“An 18th-century property turned chic hotel, set in the heart of Cambridge. Elegant rooms and suites are quintessentially British; dressed in shades of Cambridge blue with fine wooden desks and plenty of books. A gourmet restaurant echoes the university college's dining halls.”
“An 18th-century property turned chic hotel, set in the heart of Cambridge. Elegant rooms and suites are quintessentially British; dressed in shades of Cambridge blue with fine wooden desks and plenty of books. A gourmet restaurant echoes the university college's dining halls.”
Hotel Review
The position of University Arms is unbeatable. Slap, bang in the middle of Cambridge this luxury hotel overlooks the park and is just a 5-minute walk from shops, cafés and restaurants. The best time to stay is during the week; it's so popular at weekends you can't really appreciate the wood-panelled public spaces which are all lovely and include the Library, the bar and restaurant Parker's Tavern 1834. Rooms and suites are all decorated in shades of Cambridge blue with huge beds and New York-style monochrome bathrooms kitted out with all the luxuries you would expect from the best hotel in Cambridge. Dr Harris & Co products are generously supplied in all of the rooms and the name of the person looking after your room is left on your bed to make your stay even more personal.
New from Wednesday to Sundays, are the Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms, where straight-talking Amber works her magic whilst you relax on an extra wide heated bed. These treatment rooms are a wonderful addition to the hotel's already extensive offering and has made the University Arms the perfect option for a pampering break.
Prop up the bar in the evenings or enjoy Afternoon Tea, a specialty here and often themed, before heading into town for the evening. Though you'll be tempted to stay in as Parker's Tavern is a delicious taste of Cambridge and has a fantastic cocktail, mocktail, drinks and wine offering. The à la carte menu has the perfect balance of vegetarian (the trufflle asparagus is simply mouth-watering) and meat dishes with an irresistible range of home-made ice creams and sorbets with toppings (including marshmallow, flake, honeycomb) to choose from. The University Arms excels in making the simple things exceptional; perfectly cooked steak, efficient, friendly and unobtrusive service or a great capuccino. it's the small things here that make up the bigger, rather wonderful picture.
Written by Lulu Townsend
Recommended For
- Local exploring
- Conveniently located close to the centre, ideal for exploring museums, the parks and gardens, as well as the various colleges
- Great walks
- Wander around the university grounds, with 31 colleges to choose from, there's plenty to explore
- Learning
- Take an informative walking tour around the town to learn about its rich history
- Museums
- Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- Other Activities
- Enjoy a relaxing punting trip down the picturesque River Cam
- Sights nearby
- Discover the wonderful churches and chapels of Cambridge
- Short break
- Local markets
- Hideaway
- Romantic Break
- Country Escape
- City Style
- Cycling
- Foodies
- Active Holiday
- Honeymoons
- Close to nightlife
- Spa
- Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms for Guests
- Roof terrace
- Some of the suites have their own terrace
- Downtown
- Gourmet
- Romantic
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Designer
- Opulent
- Outstanding location
- Full of character
- Lively area
- Child friendly
- Townhouse
- Restaurant
- Artworks
- Historic
- In/by a Nature Reserve
- Chic
- Gym
- Antiques
- Free wifi
- 5* Luxury
- Disabled access
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Luxury
Facilities
- Spa
- Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms for Guests
- Roof terrace
- Some of the suites have their own terrace
- Shops
- Less than 5-minutes walk to the shops
- Massage
- In the treatment rooms - guests only
- Bar
- Bicycles available
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Walking distance restaurants
- Meeting Room
- Bath robes
- Cots available
- Safe
- No pets
- Library
- Child friendly
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- Disabled access
- Suites
- Concierge
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Wifi
- Air conditioning
- Free wifi
Activities
- Great walks
- Wander around the university grounds, with 31 colleges to choose from, there's plenty to explore
- Learning
- Take an informative walking tour around the town to learn about its rich history
- Museums
- Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- Other Activities
- Enjoy a relaxing punting trip down the picturesque River Cam
- Sights nearby
- Discover the wonderful churches and chapels of Cambridge
- Local markets
- Theatre
- Cycling
- Close to nightlife
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
University Arms Cambridge
The oldest hotel in Cambridge, built as a coaching inn alongside the city common, Parker’s Piece, in 1834. The University Arms has been completely rebuilt by top classical architect John Simpson, with interiors by man of the moment Martin Brudnizki. It now has 192 bedrooms and a bar and bistro, Parker’s Tavern.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
City hotel of the year: University Arms, Cambridge
For a long time, Cambridge had brains but nothing to boast about in the bedroom department. It’s taken four years, an £80m cash injection and some top-drawer designers and architects (John Simpson and Martin Brudnizki) to do something about that. The result is a hard-to-come-by mix of the scholarly and stylish — basically, the Eddie Redmayne of hotels.
Originally published by The Times (view article)
