Hilton Cambridge City Centre

I haven’t tried the food, though the Hilton has more restaurant and high tea options, and I’m sure you can walk in for those. If you want a fancy hotel experience, choose the Hilton. For the room, I preferred the Premiere Inn, especially if saving money. It cost significantly less on our last two visits and didn’t have these issues, apart from having no phone to call down. We only chose the Hilton this time because it was cheaper. I’m judging against what I expect from a Hilton and my two stays at the newly opened Cambridge Premiere Inn. The Hilton is clean and reasonably comfortable, much like the Premiere Inn. It has a large lounge, but it was empty, with no piano player or staff, so it didn’t feel intended for guests to use. Maybe it was low season. The room was barely half full, yet we had one with a sloping wall that stopped the curtain blocking the light properly. It disturbed our sleep after sunrise. We tried calling housekeeping or the switchboard for extra blankets, but nobody answered, which seemed unusual even if capacity was low. The two large pillows were so soft that you sink into the middle. There was just one pack of biscuits for us as a couple, no herbal or caffeine-free tea, and a chipped water glass.

The location near the city centre and university was amazing, and I’d absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cambridge. The staff were very friendly, especially the woman handling breakfast, who was both professional and kind. Breakfast had a great range of choices. The rooms were clean and great, with lovely amenities and very comfy beds. I was especially thankful for the AC. Best hotel I’ve stayed at in Cambridge.

The rooms are spacious enough for two and were clean and tidy, but the toilets need renovation, especially the wall-mounted flushing handle. I’d remove the bathtub and modernise the whole bathroom. The lighting and switches need an update too, starting with a master on/off switch, and the rooms should have an espresso machine. Please consider adding Chromecast to the TVs, since we have Netflix, YouTube and Disney accounts now. I spent two nights over Christmas Eve with my family, in two rooms. I don’t think this Hilton in Cambridge deserves five stars. It needs renovation and an update to its policies. The lobby should feel warmer and more welcoming, with a posh feel that suits the Hilton brand. The first impression from the car park and the escalator or stairs up to the lobby could be redesigned or renovated to feel more prestigious. Front desk staff could also be trained to make guests feel more welcome. More smiles would be a good start.

The rooms are large, the staff are very good, and the location is great. Parking is pricey, but concierge parking makes it well worth it. Loved this hotel and would be glad to stay again.