It only took one visit to Cambridge for me to fall in love with its historic streets, elegant colleges and relaxed student atmosphere. I’ll admit I was slightly nervous that the city might not live up to my expectations, but it truly did. With such a wide variety of Cambridge hotels to choose from — ranging from characterful historic properties to modern aparthotels just outside the centre — deciding where to stay in Cambridge can feel a little overwhelming. To make it easier, I’ve put together a guide to the best hotels Cambridge has to offer, all chosen as comfortable and well-located bases between days spent exploring cobbled streets and iconic university landmarks. You’ll also find handpicked recommendations for luxury hotels Cambridge visitors will love if you’re planning a more indulgent stay.
♥ Read my guide to the top things to do in Cambridge on your trip!
Where to stay in Cambridge
1. Graduate by Hilton
Graduate by Hilton is a playful yet stylish option for travellers wondering where to stay, blending academic heritage with modern comfort. Overlooking the River Cam, it stands out among for its characterful interiors and relaxed luxury, making it a favourite on many lists of the best hotels Cambridge has to offer.
- Specialties: Academic heritage, playful scholarly design, riverside charm
- Facilities: Stylish rooms, riverside bar, event spaces, complimentary bikes
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
» A great choice for a characterful Cambridge base that blends collegiate style with a lively central location.
2. The Hobson by Adina
The Hobson by Adina offers contemporary apartment-style accommodation in a central location, ideal for longer stays. As one of the more flexible hotels, it’s a smart choice for guests seeking comfort and independence while exploring Cambridge.
- Specialties: Contemporary comfort, apartment-style living, central location
- Facilities: Studios with kitchens, fitness centre, laundry facilities
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
- Personal Experience: Read more about my time at The Hobson Cambridge by Adina here.
» Ideal for travellers seeking a modern, apartment-style stay with extra space close to the city centre.
3. The Fellows House, Curio Collection By Hilton
The Fellows House delivers refined, residential-style luxury with spacious suites and excellent amenities. Frequently ranked among the best hotels Cambridge for extended stays, it’s a standout option within the growing collection of luxury hotels Cambridge offers.
- Specialties: Residential elegance, extended stays, modern luxury
- Facilities: Spacious suites, indoor pool, gym, restaurant & bar
- Price: €€€€ (4/5)
» Well suited to longer visits, offering an upscale setting with thoughtful amenities and a relaxed pace.
4. Wilde Aparthotels Cambridge City Centre
Wilde Cambridge City Centre is a sleek, design-led hotel in the heart of the city, perfect for travellers who value style and location. Among modern Cambridge hotels, it’s a popular spot for a chic yet comfortable city break.
- Specialties: Modern boutique style, smart design, urban convenience
- Facilities: Compact luxury rooms, café bar, co-working spaces
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
» Perfect for a stylish, design-led stay within easy walking distance of Cambridge’s main attractions.
5. Hyatt Centric
Hyatt Centric combines contemporary design with a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere just outside the historic centre. It’s a great choice for visitors seeking well-connected hotels that balance comfort with convenience while exploring the city.
- Specialties: Contemporary design, business-friendly, emerging district location
- Facilities: Modern rooms, restaurant & bar, fitness centre, meeting spaces
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
» Offers a contemporary city-centre experience surrounded by shops, restaurants and historic streets.
6. Turing Locke
Turing Locke is a creative, design-forward aparthotel offering a fresh take on accommodation in Cambridge. With spacious suites and social spaces, it stands apart from traditional Cambridge hotels and appeals to guests seeking a stylish extended stay.
- Specialties: Design-led aparthotel, creative atmosphere, long stays
- Facilities: Apartment suites, gym, yoga studio, café, co-working areas
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
» Known for its creative, social atmosphere, with spacious suites and a neighbourhood feel.
7. Gonville Hotel
The Gonville Hotel is a classic boutique property overlooking Parker’s Piece, offering refined comfort with a distinctly Cambridge feel. Often featured among the best hotels Cambridge, it’s a strong contender for those seeking understated elegance within the city’s most desirable locations.
- Specialties: Classic elegance, boutique luxury, city views
- Facilities: Stylish rooms, fine-dining restaurant, cocktail bar, complimentary bikes
- Price: €€€€ (4/5)
» Set opposite green spaces, this is a classic Cambridge option just moments from the colleges.
8. University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection
University Arms is one of the most iconic luxury hotels Cambridge has to offer, seamlessly blending historic grandeur with modern refinement. Located opposite Parker’s Piece, it consistently ranks among the best hotels Cambridge for travellers seeking a polished and prestigious stay.
- Specialties: Historic grandeur, literary heritage, luxury restoration
- Facilities: Elegant rooms, library bar, fine-dining restaurant, gym
- Price: €€€€ (4/5)
» Delivers an elegant stay that reflects the heritage and grandeur of the city.
9. The Varsity Hotel & Spa
The Varsity Hotel & Spa is known for its rooftop views, riverside setting, and indulgent spa facilities. A standout among Cambridge hotels, it’s an excellent option for visitors for relaxation, views, and boutique luxury.
- Specialties: Rooftop views, boutique luxury, riverside location
- Facilities: Rooftop terrace & bar, luxury spa, gym, river views
- Price: €€€€ (4/5)
» Combines a prime riverside location with spa facilities and panoramic rooftop views.
10. Hilton Cambridge City Centre
Hilton Cambridge City Centre offers reliable comfort in an unbeatable central location, just steps from the city’s main attractions. As one of the most convenient Cambridge hotels, it’s a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers.
- Specialties: Central convenience, reliable comfort, business travel
- Facilities: Modern rooms, restaurant & bar, fitness centre, meeting spaces
- Price: €€€ (3/5)
» A reliable choice for comfort and convenience right in the heart of Cambridge.
11. Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge delivers intimate boutique luxury within a beautifully restored historic building. Renowned for its wine-led dining and characterful rooms, it’s frequently listed among the best hotels Cambridge for couples and lovers of refined indulgence.
- Specialties: Historic charm, boutique sophistication, wine culture
- Facilities: Luxurious rooms, French bistro, extensive wine list, private dining
- Price: €€€€ (4/5)
» Brings boutique charm and an intimate, character-rich atmosphere to a central location.
Luxury hotels in Cambridge
For a luxurious stay in Cambridge, consider the suites at The Varsity Hotel, University Arms, Graduate by Hilton and Hotel du Vin. These properties offer elevated experiences that go beyond a standard room, from elegant interiors and thoughtful design to a strong sense of place. Guests can choose indulgent touches such as free-standing baths, refined lounge areas or penthouse suites with private balconies, creating a stay that feels both special and effortlessly comfortable after a day exploring the city.
Take the train to Cambridge with Belmond: travel in style
With Belmond you can visit Cambridge & Ely on a luxurious and indulgent trip. Belmond’s luxury train experience offers a refined way to travel through England, with elegant carriages, attentive service and beautifully prepared dining on board. While Belmond does not run regular scheduled services to Cambridge or Ely, its British Pullman occasionally operates special charter journeys through East Anglia, making the route feel more like a destination in itself than simple transport.
Need more inspiration for your Cambridge trip?
- What to do in Cambridge: what to see, eat and drink on your first visit
- Visiting the Christmas Market in Cambridge
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Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
