The Gonville Hotel

Rooms

Most rooms are found in the main hotel building and come with a luxury liner Art Decor vibe in their padded headboards, mirrors, statement lighting and side tables. Expect Cambridge themed vintage photographs and posters, bold blues, eau de nil greens and flowery cushions in all. We loved our spacious Superior Deluxe with its in-room tub, powerful rainfall shower in the bathroom, supremely comfortable bed (all rooms have Hypnos mattresses), and view over Parker's Piece.

The adjacent Victorian villa Gresham House, a recent addition to The Gonville following careful restoration, houses the on-site spa alongside eight botanically themed Feature Rooms. Perfect for couples seeking more seclusion and space, these also have direct access to the garden behind.

Every room has a plethora of amenities including iPad concierges, USB ports, pillow menu, blackout curtains and ESPA toiletries in the bathrooms.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Iron
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The star of the show is the elegant Terrace Restaurant, which faces north towards Parker's Piece, with classic bistro-style food. For lunch Mondays-Thursdays, there are 2- or 3-course set menus. In the evening we enjoyed fine fare: lobster tortellini and beetroot-cured salmon followed by cod with chicken crumb and kale veloute, and beef with pommes Anna in a peppercorn sauce. The mulled wine poached pear and some lovely vintage wines rounded off the meal.

Dine inside or al fresco on the terrace - even in winter, thanks to a convivial tent with patio heaters, blankets and fairy lights. Don't forget the Atrium Bar for drinks: we loved our Bramble (gin, lemon, chambord) and Hugo (prosecco, elderflower, mint) cocktails.

Breakfast is taken in the conservatory behind reception; select from the buffet laid out in the bar and a hot dish from the menu - such as Eggs Royale, the Gonville Grill or Pancakes with maple syrup.

There are plenty of choices for eating out in Cambridge; reception can book for you.

Features include:

• Bar
• Coffee maker
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Gresham House Wellness has six treatment rooms, the ESPA spa menu ranges from facial treatments to massage and make-up
  
• Borrow bikes, tandems or e-bikes to see the sights of this historic yet dynamic town, or book the Bentley to do so in a more lordly manner
  
• Sights include the stunning university colleges and quadrangles (the oldest dates to 1294), the excellent Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Scott Polar Research Institute next to the hotel
  
• Explore the 'Backs' of the river Cam by punt; look for the covered Bridge of Sighs (St John's College) and the Mathematical Bridge (Queens)
  
• The square green space opposite, Parker's Piece, where the original rules of Association Football were drawn up, is popular for picnic and games
  
• In summer months, the hotel hosts movie nights outside Gresham House
  
• Take a day trip to Ely, the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, or pretty Grantchester

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Well being

Kids

Kids are welcome at The Gonville, although this is more of a couply / special-occasion hotel. There are bikes to borrow in a range of sizes, including tandems, as well as extra beds and baby cots (complimentary). Kids under 6 breakfast for free, while those aged 7-12 are half-price.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

A couple of the Superior King rooms have a sofabed which can sleep 2 children up to the age of 12; the others in this category can take an extra bed for 1 child only. The Classic King/Twin rooms can also take a child on an extra bed.

Distances:

• Airport: 40 minutes (Stansted)
• Hospital: 10 minutes
• Shops: 3 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Gonville Hotel is on the edge of Parker's Piece green space, a short walk south of Cambridge's historic centre.

By Air
Fly to London Stansted and pick up a hire car from there. You can also fly to London Luton or London Heathrow. Airport transfers can be arranged.

By Train
Cambridge station is a 15-minute walk (1.1km) from the hotel; the station has direct fast connections into central London and Stansted airport (40 minutes). The hotel can offer complimentary collections subject to availability.

By Car
There is limited parking on the premises at additional cost. EV charging is available.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.