One of the most popular, prettiest and most elegant cities in England, Cambridge is world-famous for its stunning collegiate architecture and the prestigious Cambridge University. This charming city is home to an abundance of glorious landmarks depicting Britain’s varying influences through its striking Gothic-style architecture.
Spend the day gazing at King’s College Chapel, enjoying a leisurely picnic and sipping Pimms in one of the manicured gardens, cycling through cobbled streets, or punting on the River Cam.
From chic boutique and historic hotels to trendy and modern accommodation options, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Cambridge, England (in no particular order)…
1. Graduate Cambridge – a cool and quirky hotel with Instagrammable themed decor perfect for design-loving Millenials and Gen Zs
A scenic oasis of lavish opulence nestled on the picturesque River Cam, The Graduate welcomes travellers to its central location surrounded by popular attractions, heritage sites, retail outlets and upscale restaurants.
Travellers ware sure to find their ideal accommodation in the Graduate’s extensive lineup of 148 elegantly appointed guest rooms.
Each bedroom is unique, with a focus on relaxation as well as style – with luxury amenities featuring king-sized beds, fine linens, air conditioning and smart appliances characterising these cool and quirky spaces.
Honeymooners and those who love a little outdoor space during their stay are urged to explore spacious suites that come with private balconies to enjoy the riverside location and beautiful gardens.
Guests staying at the Graduate enjoy a multitude of onsite dining venues, so look forward to sipping locally crafted gin in the Riverview gardens and feasting on locally sourced cuisine at the in-house Garden House restaurant.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Graduate Hotel Cambridge
2. Gonville Hotel – a luxurious hotel with high-end touches that retains its unique character with colourful design details
Housed in the charming 1880 Gresham House, Gonville Hotel is a privately owned, family-run establishment nestled on Parker’s Piece, a stone’s throw away from Cambridge’s sprawling gardens and historic sites.
The Gonville sets itself apart with its opulent décor featuring lavishly appointed and comfortable guestrooms alongside its host of uniquely curated travel experiences.
For instance, the hotel offers complimentary Cambridge tours in vintage coach-style Bentleys. Gonville is the perfect base to explore Cambridge on foot or cycle your way across the vibrant city quarters.
Guests will stay in one of eight tastefully furnished bedrooms with colourful and romantic floral themes that create a rich, vintage-themed ambience. The rooms feature premium comforts touches, including Smart TVs, Bose Speakers, indulgent ESPA toiletries and luxurious cashmere bedding.
- To book, check prices or availability for the Gonville Hotel
3. The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton – a bright and modern aparthotel filled with unusual opulent accents to provide added luxury
Situated just a mile away from the hustle and bustle of the Cambridge City Centre The Fellows House Cambridge is the ultimate location for those looking to be close to the action of the town centre, whilst still enjoying peace and privacy in a relaxed setting.
This contemporary aparthotel is ideal for leisure and business travellers alike and suits both those planning short and extended trips.
The Fellows House is home to well-furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments featuring state-of-the-art stainless-steel kitchens. Guests enjoy access to a fitness centre, indoor pool, steam room and sauna.
This ideal location serves as a bridge between historic and cosmopolitan Cambridge, and most guests enjoy renting bicycles to explore nearby attractions and parks. The onsite Fellows Garden offers an idyllic setting in which to unwind and enjoy the landscape after a long day of sightseeing.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Fellows House Cambridge
4. University Arms, Autograph Collection – a beautifully decorated luxury hotel with a classic, elegant country feel
A proud member of the prestigious Autograph Collection, the University Arms delivers an authentic Cambridge staycation with its quintessentially English setting. The traditional Edwardian structure and vintage interiors make University Arms an enchanting old-world abode, characterised by its expertly placed bespoke furniture, fine leather upholstery, vibrant chandeliers, textured ottomans and brightly lit spaces.
University Arms features 189 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, divided across four floors, with stunning panoramic views of the nearby historic landmarks. The onsite restaurant, Parker’s Tavern, is one of Cambridge’s finest dining establishments, famous for its award-winning Chef Director, Tristan Welch.
Guests staying at the University Arms can feast on sumptuous British specialities; such as suckling pig, Norfolk-style seafood, and even the chef’s special spaghetti Bolognaise.
- To book, check prices or availability for the University Arms
5. Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge – a stunning upscale boutique hotel boasting a first-class location and prestigious on-site restaurant
Hotel du Vin & Bistro is one of Cambridge’s most elegant boutique hotels situated on the postcard-perfect Trumpington Street, surrounded by exquisite spires, historic architecture, and popular attractions.
This refined establishment is situated in an old University building, extensively renovated while preserving its original structure, alluring vintage interiors and unique character.
This upscale hotel attracts business and leisure travellers with its unmatched standards of style and service, relaxing ambience, tech-savvy amenities and sought-after location.
Hotel du Vin offers 41 well-appointed guest rooms and suites with bespoke furniture, fine Egyptian cotton bedding, and spa-like towels.
Guests can enjoy rare wine varieties and locally crafted spirits at the onsite Cellar Bar or head out to explore the snake-like cobblestone streets of Cambridge.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel du Vin & Bistro
6. The Varsity Hotel & Spa – an impeccably decorated city centre hideaway filled with unusual features
The Varsity Hotel & Spa positions travellers in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant and bustling city center, offering you the chance to enjoy this perfect setting walking distance to the city’s prestigious institutions and popular attractions.
Whether you’re keen to explore the spellbinding architectural heritage, indulge in the local nightlife, embark on punting adventures or shop till you drop, The Varsity is the place to be.
With 48 opulently designed guest rooms featuring artistic interiors inspired by Cambridge’s cultural and historic heritage, there is a room to suit everyone in this elegant, chic hotel.
The Varsity offers its guests access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, world-class Elemis Spa treatments, indoor pool, sauna and steam room.
Furthermore, the onsite Riverside Steakhouse comes highly recommended by travellers who’ve stayed at the Varsity Hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Varsity Hotel & Spa
7. Turing Locke – a unique, trendy and contemporary aparthotel with a cute retro-modern style
Turing Locke is an unconventional and unpretentious venue nestled in the heart of the Eddington district and makes for a fabulous addition to Cambridge’s striking collection of apart-hotels.
This avant-garde hotel is ideally suited for travellers of all kinds, including solo travellers, families, friends and digital nomads.
Turing Locke is home to 180 generously sized and tastefully designed apartments, featuring a wide range of accommodation options to suit a wide range of budgets. It’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for and make sure your family or group is comfortable and well-supported with modern amenities.
One doesn’t need to rent a car or take a bus to reach the vibrant historic quarters or explore the verdant meadows on the city’s outskirts as you will find these within walking distance.
- To book, check prices or availability for Turing Locke
8. Christ’s College Cambridge – traditional splendour meets modern comforts in this unique adult’s only accommodation option
Imagine staying in one of the oldest buildings of the prestigious Cambridge University institutions. Christ’s College offers a unique opportunity to reside in a tranquil abode featuring beautifully manicured gardens and all the exquisite splendours of collegiate Gothic architecture.
Unwind in the peaceful ambience of the courts after a day of sightseeing in the hubbub of the Cambridge city centre. Guests can explore a range of suites to address their personal accommodation and budget requirements, including the Superior Double Room, Double Room and Twin Room.
The Superior Double Room is a great choice for travellers who want to wake up to stunning views of the gardens and college architecture.
- To book, check prices or availability for Christ’s College
9. West Court – Jesus College – contemporary hotel rooms and amenities nestled in a historic and traditionally charming building
Tucked in the beating heart of Cambridge, West Court invites travellers to enjoy a central location from the opulent comforts of its luxury accommodations. Guests can book stylishly appointed double and single rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms.
The West Court lineup also includes a limited selection of one-bedroom apartments featuring ensuite bathrooms, designated workstations, complimentary bath amenities, modern appliances and fine linens. These upscale guest rooms and apartments are ideal for travellers attending conferences, community events or simply those eager to embark on an authentic Cambridge experience.
Solo travellers anxious to break into a new city on their own will find West Court home to a vibrant community where they can connect with like-minded locals and fellow travellers for a well-rounded experience.
- To book, check prices or availability for West Court
10. Hyatt Centric Cambridge – a retro art-deco wonder with a prime location that’s perfect for trendy travellers, couples, friends and Instagrammers
The Hyatt Centric is an upscale luxury venue nestled in the hip Eddington district, within proximity to popular attractions and the verdant meadows beckoning from the city outskirts.
This elegant boutique hotel is designed around a charming courtyard garden, and the interiors are divided across elegant rooms, a co-working space, an onsite restaurant, bar, café and state-of-the-art fitness studio.
Hyatt Centric is home to 150 lavishly furnished rooms inspired by the local culture and architectural heritage. The rooms and suite exude a retro-style glamour with their bold Art Deco-themed accents and lavish amenities.
The Deluxe Courtyard View suite is the hotel’s most popular accommodation, featuring sprawling views of the manicured gardens.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Hyatt Centric Cambridge
11. Lensfield Hotel – a cosy and welcoming hotel with a historic background that melds seamlessly with trendy modern amenities
The Lensfield Hotel is a glorious gem deeply embedded in Cambridge’s cultural fabric with a rich history dating back to 1850. This tastefully appointed establishment is popular amongst foreign visitors, scholars, corporate travellers, and undergraduate students exploring the prestigious institutions with their parents.
The hotel is home to 40 elegantly furnished bedrooms and suites, including Standard Rooms, Premier, Deluxe and Junior Suites featuring private bathrooms, smart appliances and complimentary bath amenities.
The onsite Lensfield Spa is a therapeutic hub of physical, mental and spiritual healing, harnessing the rituals of ancient cultures to heal the mind, body and soul. Guests staying at the Lensfield Hotel enjoy easy access to the best of Cambridge, from sprawling gardens and parks to museums, art galleries, bars and retail outlets.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Lensfield Hotel
12. Pass the Keys Quirky Cabin in Cambridge – a super cool and quirky self-contained cabin bursting with unique charm and plenty of colour
Modern-day travellers prefer the freedom and privacy of luxury holiday rentals over the average standardised commercial hotel.
Pass the Keys Quirky Cabin is a beautifully designed property, nestled within proximity to the Audley End House, the University of Cambridge and the stunning Ickworth House. Surrounded by the classical architecture of iconic landmarks and prestigious institutions, this cabin offers picture-perfect views from its attractive terrace.
Guests enjoy comfortably appointed bedrooms with wardrobes, a luxury bathroom, smart appliances, and fine linens.
- To book, check prices or availability for Pass the Keys Quirky Cabin in Cambridge
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.