The best hotels in Cambridge

This hostel sits on Tenison Road, a short walk from Cambridge train station and the Botanic Garden. Private rooms are compact but clean, and the communal kitchen saves money on meals. The crowd skews young and international, which keeps things lively. Noise can be an issue on weekend nights, so pack earplugs. For the price in Cambridge, it is genuinely hard to beat.

Located right on Station Road, Cityroomz puts you two minutes from the train and a 15-minute walk from King's College. Rooms are small but thoughtfully designed, with pod-style layouts that make clever use of space. The self-service check-in is smooth and staff are easy to reach if anything goes wrong. Do not expect a restaurant or bar on site. It is a no-frills base that does exactly what it promises.

The ibis sits directly opposite Cambridge Station, making it the obvious choice for anyone arriving by train. Rooms follow the standard ibis formula: functional, tidy, and reliably consistent. The bar on the ground floor is convenient for a drink after a long day of sightseeing. It gets busy during university events and graduation season, so book early for those periods. A solid midweek business option with straightforward pricing.

The Varsity stands on Thompson's Lane right on the River Cam, with rooftop views that look directly over the Backs and the college spires. The spa is a genuine highlight and worth booking in advance. Rooms on the upper floors have unobstructed river views that make the rate feel justified. The rooftop bar draws locals and visitors alike on warm evenings. This is one of the most scenically placed hotels in the city.

Hotel du Vin occupies a converted Victorian building on Trumpington Street, steps from the Fitzwilliam Museum and Peterhouse. The wine-themed rooms are well furnished, with deep bathtubs and good quality bedding. The bistro downstairs has a solid French-leaning menu and a wine list that earns its reputation. It suits couples and weekend visitors more than business travelers. The courtyard garden is a pleasant spot for morning coffee when the weather cooperates.

This DoubleTree sits on Granta Place beside the River Cam, close to the Mill Pond and a short walk from the central market. The lobby is spacious and modern, and the rooms are larger than average for central Cambridge. Conference facilities are good enough to draw corporate groups regularly. The riverside location means some rooms have attractive water views without paying luxury rates. The warm cookie at check-in is a small touch that guests consistently mention.

The Gonville faces Parker's Piece, the large open common that hosted the first Cambridge rules football match. It is a short walk from the centre but far enough from the tourist crowds to feel calm. Rooms have been updated recently and the quality of the beds and linens stands out. The Attic restaurant on the top floor has views over the common that most visitors never discover. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, which is not always the case at hotels in this price range.

The Crowne Plaza sits near Downing Street and the science faculty buildings, placing it within easy reach of the main university sites. Rooms are spacious by Cambridge standards and the pool and leisure facilities are a genuine draw for families. It feels more corporate than characterful, but the service levels are consistent. Parking is available, which matters in a city where driving is not encouraged. Good choice for families who want predictability and space.

The University Arms on Regent Street reopened after a complete redesign by Martin Brudnizki and is now the most polished hotel in Cambridge. The rooms combine British classical design with modern comfort, and the Parker's restaurant is one of the better dining rooms in the city. It faces Parker's Piece, putting it close to the centre without the noise of the main tourist streets. Service is confident and unhurried, the mark of a hotel that knows its market well. It is genuinely worth the premium if you want a special stay in Cambridge.

Grantchester House sits in the village of Grantchester, about two miles south of Cambridge along the river path made famous by Rupert Brooke's poetry. The rooms are individually decorated and the gardens back onto open meadows. It operates more like a high-end country house than a conventional hotel, with a quiet and intimate atmosphere. Guests can punt or walk into Cambridge along the Cam, which takes roughly 40 minutes on foot. It is an ideal base for anyone who wants countryside surroundings without sacrificing access to the city.