The Norna

The room itself was okay, but the bathroom bin still had several used tissues in it when we arrived. The door code took a few tries to work, which was frustrating. Noise was the bigger problem: we could hear neighbours talking and people banging downstairs, so sleeping wasn't pleasant. We both caught a cold during the stay and asked for just one extra hour before checkout because we had high fevers. The hostess simply said no, which felt unfriendly. I wouldn't recommend it.

We slept really well for two nights, and the beds were comfy. Shame there weren't any kitchen things or appliances, though. We like cooking and getting our work lunches ready.

Coming back each day to a warm, clean room, a cosy bed, and a safe-feeling area made a hard time much easier. I’d been moved to Cambridge for work at the last minute and spent two weeks at the Norna, paid for by work, before they abruptly told me I had to find my own place. I contacted the owner to ask about staying longer, and she was fabulous and really helpful. Within a day, the longer stay was all arranged. She did everything she could to make sure I was comfortable and had what I needed. Moving four hours away from home and everyone I knew was a real struggle, but the Norna became my saving grace. Whenever something came up, I could message and usually heard back in minutes or within a few hours. The location was ideal too, about a 20-minute walk from the city centre and just around the corner from the train station. Thank you for giving me a lovely, safe place and making a difficult point in my life feel so much easier. I owe you one.

The staff were really nice, and that helped make the stay pleasant. The rooms are spacious, but having the bathroom built into the room leaves it very small and awkward to use comfortably. Parking is confusing too, since the space is only available until 9am even though checkout is at 10. Fine for a night or two, though I think a longer stay would feel less comfortable.