“Occupying a riverside position, this is a characterful hotel with Varsity styling and a noteworthy restaurant. Rooms have Edwardian design as their inspiration but they feel fun & modern. The Garden House restaurant serves a memorable seasonal menu & there's a chic bar too. Ideal for city exploring.”

Hotel review

The stylishly renovated Graduate Cambridge boasts a prime location by the River Cam. This sharp, academically-focused 148-bed hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of Cambridge University’s most famous colleges, Coe-Fen – a wild meadowland, and the Fitzwilliam Museum. The hotel was relaunched in 2021 after a complete redesign of the building. There’s a beautiful mix of old and new in everything from the bar to the rooms - a modern take on Varsity style. Look up at reception to see Cambridge punts embedded in the wall decor, a huge DNA installation hanging overhead, the bar lounge adorned with rows of literature and settle in for a luxurious stay - just don’t expect to do any swatting up at your in-room study desk.

Book into the gorgeous Garden House, the fine-dining restaurant with dishes driven by the seasons. The excellent (and witty) staff get top marks, as does the sensational breakfast offering overlooking the locals strolling along - or rowing on - the river. There’s a glam oval lobby bar too: bespoke cocktails and house-made cordials are the order of the day or linger on the terrace and watch the punting in summer.

A major highlight? Step outside into the very heart of Cambridge: the historical Mathematical Bridge can be seen from certain vantage points at the hotel. Guests can see the highlights of this sensational city in a mere ten or fifteen-minute wander. The newly-opened glassy swimming pool and health suite only add to its score, making it the ultimate city bolthole.

Rachel Everett
Rachel Everett Review published: 2021-09-14

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • The restaurant boasts a lovely setting beside the river and serves exceptional modern British cuisine using very local produce
  • Local exploring

    • Cambridge is small so almost anywhere is good but from here you are on the River Cam & have views of the Mathematical Bridge
  • Museums

    • Head to Kettle's Yard which has a collection of, once private, modern artworks including the likes of Joan Mirò
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the impressive gothic Kings College chapel and cross the Mathematical Bridge (or spot it from the hotel)
  • Child friendly

    • Several family suites and inter-connecting rooms plus plenty of outdoor space for little ones
  • Cycling

    • Use one of the hotel's bicycles to explore the river path and the city at your own pace
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a classic Cambridge experience by punting along the river
  • Restaurant

    • The Garden House restaurant
  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Gym

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Disabled access

  • Pet friendly

Facilities

  • Rooms

    148 rooms in this hotel
  • Child friendly

    Several family suites and inter-connecting rooms plus plenty of outdoor space for little ones
  • Hot Tub

    An indoor hot tub set besides the pool
  • Restaurant

    The Garden House restaurant
  • Parking

    On site parking for a fee
  • Swimming Pool

    Indoor pool
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Meeting Room

  • Bicycles available

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Wifi

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

  • Disabled access

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Pet friendly

Activities

  • Museums

    • Head to Kettle's Yard which has a collection of, once private, modern artworks including the likes of Joan Mirò
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the impressive gothic Kings College chapel and cross the Mathematical Bridge (or spot it from the hotel)
  • Cycling

    • Use one of the hotel's bicycles to explore the river path and the city at your own pace
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a classic Cambridge experience by punting along the river

Map & Location

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