Where to Stay in Cambridge: The Best Hotels Near the Colleges

Cambridge is compact and staying anywhere near the city center gives walking access to the colleges, the Backs, and the punting stations. The primary choice is between a small number of luxury historic properties and a wider range of mid-range and budget options.

👉 Cambridge City Guide: The colleges, the Backs, King’s Chapel, punting & one of the world’s great universities →

👉 What to Eat in Cambridge: The market, pubs, Fitzbillies & the best Cambridge restaurants →

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Our Hotel Picks

Luxury

The University Arms — Cambridge’s grandest hotel, in a beautifully restored Victorian building directly facing Parker’s Piece park, with excellent rooms, an outstanding restaurant (Parker’s Tavern), and the finest hotel setting in the city. Luxury pricing; the best hotel in Cambridge.

Hotel du Vin Cambridge — In a converted Victorian building near the city center with the characteristic Hotel du Vin design quality and a good bistro. Upper mid-range to luxury pricing.

Mid-Range

Varsity Hotel — A contemporary boutique hotel near the Cam with a rooftop bar giving excellent river and college views, and well-designed rooms. Mid-range to upper mid-range pricing for the best views of any Cambridge hotel.

The Gonville Hotel — A well-run hotel facing Parker’s Piece with comfortable rooms and a good central location. Mid-range pricing for reliable quality.

Budget

YHA Cambridge — A well-maintained hostel a short walk from the center with dorm beds and private rooms at budget pricing. The best budget option in Cambridge.

👉 Cambridge City Guide: The colleges, the Backs, King’s Chapel, punting & one of the world’s great universities →

👉 What to Eat in Cambridge: The market, pubs, Fitzbillies & the best Cambridge restaurants →

For our full UK coverage, see our United Kingdom travel guide.