Royal Sonesta Hotel050

The 400-room Royal Sonesta Hotel sits right on the banks of the Charles River, offering guests beautiful water (and skyline) views and easy travel within Cambridge or into the heart of Boston.

Parents love the artsy decor feeling of the property. Dozens of contemporary, original works of art line the lobby walls. Families can take a self-guided walking tour of the artworks and have some fun, like we did, talking about which pieces we like the best. (Find out if your kids are more Pop Art than minimal!)

Kids love the indoor/outdoor pool area with a retractable roof and sun terrace. Complimentary kick boards are available, and if you forget anything, goggles, shower shoes, bathing caps, and ear plugs are available for purchase. Splash! One parent can be keeping an eye on the kids, while the other checks out the 24-hour fitness center with exercise equipment, hot tub, and saunas. (If you're traveling solo, the hotel concierge has some babysitting referrals.)

The hot tub was out of order when we visited, but the friendly Health Club Manager made up for it with his lively conversation and sincere apologies. Other spa services include massage, facials, and pedicures.

The rooms are comfortable and simple, with luxurious touches like the wonderful linens, plush towels, Poggesi toiletries, soft cotton robes, and those wonderful views of the river. All rooms feature complimentary wireless Internet access, mini-bars, coffee makers, and HDTV. The flat screen televisions also offer dozens of cable channels, including Nickelodoen, Cartoon Network, Animal Planet, and Disney. Pay-per-view movies, Nintendo, and a CD Jukebox are also available. In-room dining is available and includes a children's menu- grilled cheese, PB &J, cheese pizza, chocolate pudding, etc.

We stayed in a room with two double beds, but for a little added leg room (playspace), try one of the hotels many suites.

Refrigerators, cots, and cribs are available by request.

One cautionary note: sounds travels easily from room to room. If your family is on the loud side (or you're desiring some peace and quiet), talk to the staff about this in advance.

The hotel offers two on-location dining options. ArtBar features a variety of appetizers and salads, as well as organic chicken, fish, meats, and veggie dishes. As its name implies, the restaurant's dishes are works of art for the palate - using such ingredients as Vermont maple vinaigrette, black truffle, candied ginger, cipolinni onions, Breakfast is also available at the ArtBar. Wjen the weather is lovely, opt to eat out on the patio, overlooking the Charles River.

Restaurant dante serves a broad selection of Italian-based cuisine ("with a twist"!) - tasting plates, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Royal Sonesta Hotel is with walking distance of the Boston Museum of Science (Must-see!) and the Cambridge Side Galleria. A jogging path runs alongside the river, just steps away from the hotel. And the "T" line is about a ten minute walk.