YHA Cambridge - Hostel

The location works really well, about five minutes from the station and a 10-15 minute walk to the exact town centre. The hostel has a calm feel, tidy rooms, plenty of bathrooms and a well equipped kitchen. I didn’t have breakfast, but it looked good. Staff were cool and collected, helpful and kind. Recommended. Happy to see YHA keeping it real.

I slept really well in the four-person dorm. Even with the cold outside, the room stayed perfectly warm, and I couldn’t hear any noise from outdoors. The place was clean and tidy, with a welcoming reception area and friendly staff. YHA Cambridge is roughly a five-minute walk from the train station. The food was reasonably priced for the quality and served well. Longer stays of up to two continuous weeks are available, and annual members get a discount on the total stay, which could be useful for frequent visitors. A great experience.

The management service was appalling. Max, the general manager, was especially smug and rude to my mother. She’d lost her scarf, and he wouldn’t look for it or treat the matter as legitimate. Having rules for lost property is one thing, but speaking to someone as if they’re an idiot is another. I’ll avoid this hostile hostel.

The terms and conditions are ridiculous. I’d booked the hostel a day too late while arranging seven accommodations for an upcoming trip, and only asked to shift this booking back by one day. The price would be the same, there was availability, and I made the request in good time, but it was rejected under the T&Cs. It was my mistake, and I understand that terms exist, but refusing such a simple change when nothing else would be affected felt petty. This was supposed to be a quick stop before my early flight from Stansted Airport, and the whole thing has become mildly unpleasant. It’s only £31, but it’s the principle. I’d rather sleep outside the airport than cancel and book again. YHA Cambridge, don’t spend time replying. I simply don’t care what you have to say.