Graduate by Hilton Cambridge sits on Granta Place beside the Mill Pond, one of the most photographed spots in the city, where punts bob at their moorings and the River Cam begins its journey through the Backs. The hotel is part of a brand that takes inspiration from university towns, and the Cambridge version plays with academic themes in its public rooms and decor, with a design that is relaxed, a little playful and clearly aimed at visitors who enjoy the city's student culture. Rooms vary in size, from standard doubles to larger rooms and suites, and many guests choose a higher floor or a river-facing room for the outlook. A bar and restaurant serve guests, and the riverside terrace is a pleasant place to sit in good weather. The location is the biggest asset: you step out beside the water and within minutes you are among the colleges, shops and cafes of the old town.
Location and getting around
The Mill Pond area is a short walk from Silver Street Bridge, Queens College and the Mathematical Bridge, and about ten minutes from King's Parade and the market square. The railway station is roughly twenty five minutes on foot, so many guests prefer a bus or a taxi with luggage. The streets around the hotel are partly pedestrian, so check the best drop-off point and parking options before you arrive by car.
What to do nearby
Punting is the classic activity, with chauffeured and self-drive punts leaving from the nearby stations, and the riverside paths and Lammas Land offer relaxed walks. The Backs, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Botanic Garden are all within a short distance, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a quieter alternative on a busy day. For evenings, the pubs along the river, such as those on Granta Place and Mill Lane, give an easy start to the night.
Who it suits
Friends, couples and families who want a lively riverside base and who like contemporary design. It is less suited to guests seeking a quiet corner, because the area is busy on summer weekends with punters, students and visitors. Practical notes: ask for a river-facing room if the view matters, confirm breakfast and parking terms, and book early for graduation weekends, May Week and the Christmas season, when Cambridge is at its busiest.
Spring and early autumn are lovely for walking and punting. Early mornings on the river are calm and atmospheric, and the light on the water before the tour groups arrive is worth getting up for. Whatever the season, wear comfortable shoes, because Cambridge rewards slow exploring on foot and by bicycle, and carry a small umbrella for the changeable weather of the Fens.
Why stay here
- ✓Riverside terrace
- ✓Bar and restaurant
- ✓Beside the Mill Pond
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Breakfast (check rate)
- ✓Walk to the punting stations
- ✓Walk to King's Parade
- ✓University-themed design
Good questions
Is the hotel close to the punting stations?+
Yes. The stations on the River Cam are a short walk away, and the Mill Pond is right next door.
Can I walk to King's College from the hotel?+
Yes, it is roughly ten minutes on foot, depending on your route through the old town.
Is it easy to reach from the station?+
It is a longer walk of around twenty five minutes, so a bus or taxi may be better with luggage.
