The Hilton Cambridge City Centre stands on Downing Street, at the heart of the old university quarter. With nearly two hundred rooms it is one of the larger hotels in the centre, and it has a restaurant, the Bass and Bull, a piano bar and a gym on the ground floor. Guests consistently highlight the location, the friendly staff and the clean, comfortable rooms. A direct link takes you from the hotel into the Grand Arcade shopping centre, which is handy in wet weather, and the Corn Exchange and Parker's Piece are about three minutes away on foot. It is a dependable choice for families, business travellers and first-time visitors who value reliable service and a central address over boutique character.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about a minute from the university buildings and Emmanuel College, three minutes from the Corn Exchange and Parker's Piece and a short walk from the Fitzwilliam Museum and the river. The railway station is a longer walk of about nineteen minutes, and the airport is a short drive. Most of the city's sights are easy on foot from here, so you rarely need a taxi.
Rooms and facilities
There are many room types, including king, queen, twin and two-double-bed rooms, executive rooms and suites, and standard features include air conditioning, a desk, a coffee and tea maker and a large flat-screen television. Some guests find the bathrooms small in the executive king rooms and note that there is no minibar, and shower pressure on the top floor can be modest. A buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge, and a gym with exercise bikes is on site. There is no pool.
Who it suits and what to know: it works well for families who want a range of room sizes, for travellers who like a big-brand hotel with a 24-hour front desk and for anyone who plans to shop as well as sightsee. Parking is on site but charged per night, with covered valet parking also available, and there are height restrictions. Pets are allowed for a fee. Wi-Fi arrangements vary by room rate, so check before you arrive. Weekends and graduation season are the busiest times, so reserve early.
Why stay here
- ✓198 rooms and suites
- ✓Link to Grand Arcade
- ✓Bass and Bull restaurant
- ✓Piano bar
- ✓Ground-floor gym
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Pet-friendly rooms
Good questions
Is the Hilton close to the sights?+
Yes, it is about a minute from the university buildings and three minutes from the Corn Exchange and Parker's Piece. Most colleges and museums are within a short walk.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
No, there is a ground-floor gym but no pool. A restaurant and piano bar are on site.
Is there parking?+
Yes, parking is available on site for a nightly charge, with covered valet parking too. There are height restrictions, so check before you arrive.
