Cambridge's grandest hotel, rebuilt behind a Greco-Roman entrance on Regent Street, with 192 rooms looking over Parker's Piece and a restaurant styled as a college hall.
Photos
Photos via Google
About University Arms
There has been a hotel on this corner of Regent Street since 1834, but the building you see today is the result of a substantial rebuild completed in 2018 by the architect John Simpson, who replaced a bland 1960s frontage with a classical entrance and restored the Edwardian character of the older wings. The result reads as a proper city hotel rather than a converted house: a colonnaded doorway, a lobby with a working fireplace, and a library room lined with books about Cambridge that guests are free to take to a chair.
The 192 rooms and suites are spread over four floors and look out over Parker's Piece, the twenty-five acre common where the modern rules of association football were first drawn up, or across Regent Street and the hotel's own inner courtyard. Interiors by Martin Brudnizki lean on the university without being heavy-handed - tall Victorian sash windows, writing desks, ottomans, framed prints of the colleges and headboards in college colours. Rooms on the Parker's Piece side are the ones to ask for, particularly on the upper floors where the view opens out across the grass to the spires beyond.
Parker's Tavern, the ground-floor restaurant, is the reason many Cambridge residents come here. Tristan Welch cooks generous British food - potted shrimps, whole roasted fish, proper puddings - in a room panelled and lit to resemble a college dining hall, and it also serves one of the better afternoon teas in the city. There is a small gym, a business centre, bicycles for guests and 24-hour room service. The location is as central as Cambridge gets: the market square is a five-minute walk, King's Parade eight, and the railway station is a mile south, which is an easy walk or a short taxi.
What guests say
I recently stayed at this hotel while visiting Cambridge for a job interview, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. the staff were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and professional, helping me feel relaxed ahead of an important day. The hotel itself was spotless, comfortable, and beautifully maintained. My room was spacious, quiet, and well-equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. Wow the bed was exceptionally comfortable. Breakfast was delicious too. Every member of staff I interacted with went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. I had an amazing stay and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cambridge, whether for business or leisure. Thank you for helping make my trip such a positive and memorable experience! I would love to come back!
a month ago · via Google
I was fortunate to be invited to a beautiful wedding yesterday. I was delighted with the meal that was organised for me, gluten and vegan, it was extremely delicious. The service was amazing, the staff worked so brilliantly together! Would definitely recommend. Also there was an amazing aroma throughout the building. Perfect!
3 weeks ago · via Google
Stayed here over the bank holiday weekend with my partner and had another great experience. The location is excellent. It is about a 15 minute walk to the station and very easy to get to all the main attractions, restaurants, bars and shops in Cambridge. The hotel has lots of character and the staff are consistently professional and friendly. Check in was smooth and they recognised my Marriott status and upgraded us to a park view room, which was a nice touch. The room was bright, comfortable and well equipped with everything we needed. The bathroom had heated floors and a good shower, and there were thoughtful extras like tea, coffee, biscuits and plenty of storage. Only minor downside was some visible marks on the carpet and possibly no fridge in the room, but these are small details. Breakfast was good with a solid range of options including pastries, fruit and hot food. Omelettes cost extra and the filling choices are limited. Overall, this is a great hotel for location, comfort and service. We had an excellent night’s sleep and would happily stay again.
4 months ago · via Google
Amazing family stay at university arms. The interconnected rooms were a lifesaver for my daughter and even had a private hallway space outside perfect for the pushchair. A spotless, trendy and incredibly comfortable hotel. Such a good spot by the park, ideal for burning off energy before lunch at the restaurant. Can't fault it and would love to return.
a month ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with elegant decor and delicious breakfast options. They also highlight the excellent service from the friendly and professional staff, and the convenient central location.
Some reviews mention the service can be inefficient.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 52-42 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Regent Street, overlooking Parker's Piece
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 9.0 / 10 (2,400 reviews)
- Prices from
- £210 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cambridge