Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

Graduate by Hilton Cambridge: A Comprehensive Review

The Graduate by Hilton Cambridge offers an idyllic retreat nestled on the banks of the River Cam, distinguished by its unique "Varsity styling" that pays homage to the prestigious University of Cambridge. Since its extensive redesign and relaunch in 2021, the hotel has garnered considerable positive feedback, establishing itself as a characterful and luxurious base for exploring the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Cambridge is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Very Good" to "Excellent." Review aggregators show an impressive overall rating, with some platforms reporting scores around 8.5 to 9.0 out of 10. The sentiment is often described as "lovely," "gorgeous," and a "gem of a hotel," with many guests expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Graduate Cambridge:

• Location: Its prime riverside position is a major draw, offering scenic views and direct access to punting. It's also incredibly close to major Cambridge attractions, including university colleges, the Mathematical Bridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum, shops, and bars, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's quirky and academically-focused decor, inspired by the University of Cambridge, is a significant highlight. Elements like a DNA double helix light at reception and restored punting boats in the lobby create a unique and immersive local experience. It successfully blends a mix of old and new, creating a modern take on Varsity style.
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "friendly," "welcoming," "helpful," and "fantastic," often going above and beyond to accommodate requests.
• Amenities: The hotel offers a range of facilities including a fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and free bicycle use. EV chargers are also available, which is a bonus for electric vehicle owners.

3. Room Quality

The 148 guest rooms at Graduate Cambridge are consistently praised for their comfort and design. Rooms are described as "spacious and quirky," "comfortable and nicely designed," with bespoke designs and subtle nods to Cambridge blue. Many rooms offer beautiful river views or balconies. Guests particularly highlight the "super comfortable" beds and "wonderful" linen, ensuring a restful night's sleep. In-room amenities include a desk, seating area, flat-screen TV with cable channels, Nespresso machines, a wide choice of teas, complimentary water, and biscuits. Bathrooms are stocked with Malin + Goetz toiletries.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's onsite restaurant, Garden House, is a significant highlight. It features a seasonal, contemporary menu celebrating East Anglian and British produce, often cooked over fire, and offers an open grill kitchen. Guests can enjoy sharing plates, à la carte dishes, afternoon tea, and a Sunday roast. The restaurant boasts an exterior terrace with stunning riverside views, making it a "nice place" to dine.

Breakfast at the Graduate Cambridge is highly rated (guest review score: 8) and described as "sensational" and "delicious with a great variety." Options include Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, and À la carte choices. The Garden Bar serves bespoke and classic cocktails, wines, and specialty beers.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Graduate Cambridge receives consistently high praise. Guests frequently commend the "friendly and helpful" staff at reception and throughout the hotel, noting their welcoming nature and willingness to assist. Bar staff have been noted for going "over and above" to accommodate unusual requests. Overall, staff performance receives excellent ratings, often around 9.0 out of 10.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered "perfect" and "fantastic," situated directly on the River Cam in Cambridge's historic center. It's an ideal base for exploring, with key sites like the University of Cambridge, the Mathematical Bridge, and the Fitzwilliam Museum within a short walking distance. A punting station is also just steps away. The hotel is approximately 1,950 feet (0.3 miles) from the center of Cambridge.

For transport, Cambridge train station is about a 20-minute walk away, and London Stansted Airport is a 36-minute drive. On-site self-parking is available for a fee (around £26.50 per day), with valet parking also offered (around £35.00). The hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing two pets up to 75 lbs with a non-refundable fee.

7. Value & Pricing

While the Graduate by Hilton Cambridge offers premium offerings and a luxurious experience, its average room price (around $410) can be higher than the citywide average. However, many guests feel that the exceptional location, amenities, and service justify the cost. Prices can vary depending on dates, with Sunday and Thursday often being the cheapest days to stay, and October being the most expensive month. Discounts and offers are sometimes available, including residential offers that bundle accommodation, breakfast, and local activities.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is largely positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Jacuzzi Functionality: Some guests have reported that the jacuzzi bath in the leisure club was not working and appeared to have been out of order for some time.
• Pool Size: The indoor pool and leisure club's sauna and steam room are described as being on the "small side" by some guests, though generally clean.
• Wine Pricing: One guest mentioned that wines in the restaurant could be "on an expensive side."

Sources

1. visitcambridge.org
2. thehotelguru.com
3. booking.com
4. expedia.com
5. agoda.com
6. booking.com
7. trip.com
8. hotels.com
9. travelocity.com
10. meet-cambridge.com
11. cambridgeshotel.com
12. momondo.com
13. hilton.com
14. agoda.com
15. kayak.com