The Gonville Hotel stands on Gonville Place, on the eastern edge of Parker's Piece, and it is one of the established mid-range hotels close to the heart of Cambridge. The setting is its main advantage. The large open green of Parker's Piece lies across the road, which gives the hotel a more spacious feel than many central addresses, and the Grand Arcade shopping centre, the Corn Exchange and the Market Square are all within a short walk. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, a garden for warm days and a range of rooms that suit couples, families and business travellers. It is the kind of hotel where you can walk to dinner, to the colleges and to the river without needing a car, yet still return to a calmer street at night. Parking is available at the hotel, which is a real convenience in a city where central parking is limited and expensive.
Location and getting around
The colleges on King's Parade are about a fifteen-minute walk across Parker's Piece and through the town, and the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Botanic Garden are also within walking distance. The railway station is a longer walk of around twenty minutes, or a short taxi ride, and local buses stop nearby. Cyclists will find the flat streets easy, and the hotel can usually advise on bike hire. Because it sits on a main road, ask for a room facing the green or the garden side if you prefer quiet.
Rooms and facilities
Expect a mix of standard doubles, twins, family rooms and larger rooms, with the usual comforts such as a private bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, a desk and a television. Room sizes and décor can vary, so look at the category descriptions when you book and request a larger room if space matters. A cooked breakfast is generally available each morning, with the restaurant open for dinner and the bar for a drink. Free Wi-Fi is commonly offered, though you should check the terms for your rate.
Who it suits and what to know: it works well for visitors who want a traditional hotel with parking and a central position, for families who need a few connecting or larger rooms and for people attending events at the Corn Exchange or the colleges. Prices rise at graduation, in summer and on weekends, so book early. Check what is included in your rate, ask about parking charges and confirm any accessibility needs with the hotel before you arrive.
Tip
If you plan a day at the museums, the Fitzwilliam and Kettle's Yard are both reachable on foot or by bicycle from here, and the Botanic Garden is a pleasant walk away. Ask the hotel about late check-out if you have an evening train.
Why stay here
- ✓Overlooks Parker’s Piece
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Garden
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓24-hour reception
- ✓Tea and coffee in rooms
Good questions
Is the Gonville Hotel close to the colleges?+
It is about fifteen minutes on foot to King's Parade across Parker's Piece, with the Grand Arcade and the Market Square closer.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Parking is available at the hotel, which is useful in a city with limited central parking. Ask about the charge when you book.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is generally available each morning, but whether it is included depends on your rate, so check before you book.
