Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville opens its doors

Under the direction of CambridgeSeven, the hotel’s crenellated facade emphasizes the building’s presence while providing interior rooms with oblique glimpses of the streetscape from within. Composed of wood-textured cement panels, the building’s aesthetic relates to its residential neighbors, nodding to classic contemporary design in a unique urban form.

“Cambria Boston Somerville is a testament to the transformation of nearby Union Square into a thriving transit-oriented neighborhood while also being close to Cambridge. The hotel is a blend of urban chic, influenced by Somerville’s unique neighborhoods, combined with a dynamic exterior design that boldly reframes this location as a focal point along Somerville Avenue. With guest amenities such as an oversized fitness room, game room, event space, and a unique top-floor suite with a rooftop terrace and breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, this hotel sets high standards for a memorable customer experience,” says Jan L. Brenner, AIA, Associate Director, CambridgeSeven.

The winner Studio Bill Rooney, known for his work on the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and other five-star hotels, is making his design debut in Somerville with this project. Upon entering the hotel lobby, guests will be greeted by walnut paneled walls, richly detailed ceilings, and a spectacular double-sided fireplace. A contemporary shelf surrounds the seating area, creating a cozy retreat.

“Cambria’s new hotel offering is rooted in the context of place. Somerville is home to a population of hip, affluent, artistic and independent thinkers who are diverse and have a strong sense of community engagement. The hotel’s personality is derived from a modern spirit alongside a nod to the relaxed sophistication that exists in the region, the eclectic mix of lightweight industrial fabric, historic heritage, proximity to world-class academics and abundance of dining experiences,” says the designer Bill Rooney.

Spacious rooms (found on floors two through six) span an average of 375 square feet and are available in King and Double Queen formations with the option of connecting rooms. Rooms have modernized regional design elements as well as industrial references while the art reflects the hotel’s bustling community with hints of humor. Dark blue wall covering, accented with bronze rivets, makes a statement on the bedside wall, as do long tufted headboards, striped knit carpeting, and navy wainscoting. White wall surfaces are juxtaposed with walnut cabinet pieces and pop against bright yellow bedside table lamps. Inviting seating areas — whether it’s a round table and open-backed black wooden chairs, or a plush lounge chair — give rooms the comforts of home. Nine suites offer guests even more space, the largest of which is 960 square feet Rooftop Suite. Its expansive private balcony and expansive views of Somerville, Cambridge, the Boston city skyline and beyond are sure to make it a favorite among guests. Bathrooms feature stretched black stone hexagonal mosaic floors and Bluetooth, touch-enabled bathroom mirrors that sync to guests’ music of choice, plus PURE bath amenities. Pets are welcome and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

With 1,175 square feet of multi-purpose space on the first floor, Cambria Boston Somerville is well-equipped for private functions and weddings. The 2,000 square foot fitness room features floor-to-ceiling windows and caters to all wellness needs with Peloton and LifeFitness machines. The game room allows guests to unwind with shuffleboard, foosball, and a variety of retro games.

Infusing the hotel with local flair, Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville will host a small market on the first floor, showcasing craft drinks and snacks from surrounding small local businesses. Look for MEM teas from Cambridge and Q’s Nuts, Tower Beverages, Brewer’s Food crackers and Taza chocolates from Somerville, to name a few. Continuing the guest’s direct line to local culture, the hotel also operated Boston’s award-winning online music, movie, TV and comedy magazine, Vanyaland, to organize a unique musical program that highlights local artists. Vanyaland has created playlists for the hotel’s various common areas and private function rooms and is set to schedule and produce a series of live music events at the hotel in the coming months.

Cambria’s energetic lobby will be complemented this fall with an exciting 4,000 square foot restaurant led by one of Greater Boston’s most renowned chefs. The restaurant will also offer alfresco dining on what will be one of the largest outdoor terraces in the region. While the restaurant is in progress, Cambria offers guests a small bites menu, local craft beer and Cambria estate wines nightly; the menu is sourced from local Somerville restaurants.

“Whether you are a destination or business traveler, or one of our neighbors stopping in to enjoy the hotel, we look forward to welcoming you with a unique, people-oriented experience,” Saunders Saunders Hotel Group President Gary Saunders, a third-generation, family-owned hotel management company. “As leaders in Boston’s hospitality industry, our team enriches the experience of every visitor, and we are thrilled to be part of the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Somerville-Cambridge.”

The Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville is equidistant from Harvard, Union and Porter Squares, and close to Kendall Square, Tufts University and MIT. The property is also adjacent to the recently opened MBTA Union Square station stop on the Green Line, which transports passengers to North Station in less than ten minutes. Three key nearby developments that are dramatically transforming Somerville’s Union Square neighborhood include the 15-acre USQ, a planned development that includes a laboratory, offices, multi-family housing, retail and open space, the 7.4-acre Somernova, an innovation-driven business park, and the 43-acre Cambridge Crossing.

The opening of the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville underscores the growth of the Cambria brand across New England, joining the Cambria Hotel Boston Downtown – South Boston as well as the soon-to-open Cambria Hotels in South Windsor, Connecticut, New Haven, Connecticut and Portland, Maine, which is set to debut this year.

Located at 515 Somerville Avenue in Somerville, MA, the hotel is now accepting reservations with rates starting at $250.