Hotels across Greater Boston were trying to make the best of the storm, offering snowstorm rates, complimentary parking and free hot chocolate to guests and emergency workers.
The Charles River Hotel in Cambridge has seen its share of cancellations due to the storm, with one notable exception.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland is staying at the hotel tonight. The “24� star is in town to be celebrated at Harvard as the Hasty Pudding theatrical group’s Man of the Year. Because of the storm, the event will take place at the hotel instead of Harvard.
General Manager Alex Attia said more than 200 people are expected to attend the dinner, but many live close by. For those who are staying overnight due to weather, the hotel is offering a special snow rate of $199.
Hotel staff will also stay at the hotel tonight, Attia said, for free.
“It’s a pajama party, I have mine with me,� he said.
He added that for many guests with flights to catch this weekend, “tomorrow will be the more challenging day. Most staying here tonight know they won’t likely get out tomorrow.�
The Revere Hotel near Boston Common offered a $99 overnight rate for Massachusetts residents trapped in the city due to the storm. The rate includes a free 6 p.m. screening of the movie “Ted.�
Alisa Mathews, interim general manager at the Copley Plaza Hotel, said calls for rooms surged midday Friday after state officials announced road closures to all but emergency personnel. She said a steady stream of stranded travelers had also filled the hotel, arriving by taxicab throughout the day. She expected that nearly all 140 rooms at the hotel would be occupied by Friday’s end.
She said there was enough forewarning about the storm and that many travelers did not seem frustrated by cancellations due to the storm.
“It seems like for them, it’s kind of a novelty,� Mathews said. “We put out games and got some additional books and magazines for the lobby. We’re trying to make it festive.�