Cambridge’s historic heart feels as if it has remained unchanged for centuries. The graceful, golden-coloured architecture, neat lawns and narrow, cobbled streets can feel like a step back in time — especially with the punting on the River Cam, and all the bikes! Cambridge promises an opportunity to imagine yourself discussing politics with future prime ministers in its wonderful old pubs; or strolling the 'Backs’, or college gardens, in the company of future poets; or reading up on the latest research in the bottom of a punt with Nobel-prize-winners-to-be. The best places to stay in Cambridge do nothing to break the town’s magical-time-warp spell, while at the same time offering the creature comforts we’re now used to. In some cases that means a gym, pool and spa, and some of our recommendations for the are large enough to offer all of that and more. But we also have some smaller hotels and B&Bs on our list.

Some of our Cambridge collections:

• Cambridge Hotels with Parking

Visitors to Cambridge should be prepared to walk, or cycle, because part of its charm are the narrow streets and lack of places to park. It’s a good size for most people to get around on foot, and you can expect grand facades, Gothic spires, and green gardens at every turn. You’ll fit in on foot, or on your bike, Cambridge is famously full of students who’re doing the same thing. The number of students has a positive impact on the buzzing food and drink scene around town, and on the price of attractions. As well as taking all the individual colleges — Trinity, and Kings Collage Chapel are particularly noteworthy— don't miss the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the University Museum of Zoology, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and Kettle’s Yard.

The best places to stay in Cambridge are busy year round (though particularly during the peak summer months). So if you want to guarantee your room, book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Cambridge

For a Refined Stay

• The University Arms is right in the middle of Cambridge, next to Parker’s Piece and Downing College. It’s been converted from an elegant 18th century building, with a grand, pale stone carriageway. The hotel has almost 200 rooms and suites,all of them decorated in Cambridge blue and white, with large bathrooms and leafy views. Expect desks and books, and a wood-panelled gourmet restaurant which mirrors many university dining halls.
• If you dream of staying on the banks of the Cam, The Graduate, Cambridge is our recommendation. This is an eclectically stylish choice, with plenty of Cambridge references, including sawn-in-half punts turned bookshelves in many of the rooms, an impressive collection of literature, and a huge DNA installation. The restaurant is called The Garden House, and offers a seasonal menu in a charming setting, the lobby bar feels glamorous, and the swimming pool and spa have huge windows overlooking the river.

For a Mini-Break

• The Clayton Hotel is a large and elegant hotel close to Cambridge Station. The contemporary design has been softened inside, with plenty of Cambridge blue, wood panelling and plush fabrics, but this is a new building, with all the bells and whistles to prove it, including a gym. There are 155 rooms and suites, a chic bar and restaurant, a comfortable lounge and a roof terrace too.
• The Hotel Du Vin has been transformed from an old university building, retaining many of the original architectural quirks, but adding a bistro, bar and cinema suite to the library the building already had. There are just 37 rooms and suites — the suites are all one of a kind, some with private terraces or balconies. Some of the rooms would suit families, and kids under two year old stay for free. And of course there's the usual Hotel du Vin bistro and wine bar.

For Central Cambridge

• The Gonville Hotel is a spacious, 84 room hotel close to Parker’s Piece and the University Museum of Zoology. It’s been recently refurbished, and now offers contemporary style throughout with clean lines, sleek furnishings and plenty of mirrors, both in the rooms and in the fine-dining restaurant and chic bar. There's also a lovely garden and bikes for hire.
• Newish, and centrally located, The Varsity Hotel & Spa has 48 rooms and suites, a fantastic roof terrace, a private cinema and a spa and gym. The decor is an eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary pieces, and all of the rooms are well appointed. The spa and restaurant are in another building.

Best B&Bs

• 5 Chapel Street is a three bedroom B&B converted from a pretty, Georgian-era terrace house in Chesterton. The rooms still have a traditional feel, with polished parquet flooring, sash windows, and a collection of antiques. As well as providing useful advice about Cambridge, the owners have a small fleet of Dutch bikes to lend to guests. They also offer a warm welcome and home-made breakfast.

For Great Value

• The White Hart is a restaurant with rooms in Fulbourn, which is just a few miles outside of Cambridge. It has ten rooms, all simply and comfortably decorated with country chic style. The bar and restaurant are lively, with a friendly atmosphere.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• London’s airports are Cambridge’s closest, with London Stansted Airport, on the right side of London, being just half an hour away by rail, or car. If you’re coming by train via London, the quickest route is from Liverpool Street Station, and takes around an hour and ten minutes. Cambridge’s rail station is slightly outside the centre of Cambridge, a very pleasant half an hour walk away, or five or ten minutes on the numbers 1, 3 or 7 bus.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The best time of year to visit Cambridge is when the weather is dry and warm, so spring through early autumn are probably the safest times to plan for. The university cycle will have some impact if you’re trying to see inside the colleges, but many colleges run tours. Cambridge gets rain throughout the year, so whenever you’re visiting it’s worth packing your waterproof gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Cambridgeshire
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for. and consider our Gurus recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Cambridgeshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.