy access to its large-scale meeting facilities as well. The can't-miss location for meetings and events in New England is the phenomenal 1.3 million-square-foot Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Located in Boston's Seaport District, the center features 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space, a 40,020-square-foot ballroom, along with as many as 84 flexible meeting rooms. Boston's John B. Hynes Veteran Memorial Convention Center boasts 300,000 square feet of exhibition space and 41 meeting rooms, while the environmentally-friendly Seaport World Trade Center Boston combines stunning views and 118,000 square feet of exhibition space.

For a rare taste of Cambridge's unique spirit, planners can take their pick of a number of alternative venues dotted across the city. Host a meeting amidst one of the world's most prestigious art institutions at the Harvard Art Museum or gather in one of the cutting-edge galleries of the MIT Museum. Or, enjoy an elegant backdrop and creative regional fare at the celebrated Bambara restaurant.

A city rooted in innovation, Cambridge is home to the headquarters of a number of emerging technology corporations including Genzyme, VY and GVD. In addition, the city is home to the prestigious Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as Lesley University and the Longy School of Music.

Looking for venues in Boston? Click the following link to see all Boston event venues.

About Cambridge, MA / Additional Info

Situated just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is the 5th most populous city in the state with approximately 101,355 residents. Although commonly referred to as Boston's Left Bank, Cambridge has a distinctive flavor all its own. One of the first towns founded by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it grew first as a primarily agricultural village and thrived as one of the main industrial cities in New England in the 19th and 20th centuries. Thanks to its two renowned educational institutions, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it has remained an intellectual and cultural center throughout the years.

Guests can take a step back into Cambridge's history at a number of attractions. Step in Harvard Square, the city's original village site and now home to a number of coffeehouses, bookstores, restaurants and even street performances. Join the Tales of Olde Cambridge Walking Tour to hear spirited stories of Puritan punishments, witches and spies, or stop in at the Longfellow National Historic Site, which once served as the headquarters of George Washington and home to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Meanwhile, a relaxing stroll down Cambridge's elegant Brattle Street offers views of stately Tory mansions, while the Cooper-Frost-Austin-House gives visitors a peek at the oldest house still standing in Cambridge.

Interestingly, it is Cambridge's historic educational institutions that have also kept the city on the cutting edge. At Harvard University, guests can both explore the hallowed halls that saw the likes of intellectual giants and world leaders such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Franklin Roosevelt, or stop by the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view exhibits on modern topics such as climate change. Just a few minutes away, MIT pushes the envelope of contemporary art at the phenomenal List Visual Arts Center and offers adventures in scientific discovery at the MIT Museum.

Nestled within the shadow of the city's iconic educational institutions are a number of additional attractions and activities that allow visitors a chance to experience Cambridge's distinct flavor. Explore downtown Cambridge's Central Square to mix with the locals while enjoying the shops, award-winning eateries and cozy pubs. Enjoy retail therapy at one of the more than 120 stores at the CambridgeSide Galleria. Or, get in touch with wildlife at the Alewife Brook Reservation. Featuring 120 acres of meadows and wetlands, this scenic sanctuary is home to an array of migratory and indigenous birds including osprey and Great Blue heron.

Easily transitioning from day to night, Cambridge offers plenty of options for a night on the town. From intimate eateries to five-star dining, sumptuous cuisine is always just around the corner. Visitors can sit down to Italian fare with a New England twist at the highly lauded Rialto Restaurant + Bar, or enjoy Mediterranean cuisine under the stars in the garden setting of Oleana Restaurant. Meanwhile, those looking for regional New England fare amidst a lively ambiance can stop in at Bambara restaurant to sample the "Lobster Chowdah" or "Rock Shrimp Risotto." With this spirited attitude and more than a few tricks up its sleeve, Cambridge promises to show guests what it believes is the mischievous side of Boston.

Cambridge, MA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Convention Center(s):

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Logan International Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
21
Population
105,162
Restaurants
53
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
5.00%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Cambridge, MA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Providence, RI	54 mi	1 hr 4 min	1 hr 30 min	USD $335+
Worchester, MA	70 mi	1 hr 21 min	n/a	N/A
Hartford, CT	98 mi	1 hr 43 min	3 hr 8 min	USD $485+
New York, NY	212 mi	3 hr 49 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $160+
Philadelphia, PA	306 mi	5+ hr	1 hr 30 min	USD $260+
Washington, DC	437 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 40 min	USD $170+

Cambridge, MA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	36	39	46	56	67	77	82	80	73	62	52	42
Avg. Low (°F)	22	24	31	41	50	59	65	64	57	46	38	28
Rec. High (°F)	72	70	89	94	97	100	104	102	102	90	83	76
Rec. Low (°F)	-30	-18	-8	11	31	41	50	46	34	25	-2	-17
Rainfall (in)	3.9	3.3	3.9	3.6	3.2	3.2	3.0	3.3	3.4	3.8	4.0	3.7

Like most New England cities, the weather in Cambridge varies greatly. Summers are typically sunny and hot with temperatures averaging around 82F. Winters are cold with temperatures averaging 37F. Cambridge receives an average of 42 inches of snow per year, primarily during the months of January and March.

Although Cambridge is a year-round destination, the absolute best time to visit is during late spring or early fall when temperatures are mild. Transitional seasons also afford guests the opportunity to experience the magic of the fabled New England foliage display.

Other Convention Centers in Cambridge, MA

Name	Address	Total Meeting Space
Boston Convention & Marketing Center	415 Summer Street Boston, Massachusetts 02210	> 100,000 Sq. Ft.
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center	900 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02115	90,000 Sq. Ft.

Cambridge, MA Meeting Venue Spotlight

Hyatt Regency Cambridge

Jutting out above the Charles River, the 16-story Hyatt Regency Cambridge is a critically acclaimed landmark and the city's premier meeting venue. The 2009 winner of Successful Meetings magazine's "Pinnacle Award," the Hyatt features 25,000 square feet of meeting space. Its facilities encompass 25 meeting rooms, the 7,008-square-foot President's Ballroom, the 2,900-square-foot Charles Ballroom, the 3,262-square-foot multi-level Empress Ballroom and the 2,800-square-foot Riverside Pavilion.

An easy choice for meeting planners, this award-winning hotel also features 469 elegantly appointed guest rooms, wireless Internet access, a business center, restaurants, bars and recreational amenities such as a 75-foot indoor, heated lap pool, sundeck and a fully equipped gym. In addition, the hotel's on-site culinary team can design an enticing menu of fresh flavors to complement meetings and events of all sizes.

Located in the heart of the city, the Hyatt is situated near some of the region's best offerings. The Children's, Science and Fine Arts Museum as well as the Theatre District and bustling Harvard Square are all nearby.

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Seaport Hotel/Seaport World Trade Center

One Seaport Lane
Boston, MA
Total Meeting Space Sq Ft - More than 100,000

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Cambridge, MA Airport Information

Logan International Airport (BOS)

Approximate taxi fare: $25 USD

Visitors to Cambridge can arrive by plane at nearby Logan International Airport, located in the East Boston neighborhood. As the nation's 19th busiest airport, more than 27 million passengers pass through this active transportation hub every year. It was at Logan International where in 1970 Pan Am airlines inaugurated its daily Boeing 747 service to London Heathrow Airport, beginning the era of the jumbo jet.

The airport's six runways and 14 miles of taxiway span more than 2,400 acres. The airport has four passenger terminals (A, B, C and E), each with its own ticketing booths, baggage claim and ground transportation services. More than 50 airline carriers serve the airport, including 16 foreign flag carriers. Domestic service is offered to 76 destinations and international service is provided to 33 destinations. The airport is a focus city for American Airlines, Delta and US Airways.

In addition to the security offered by the airport's own State Police troop and fire-rescue unit, Logan International Airport offers travelers plenty of amenities, including salons and spas, shoe shine valets, ATMs, retail and duty free shopping, dining and a non-denominational chapel. Children also enjoy Kidport, an interactive play area designed by the Children's Museum of Boston that includes a baggage claim slide, airplane climbing structure and magnetic poetry wall.

The airport has two hotels on its grounds: the recently renovated 270-room Hyatt Harborside and the 599-room Hilton Boston Logan Airport. Garage parking is available at daily and hourly rates, as is economy parking for long-term stays.

Airline carriers serving Logan International Airport

Aer Lingus
Air Canada/Air Canada Jazz
Air France
AirTran Airways
Alaska Airlines
Alitalia
American West
Air India
American
American Eagle
British Airways
Cape Air
Charters

Continental
Delta Air Lines
Delta Connection
Delta Connection/Com Air
Delta Shuttle
Finnair
flyGlobespan
Iberia
Icelandair
JetBlue Airways
Lufthansa
Midwest
Northwest/KLM

SATA
Spirit Airlines
Swiss
United
United Express
US Airways Shuttle (LaGuardia & D.C.)
US Airways
US Airways Express
Virgin Atlantic Airways

Cambridge, MA Train Information

South and Back Bay Stations

Amtrak services neighboring Boston at its South and Back Bay stations. Routes entering and the departing the city are the Acela Express, which travels from Boston to Washington, DC; Lake Shore Limited, which runs from Boston and New York City to Chicago; and Northeast Regional, which services the East Coast from Boston south to Newport News, Virginia.

Cambridge, MA Public Transportation

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Public transportation, operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (commonly referred to as the "T"), makes travel in and around Cambridge a breeze. A one-day pass, which includes unlimited travel on the subway, local bus, inner harbor ferry and commuter rail zone 1A is $9 and a seven-day pass, valid on the same systems, is $15. Rather than pay in cash, riders can purchase CharlieCards – plastic, reloadable tickets that offer reduced fares.

Buses

There are 15 bus routes running throughout Cambridge. Several buses offer connections to the Harvard Square subway station.

Subway

The T's subway system is the oldest in North America and the 4th busiest in the United States with 549,000 riders daily. The system consists of four lines: the Blue Line, the Red Line, the Green Line and the Orange Line. Cambridge is accessible via the Red Line at the Kendall Square, Central Square, Harvard Square and Porter Square stops. Riders can connect to the other lines for travel throughout the Boston area.

Subway fare is $1.70 when purchased with a CharlieCard and $2 when purchased in cash. Reduced fares are available for students, seniors and those with disabilities. Children ages 11 and under ride free.

Rental Cars

Logan International Airport has eight rental car companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Rental car desks are located in Terminals C and E. Each company has complimentary shuttle buses to transport passengers to rental car facilities.

Taxis

The Boston area has various taxi companies for travelers. All areas within a 12-mile radius of downtown Boston are charged a metered rate, while outside of this radius the charge is a flat rate.

Meter rates begin at $2.25 and increase by $0.30 per 1/8 mile. An airport fee of $2.25 is charged for all trips leaving Logan Airport. Fare between Cambridge and Logan Airport is approximately $25 including tolls.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Providence, RI	54 mi	1 hr 4 min	1 hr 30 min	USD $335+
Worchester, MA	70 mi	1 hr 21 min	n/a	N/A
Hartford, CT	98 mi	1 hr 43 min	3 hr 8 min	USD $485+
New York, NY	212 mi	3 hr 49 min	1 hr 10 min	USD $160+
Philadelphia, PA	306 mi	5+ hr	1 hr 30 min	USD $260+
Washington, DC	437 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 40 min	USD $170+