Planning a trip to Cambridge?
Whether you’re coming for a romantic city break, a getaway with friends, or an extended business meeting, one of the first things you’ll be looking for is a place to stay that suits your budget.
When you visit the city you might not immediately notice that the vast majority of property is owned by the university, or more accurately, the Cambridge colleges. This amounts to over half of all of the buildings in the city centre.
Rooftop views across the centre of Cambridge. From up here you can see sights like St John’s College and King’s College chapel
Despite that, visitors to historic Cambridge are actually spoiled for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, as befits a city that attracts so many annual visitors. So whether you’re looking for economy or high-end, the city is happy to oblige. You can find anything from cheap hotels through to five star luxury for your Cambridge city break. In this article we will primarily focus on Cambridge cheap hotels.
Cambridge is a compact city and the central areas are easily navigable on foot or by bike. The centre doesn’t really lend itself to driving, so if you’re able, it’s always recommended to leave your car at home, or at the park and ride, and wander around the city at your leisure.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 budget hotels in Cambridge below and, even though we’re focusing here on the cheap hotels end of the market, there are some hidden gems to be found.
If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Cambridgeshire, cheap hotel deals and maybe the best budget hotels in and around central Cambridge then read on.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Hotel in Cambridge
Cambridge really does have something for everyone. With a little time spent searching you’ll find somewhere that perfectly matches your needs, or alternatively you’ll avoid staying somewhere clearly unsuitable.
What’s top of your must-have list?
You might want to consider:
- Location – Do you love the urban sprawl, or are you seeking time for quiet contemplation? Do you want to stay near the Cambridge Colleges?
- Space – Travelling alone or bringing the family? Compact and bijou or room to swing the proverbial cat?
- Length of stay – Some places come with a minimum stay, others have offers for additional nights.
- Ambience – Light, bright and minimalist or vintage period oozing retro charm? You decide.
- Access to amenities – What are your must-haves?
Set Your Budget
When you’re looking for budget accommodation, this is your primary driver. Saving money on where you stay frees up budget for other areas, and there’s plenty to enjoy doing in Cambridge. Set a realistic budget that includes a little bit for unforeseen eventualities and you’ll ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
If you’re on a budget then you aren’t going to be able to stay near the Fitzwilliam Museum or Cambridge Corn Exchange. However, you might be able to find somewhere close to the river Cam. Which is doable, as long as you don’t mind being outside of central Cambridge.
Consider Online Searches
Most people turn to the internet these days to find somewhere to stay, and there is no end to the number of sites dedicated to helping you find accommodation. We recommend combining reading a hotel’s own website with a review site to get a balanced view.
You can also book places to stay in Cambridge right here on our website.
Follow their social
Many hotels and B&Bs have their own social media pages, and they’re often much more likely to post updates or offers there than on their websites. Smaller, independent places also rely on reviews and feedback they gather via their social media, so if you like it you can show your support that way too.
Alder Lodge Guest House
Located in Kings Hedges, in the north of Cambridge, Alder Lodge Guest House is a family-run establishment offering a range of rooms, with prices starting at £53 per night.
All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, high-speed WiFi, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Most also have en-suite facilities.
Alder Lodge Guest House is just 2 miles from the city centre, making it easily stroll-able distance if you’re in the mood.
The Centennial Hotel
Coming into Cambridge by rail?
The Centennial Hotel is just a 3 minute walk from Cambridge Station. Starting at £95 per night, the hotel’s 39 rooms come with en-suite bathroom, telephone, satellite TV, wi-fi, radio, hair dryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
As well as free parking on site, the hotel also offers a range of business services, making it an ideal option for travelling business professionals.
Fenners Hotel
Another option if you’re looking for an elegantly modern budget hotel just a 4-minute walk from Cambridge Station. Guests can stroll into the city centre in just 25 minutes.
With prices starting at £59, each of the 22 rooms in Fenners Hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV and basic freebies such as toiletries and more.
A limited number of paid-for parking spaces are available at the hotel.
Hallmark Hotel
Hallmark Hotel is a 4-star Best Western hotel in Bar Hill. This is approximately a 10-minute drive from Cambridge (depending on traffic of course). Offering 136 en-suite rooms starting at £70 per night, and a leisure club with a large indoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, the hotel also boasts a 18-hole golf course.
Hallmark Hotel takes pride in its award-winning restaurant, featuring traditional British dishes and modern international cuisine. Other amenities also include a gym and hotel spa.
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express Cambridge is a 3-star hotel mainly designed to accommodate your business travels.
Their rooms feature free high-speed WiFi, a breakfast buffet with a great selection, a flat-screen TV, and a large desk space. Additionally, each room is equipped with a private bathroom, available laundry and dry cleaning services, and many more. There are also rooms for your business meetings, a restaurant to dine in, and a lounge and bar.
The room design is basic, yet it has everything you need for a short stay. With prices starting at £138, Holiday Inn makes sure your stay will be worth your money.
Check availability and make a booking.
The main Holiday Inn Cambridge is just to the north of the city, on the edge of a village called Histon.
Ibis Hotel Cambridge Central Station
Ibis Hotel is a 3-star hotel at the Cambridge Central train Station with an accommodation price ranging from £73 to £110. Its location is perfect if you plan to depart early or tour the city as it is near a train station. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
It could be noisy at times, given its location, but with its amenities such as a Freeview TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a work desk and a comfortable signature Sweet Bed by ibis mattress, you will surely enjoy your stay, gazing upon the busy streets outside your room window.
A convenient and reasonably priced Cambridge city centre hotel, the Ibis hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, an on-site coffee shop, and a restaurant. The stylish design of its rooms will help you relax without worrying about spending way over your budget.
Lord Byron Inn
For cosy rooms with a simplistic design and a peaceful ambience close to nature, the Lord Byron Inn will not disappoint you. It is surrounded by plants and has outdoor benches amidst vast gardens that certainly add to its beauty.
The building dates back to the 17th century, with en suite rooms designed to fit its original style. The inn also has a children’s play area. It is also known for its helpful, friendly staff, clean rooms, and its easy access to all routes around Cambridge.
It offers free private parking on-site as well. Aside from its breezy and comfortable atmosphere, guests also praise the taste and preparation of the breakfasts they serve.
Located in the village of Trumpington, on the southern edge of Cambridge, it offers easy access to both the city and surrounding areas.
The room prices in Lord Byron Inn start at £107, and even if it’s not the cheapest hotel in Cambridge, it will satiate your craving for peace of mind.
Rectory Farm
Rectory Farm offers its guests regal, astounding rooms. It is situated 3 kilometres from Cambridge centre, and this country house features a heated outdoor swimming pool, ample parking space for a small charge and free WiFi.
Its impressive rooms are furnished with lush, wooden cabinets, chairs, and beds complementing the period building. Each room has a modern private bathroom and a flat-screen TV as well.
One unique feature the Rectory farm gives its guest is its wide lawn and countryside view with outdoor seating. Some rooms have a fireplace and some with terraces. They even offer a bridal suite.
They also have a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by bushes. The different buildings and room features have varied prices, but you can book a room for one night in this fairytale set hostel for as low as £73.
YHA Cambridge
The Cambridge YHA hostel is ideal for a low budget stays. It is set in a Victorian town house that has refurbished dormitory bed rooms with shared bathroom facilities. However, they also offer rooms with en-suite bathrooms. WiFi is mainly accessible only in public areas.
The hostel is 5 minutes away from Cambridge Railway Station. It is also near a number of Cambridge University Colleges, making it ideal for student accommodation.
Their café-bar, Scholars Grind Café, also serves evening meals and light snacks while their bar offers bottled beers and fresh coffee. There is a kitchen for self-catering guests as well.
YHA Cambridge hostels offer very cheap rooms starting at £33 for their bunk beds. Guests in these rooms are eligible to use hotel washing machines, ironing facilities, and board games and puzzles.
While you’re in Cambridge, why not find somewhere for a delicious afternoon tea?