The Best Hotels in Cambridge, UK: Where to Stay in the City Centre
Looking for the best hotels in Cambridge, UK? Here’s where I’d stay for a first trip, a night by the River Cam, a boutique stay near the historic centre, an easy station stay and a longer weekend in the city—from a repeat Cambridge visitor!
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Cambridge is one of those cities where the location of your hotel truly can change your entire trip.
I’ve done Cambridge both ways—up from London for the day and staying overnight—but I’d stay over in a heartbeat (once the daytime tourists start thinning out).
For most first-time visitors, I’d start around Parker’s Piece and the historic centre, with University Arms perfectly placed for a short trip.
But there are quite a few to choose from depending on whether you’d like to be near the River Cam, the station or Parker’s Piece.
Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
P.S. – Once you’ve dropped your bags, don’t forget to use my weekend in Cambridge itinerary for your trip.
Quick Overview: The Best Hotels in Cambridge, UK
| Hotel | Best for | Area |
|---|---|---|
| University Arms | Best overall / a first Cambridge stay | Parker’s Piece / Regent Street |
| Graduate by Hilton Cambridge | River Cam views and punting | Mill Lane / riverfront |
| Gonville Hotel | Boutique stay near Parker’s Piece | Gonville Place |
| The Varsity Hotel & Spa | Views, rooftop drinks and spa time | Thompson’s Lane / Quayside side |
| Hilton Cambridge City Centre | Most practical central chain hotel | Downing Street |
| Hotel du Vin Cambridge | Boutique rooms near the Fitzwilliam | Trumpington Street |
| Clayton Hotel Cambridge | Cambridge station and early trains | Station Road / CB1 |
| Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre (Corn Exchange/Lion Yard) | A no-frills central stay | Lion Yard / city centre |
| The Fellows House Cambridge | Longer stays and apartment-style rooms | Milton Road / north of Jesus Green |
Plan Your Cambridge Trip
Where I’d stay: For an overnight or weekend trip in the city centre I’d recommend University Arms beside Parker’s Piece, or Graduate by Hilton Cambridge if you want to be right on the River Cam.
Getting to Cambridge from London: You can get to Cambridge easily by train in less than 1 hour. Compare London to Cambridge train times and fares here, then use my Cambridge day-trip itinerary once you arrive.
The experience I’d book first: Punting. For a first trip, I’d book this shared River Cam tour by university student guides. For the different options, prices and what I’d choose, read my punting in Cambridge guide before you go.
Stay connected: Set up your UK eSIM before your trip so your mobile data is ready when you arrive.
For extra peace of mind: I personally recommend using VisitorsCoverage to compare travel insurance options before your trip—it’s my go-to for finding the right cover whenever I travel.
Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Cambridge?
For a first visit, I’d personally stay around Parker’s Piece or in the historic centre. Cambridge is compact, but there is a big difference between stepping outside into the middle of the sightseeing and spending twenty minutes walking there every morning.
From this part of town, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge Market Square and The Fitzwilliam Museum are all easy to fold into your day, along with most of the stops in my best things to do in Cambridge guide.
Parker’s Piece & Regent Street: Best for a First Trip
If you’re arriving by train but don’t actually want to sleep beside the station, Parker’s Piece and Regent Street are the sweet spot I’d look at first.
University Arms faces Parker’s Piece, while Gonville Hotel sits across the green. Very useful for a pretty Cambridge weekend.
Historic Centre: Best for Being Close to the Colleges
If the dream is to walk out after breakfast and be among Cambridge’s colleges within minutes, go central. Hilton Cambridge City Centre is a tried-and-true choice, Hotel du Vin Cambridge has more boutique character (right on Trumpington Street) and you’ll find Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre by Lion Yard.
Bear in mind these will be the harder ones to book, particularly on weekends, graduation dates and major university-event periods. But if this is your first Cambridge trip, there’s a lot to be said for being able to pop back to the room right after exploring.
River Cam & Quayside: Best for Punting & Evenings by the Water
If you’re picturing punts gliding past, riverside walks before dinner and one last drink by the water, I’d look at Graduate by Hilton Cambridge or The Varsity Hotel & Spa.
Graduate sits directly on the River Cam and The Varsity is closer to Quayside, both offering lovely views onto the river. If punting is on your list too, read my punting in Cambridge guide.
Cambridge Station & CB1: Best for Trains and Business Trips
For the utmost convenience consider Clayton Hotel Cambridge.
It’s directly beside Cambridge railway station, which is hard to argue with if you’re leaving early or on a quick work trip.
The trade-off is atmosphere, as King’s Parade is still roughly a 20–30-minute walk away.
Milton Road & Jesus Green: Best for a Longer Stay
For a bit more time and space, consider The Fellows House Cambridge on Milton Road, around a mile from the centre and north of Jesus Green.
They have studios and one-bedroom apartments with proper kitchens, plus an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
1. University Arms: Best Overall Hotel in Cambridge
Best for: a first Cambridge trip, Parker’s Piece and a hotel with history connected to the city.
University Arms is the Cambridge hotel I’d start with if you want the stay itself to feel like part of the destination.
The hotel dates to 1834 and describes itself as Cambridge’s oldest. Today, its 189 rooms and suites look onto Parker’s Piece, Regent Street or the inner courtyard, with books, leather-padded writing desks and Cambridge blue worked lovingly through the interiors.
But the location is what really sells it for me. Parker’s Piece is directly outside, the old centre is an easy walk away and the station is still close enough that arriving with a suitcase is no problem at all.
Downstairs, Parker’s Tavern keeps you in Cambridge fare with British cuisine, and their afternoon tea leans into the city’s literary history with finger sandwiches, scones and ever-changing pastries and cakes.
I’d book this if you want the easiest all-round first stay: central enough for sightseeing, polished enough to feel special and unmistakably Cambridge once you step inside.
2. Graduate by Hilton Cambridge: Best Hotel on the River Cam
Best for: River Cam views, punting, an indoor pool and a stay where the water is part of the whole weekend.
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge sits right on the River Cam at Granta Place, with 148 rooms and central Cambridge only a short walk away.
The interiors have fun with the setting: college crests, Cambridge blue, a double-helix chandelier honouring Rosalind Franklin and even an installation made from century-old punting boats. But the detail I’d actually book it for is outside—you can step out with the Cam beside you, while Cambridge Market Square and the colleges are still within walking distance.
There’s an indoor pool and fitness centre too, plus Garden House downstairs for seasonal dining, locally sourced vegetables, and meat and fish cooked over fire. Afternoon tea is served by the river, which is exactly where I’d want it.
Hotel guests also get complimentary access to the leisure club, including the pool, gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub—handy if the Cambridge weather decides not to cooperate.
I’d book this if the River Cam is one of the reasons you chose Cambridge in the first place and you want that feeling to continue after the punt is over.
3. Gonville Hotel: Best Boutique Hotel Near Parker’s Piece
Best for: Parker’s Piece and a smaller, independent boutique hotel in Cambridge.
Gonville Hotel faces Parker’s Piece from Gonville Place, with the same location advantage as University Arms, but make it boutique!
The rooms are cosy and individually designed, with a pillow menu and an on-site spa at Gresham House Wellness.
If you’re peckish, you’ll also find Gonville Kitchen mixing British and Mediterranean dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and afternoon tea from Tuesday to Sunday.
And then there’s the Bentley…a stay here includes the option to book a chauffeur-driven ride around central Cambridge, including a Bentley afternoon-tea package with a private one-hour tour before you come back for tea. Entirely necessary? No. Quite fun for a Cambridge weekend? Absolutely.
I’d book this if you want Parker’s Piece outside the door but prefer a smaller hotel, spa treatments and a little more personality than a full-size city property.
4. The Varsity Hotel & Spa: Best for Rooftop Views and Spa Time
Best for: rooftop views, spa time, couples and a hotel you’ll actually want to come back to before dinner.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa is a 48-room boutique hotel on Thompson’s Lane, close to Quayside and the northern side of the historic centre.
But let’s cut to the chase: the reason to stay here is upstairs. The roof terrace looks over Cambridge, while SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie does cocktails, dinner and afternoon tea with the skyline spread out in front of you.
Guests also have access to the gym, sauna, steam room and spa pool, plus complimentary bicycles—a very Cambridge add-on.
I’d book this if you want the hotel to be part of the evening—with roof drinks, spa time and a view—rather than somewhere you only see when you go to sleep.
5. Hilton Cambridge City Centre: Best Practical Hotel in the Centre
Best for: families that need connecting rooms, work trips and anyone who wants to be in the historic centre without overthinking the hotel.
Hilton Cambridge City Centre is on Downing Street, roughly half a mile from King’s College and even closer to The Fitzwilliam Museum.
It’s a straightforward city-centre option in the best way. You’ll get a fitness centre, restaurant, room service, meeting rooms, an executive lounge and connecting rooms if you need them, without having to sacrifice the location.
For breakfast, you’ll be sorted with a large buffet; afternoon tea is served in the hotel bar, and dinner runs Tuesday to Saturday with grilled meats, British dishes, sharing plates and seasonal specials.
I’d book this if being central and having reliable full-service facilities matters more to you than boutique details or a riverside view.
6. Hotel du Vin Cambridge: Best Boutique Stay Near the Fitzwilliam
Best for: couples, individually styled rooms and anyone who wants Trumpington Street outside rather than a big hotel lobby.
Hotel du Vin Cambridge has just 41 rooms inside a former University-owned building on Trumpington Street, so it’s immediately more intimate than Cambridge’s larger hotels.
The rooms are another reason to look twice. Because the building’s historic, they’re all individually configured, with deep baths and monsoon showers, plus private terraces on some suites.
And the more unusual rooms really commit: the Cinema Suite has its own mini cinema room, while the Wolf Blass Signature Suite comes with an eight-foot bed and two roll-top baths. Subtle, it is not.
You’re also beautifully placed for The Fitzwilliam Museum, Fitzbillies and the whole Trumpington Street side of central Cambridge.
I’d book this if the room itself matters to you and you’d rather have a highly individual boutique stay in Cambridge.
7. Clayton Hotel Cambridge: Best Hotel Near Cambridge Station
Best for: early trains, work trips, modern rooms and anyone who needs to be close to the train station.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is right beside Cambridge railway station on Station Road, which tells you almost everything you need to know about what makes it worth the stay.
The rooms are modern rather than historic, with dedicated desks, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs with Chromecast and access to the fitness suite. For a work trip—or a late arrival when you simply want to be in the room five minutes after leaving the platform—the practicality is absolutely the point.
The hotel also sits between the station and Cambridge University Botanic Garden so it works well for exploring the southern side of the city, but I wouldn’t choose it if your dream is to wake up and immediately wander through the college streets.
Another perk: Norfolk Street Bakery is nearby on Station Road, which remains one of my favourite practical first-or-last stops in Cambridge.
I’d book this if the train is most important—whether for an early departure, late arrival, business trip or simply more luggage than you want to carry through town.
8. Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre: Best for a Simpler Central Stay
Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre
Best for: families, a straightforward central room and travellers who want the location more than the hotel extras.
Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre opened just a few years ago, putting you right by Lion Yard and the Grand Arcade in the historic centre.
The rooms are deliberately simple: doubles, twins, family rooms and Premier Plus rooms, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant.
I’d book this if you want to spend the budget on Cambridge itself and still sleep right in the centre, rather than paying extra for a spa or roof terrace.
9. The Fellows House Cambridge: Best for Longer Stays
Best for: families, longer stays, apartment-style rooms and anyone who would genuinely use a kitchen.
On Milton Road you’ll find the ever-practical The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, around a mile north of the city centre.
The reason to book this one is space. Alongside regular hotel rooms, there are studios and one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens—in other words, amazing if you’re travelling as a family or staying long enough to get tired of eating every meal out.
Whilst here you’ll also have access to an indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam room, plus on-site dining and free Wi-Fi (alongside connecting rooms and a kids menu too if you’re coming as a family).
The trade-off here is location. You’re about a mile north of the centre, so for one sightseeing-heavy night I’d still put University Arms or Graduate ahead of it.
I’d book this if you’re staying for several nights and the extra space, kitchen and pool will make the trip easier than being directly beside King’s Parade.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Cambridge?
One night is enough to make Cambridge feel noticeably different from a London day trip.
You can stay for dinner, wander by the River Cam after the day-trippers have started leaving and wake up early enough to fit in The Fitzwilliam Museum or Cambridge University Botanic Garden without watching the clock for the train home.
Two nights is even better if you want the full two-day Cambridge itinerary, dinner somewhere from my Cambridge restaurant guide, coffee from my Cambridge café guide and enough time to actually enjoy whichever hotel you paid for.
If you only have one day, save the room rate and use my London to Cambridge day-trip itinerary instead.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Cambridge
- Check the university calendar: graduations and a major University event can tighten room availability quickly, especially in the city centre.
- Driving? Price the parking as part of the stay: central Cambridge parking can be expensive, and some hotels rely on nearby public car parks rather than their own spaces.
- Travelling for business? Hilton Cambridge City Centre, Clayton and The Fellows House all have useful work-friendly facilities, free Wi-Fi and meeting or desk space for your stay.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Cambridge
For a first Cambridge stay, I’d still start with University Arms. Parker’s Piece is outside, Cambridge history carries through the interiors and you can walk into the old centre easily.
If the river is the whole point of staying overnight, move Graduate by Hilton Cambridge to the top. For something smaller, I’d compare Gonville Hotel and Hotel du Vin Cambridge.
For an early train or late arrival, Clayton Hotel Cambridge saves you dragging a suitcase across town. And if you simply want a good central base without paying for a spa, roof terrace or boutique extras, I’d compare Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre too.
Have the best stay in Cambridge!
Happy travels,
Candace x
FAQ: Hotels in Cambridge, UK
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Cambridge, UK?
For a first trip, I’d stay in or immediately beside Cambridge city centre. The Parker’s Piece / Regent Street area works especially well because it sits between the station and the old university centre. University Arms is my strongest all-round pick.
What Are the Best Hotels in Cambridge UK City Centre?
For hotels in Cambridge city centre, I’d compare University Arms, Gonville Hotel, Hilton Cambridge City Centre, Hotel du Vin Cambridge, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre.
Which Cambridge Hotel Is Best Near the University?
The University of Cambridge is spread across the city rather than sitting on one campus. For the central colleges, Hilton Cambridge City Centre, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and The Varsity Hotel & Spa all put you within an easy walk of several colleges.
What Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Cambridge?
I’d start with University Arms for historic Cambridge polish, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge for the river and The Varsity Hotel & Spa if the rooftop and spa are part of the appeal. Consider Gonville Hotel for a smaller boutique alternative.
Are There 5-Star Hotels in Cambridge?
Cambridge has high-end hotels, but the ‘stars’ can vary. Personally, I’d look at University Arms, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and The Varsity Hotel & Spa if you’re after a luxury stay.
What Is the Best Hotel Near Cambridge Train Station?
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is directly beside Cambridge railway station, so it’s the easiest pick for an early train, late arrival or lots of luggage. It’s less atmospheric than staying by Parker’s Piece or the River Cam, so I’d only prioritise it when transport genuinely matters for your trip.
Which Cambridge Hotels Are Best for Families?
The Fellows House Cambridge is most useful for families given it has studios and one-bedroom apartments with kitchens, an indoor pool and connecting rooms. Hilton Cambridge City Centre also has connecting rooms and a kids menu, while Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre offers dedicated family rooms too.
Is It Better to Stay Near Cambridge Station or the City Centre?
For sightseeing, I’d stay closer to the city centre. Stay near Cambridge station if you have an early departure, are travelling for work or plan to make several train trips (the station is roughly a 20–30-minute walk from King’s Parade).
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Cambridge?
One night is enough to enjoy Cambridge after the day-trippers leave and take the pressure off a one-day itinerary. Two nights is better if you want museums, punting, dinner somewhere good and enough time to explore beyond the central colleges.
Is Cambridge, United Kingdom, a Good Place for a Weekend Hotel Stay?
Yes. Cambridge works particularly well for one or two nights because the historic centre, River Cam, museums, restaurants and colleges are close enough to explore on foot once you’re central. If you’re deciding whether to stay or only visit for the day, read my is Cambridge worth visiting guide next.
Plan the Rest of Your Cambridge Trip
Still planning? Here’s the rest of my Cambridge guides for what to do, where to eat and stay, punting, tours and what else to see nearby.
Cambridge Itineraries & Things to Do
- The Best Things to Do in Cambridge, England: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
- Day Trip from London to Cambridge: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Where to Eat & Stay
- The Best Restaurants in Cambridge, UK: My Favourite Places to Recommend
- The Best Cafés in Cambridge, UK: My Favourite Places for Coffee & Brunch
- The Best Hotels in Cambridge, UK: Where to Stay in the City Centre
Punting & Tours
- Punting in Cambridge: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- The Best Cambridge Tours, UK: Walking, University & Punting Tours I Recommend
