Lantern House

The location is good, and the beds were at least okay if you’re after somewhere basic and cheap. We won’t stay again. The internet photo is misleading, and there’s no guest house rosette outside the door to reassure you. The room was only up to one-star standard and needed a thorough clean. No tea or coffee in the room, and the small kitchen shared by residents and guests had no milk. Drinks from the machine cost extra. Downstairs, the thin curtains let in lots of light at night, and the windows were always shut with no locks.

Four of us stayed for a long weekend while we were in town for a stag, using The Lantern Guest House as our base. It’s a little rough around the edges, but the rooms were clean and airy and the beds comfortable. Staff who helped over the phone were polite and accommodating, and check-in and check-out were hassle-free. The town centre is about a 25-30 minute walk, or roughly 15 minutes on one of the Voi electric scooter rentals around Cambridge. Thanks for having us.

I didn’t meet anyone during my eight-day stay, from check-in to check-out. No housekeeper, and no other guests either, though the experience was still worthwhile. The surroundings felt peaceful and secure, and my needs as a guest were covered. Internet was free. The TV didn’t work for me because, for whatever reason, the paid satellite subscription had expired and wasn’t renewed while I was there. All in all, it’s a place I’d consider staying at in Cambridge.

We liked that breakfast wasn’t included, since we’re not keen on English food. Spar or Stir are nice places to go for breakfast, and the people there are good to chat with. CATS is just opposite, which was great for visiting our child studying at Cambridge Art and Science college. The old English house is well located, with a short riverside walk into town and shops and restaurants nearby. The price is good for Cambridge, less than half what the hotel chains charge. The manager is cheerful, chatty and very helpful. Self check-in was easy even though we arrived very early or late. Our room was clean, and so was the shared bathroom, though it’s shared with two other rooms. In the morning you can also use the bathroom and toilet downstairs, which have two more shared facilities, since there’s only one upstairs and someone might spend the whole morning in it. Happy customers, and we’ll soon be regulars.