The 8 Best Boutique Hotels in Cambridge, England [2023]

The prestigious university city in Cambridge can be found in eastern England, along the River Cam. The amazing medieval architecture and the impressive landmarks in the city make it an unforgettable place to visit.

This upscale location is full of iconic sights and cultural heritage. It also offers opulent boutique hotels to match the refined atmosphere.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Cambridge

5 Chapel Street

Price: From $125 per night

Located in Chesterton along the River Cam, 5 Chapel Street provides a peaceful atmosphere and an intimate boutique experience to the discerning traveler. The hotel is found in a serene Georgian townhouse.

The Fitzwilliam Museum and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden are conveniently located only 2 miles away from the hotel, keeping guests connected to the city while giving them a chance to unwind fully.

This authentic small boutique experience is full of charm and comfortable amenities. The hotel serves top-quality breakfast with a wide range of choices so that each guest can customize the meal as much as they desire.

Each room at 5 Chapel Street includes a writing desk, a comfortable bed, a TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests are treated to homemade biscuits in their rooms.

Clayton Hotel

Price: From $205 per night

Clayton Hotel can be found on Station Road in Cambridge, next to the train station and a short walk away from the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

This eco-friendly boutique experience includes a restaurant with a marble bar, a library with a cozy fireplace, and a lounge. A fitness suite with state-of-the-art equipment is also available to guests. In addition, business travelers have access to high-tech meeting rooms and services. Event space is also available to those wishing to host an affair at this upscale hotel.

Accommodation options at Clayton Hotel include deluxe double and executive king rooms, along with executive suites. Each of them features a smart TV with Chromecast, a bathroom with marble details and sophisticated toiletries, and a hairdryer. Rooms also include a writing desk, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a safe.

Duke House

Price: From $170 per night

Duke House can be found in the historic heart of Cambridge, in a Victorian townhouse that was once the property of the Duke of Gloucester. This exclusive boutique hotel is located right next to Christ’s Pieces park and close to Emmanuel College.

Guests are treated to a sumptuous full English breakfast every morning, served in the stylish breakfast room or the inner courtyard. Those staying at the hotel can also lounge in the Duchess Room, styled on the premise of a traditional drawing room. Guests can partake in afternoon tea and biscuits or in lively conversation here.

Each room at the Duke House features a unique, refined design. All of them include tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, a satellite TV, and a comfortable bed with an opulent goose-down duvet and pillows.

The Fellows House

Price: From $193 per night

Found in a peaceful residential area, The Fellows House provides an alternative boutique experience with apartment-style accommodation and luxury amenities. The hotel can be found a short walk away from the University of Cambridge and the city center.

Guests can enjoy the upscale dining space to treat themselves to modern dishes inspired by the local area and using fresh ingredients sourced from the surroundings as much as possible. Fellows House offers guests the use of a heated indoor pool, as well as a sauna and steam room. In addition, wellness treatments are available for those looking to relax fully during their stay at the hotel.

The refined rooms at Fellows House include an espresso machine, a comfortable bed with 300-thread count linens, an LCD TV, an adjustable thermostat, and blackout curtains.

Gonville Hotel

Price: From $265 per night

The upscale Gonville Hotel can be found in a building dating back to 1830, right across Parker’s Piece park, a green common in central Cambridge. The hotel is close to the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

This luxurious location offers wellness treatments at nearby Gresham House, as well as several dining options. The Atrium Bar is perfect for enjoying a casual drink, while traditional afternoon tea can also be indulged in on the premises. The terrace restaurant serves traditional British cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients. The garden restaurant is perfect for enjoying the outdoor atmosphere when the weather allows.

Accommodation options include classic, superior, and feature rooms. Each of them features air conditioning, a pillow menu, a flat-screen TV, a writing desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, and designer bath amenities.

Sayle House

Price: From $180 per night

Located in a quiet residential area, Sayle House can be found in a stylish Edwardian townhouse built in 1907. This upscale boutique experience provides an authentic atmosphere full of lovely details.

The hotel treats its guests to an informal breakfast in the elegant breakfast room. The French doors leading to the garden are open whenever the weather allows, welcoming in the fresh flower-scented air. Guests can enjoy the shared lounge with large bay windows, high ceilings, and original plaster coving. In addition, there are ultra-comfortable sofas and a wood-burning stove to increase the cozy atmosphere.

The refined rooms at Sayle House include tea and coffee-making facilities, a flat-screen TV, a luggage rack, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a silent fridge with indulgent treats and fresh milk. They also include a comfortable Hypnos bed.

University Arms

Price: From $246 per night

University Arms can be found overlooking Parker’s Piece and Regent Street. This impressive location is one of the most well-known boutique experiences in the city and one of the most authentic options.

The hotel is close to Fitzwilliam Museum and the Church of St Mary the Great. It features luxurious Edwardian interiors that pay tribute to its origin as a coaching inn, established in 1834.

University Arms treats guests to relaxing aromatherapy treatment rooms, as well as various wellness treatments and massage options. The on-site Parker’s Tavern features brasserie-style English cuisine with whimsical touches.

The opulent rooms at the University Arms include views over Regent Street, the park, or the upscale inner courtyard. They each include a smart TV, room service, a modern-style bathroom, Edwardian-style furnishings, and premium linens.

The Varsity Hotel and Spa

Price: From $217 per night

The Varsity Hotel and Spa boasts one of the best locations in Cambridge’s city center. This upscale boutique experience can be found right next to Magdalene and Trinity College, with the rest only a short walk away.

Featuring beautiful views over the River Cam, the Varsity includes Elemis Spa treatments, a selection of daily fitness classes, a sauna and steam room, a spa-style pool, and a full gym. There is a roof terrace, as well as a panoramic bar and brasserie, and a riverside steakhouse.

Accommodation options include king and double rooms, along with super king options and suites. Each option includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, complimentary Wi-Fi, an in-room safe, premium Elemis toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, and plush bathrobes and slippers. The hotel offers a DVD library and complimentary bicycles.

Final Thoughts

Visitors to Cambridge can explore the magnificent university, first established in the early 13th century. They can also stop by King’s College Chapel or the Venetian-inspired Bridge of Sighs, and they can participate in various water-based activities around the river. Each type of traveler will find something magical about Cambridge.