The hype
A stylish, clean, and convenient hotel with incredibly comfortable beds and great transport links.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge
$150-330/ night
Book this if You want a modern, comfortable stay right next to the train station with spacious rooms and excellent beds.
Why People Love It
- Superb location just a 1-minute walk from Cambridge Station
- Extremely comfortable King Koil beds and spacious rooms
- Friendly, attentive staff and a beautiful double-height lobby
Quick Take: It's incredibly convenient for train travelers, but the immediate area lacks historic charm and the ground-floor bar can get loud on weekends.
Reviewed by @TheWonderingEnglishman: I've stayed at the Clayton Hotel numerous times and it never disappoints. Being right next to the train station makes it incredibly convenient. The rooms are massive, the breakfast is excellent, and the staff are always on the ball. A solid 9/10 from me!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The lack of on-site parking is a hassle, and weekend noise from the bar can ruin a good night's sleep if you're on a lower floor.
- You are arriving by train and want zero transit time to your hotel
- You value large, modern rooms with excellent mattresses
- You need a solid base for business or a quick weekend city break
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough with daily service, though a few isolated reviews mention missed spots like dusty skirting boards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble wet rooms are consistently described as spotless, modern, and well-maintained.
- Maintenance: Mostly excellent, but a few guests have reported minor issues like chipped paint or slow-draining sinks.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, fresh, and fluffy. The premium bedding is a major highlight for almost all guests.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh and neutral, though one guest noted a fishy smell in the restaurant area during afternoon tea.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud music from the downstairs bar until 3 AM on weekends
- People chatting on the benches outside
- Street noise from the busy station area
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card
- Breakfast is not always included and costs around £19.95 per adult
- It's a 15-20 minute walk to the main historic colleges and city center
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine if you're staying over the weekend
- Comfortable walking shoes for the 20-minute trek into the historic center
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Rooms for extra space, a super king bed, and a quieter experience on higher floors
- Deluxe Double Single if traveling with a child or friend, offering flexible bedding
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the street or directly above the bar due to late-night weekend noise
- Rooms near the elevators where hallway noise can bleed through
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm really looking forward to my stay. Could I please request a quiet room on a high floor, as far away from the ground-floor bar and street noise as possible? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking available at the hotel?
No. You have to park at the Cambridge Station car park about 300 meters away, which costs £25-£30 per day.
How far is the hotel from the historic city center?
It's about a 15 to 20-minute walk to major attractions like King's College, or a quick ride on the hotel's free bicycles.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Usually not. The full breakfast costs around £19.95 for adults and £10 for children unless you book a specific bed-and-breakfast package.
Is the Clayton Hotel Cambridge pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but you must coordinate with housekeeping as they won't enter if the dog is unsupervised.
Does the hotel have a pool or spa?
No, there is no pool or spa. However, there is a free 24-hour fitness center on-site.
Can I check in early?
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability, and you should contact the front desk in advance to request it.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book your parking in advance through apps like YourParkingSpace to save money on the nearby station garage.
- ✨
Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and grab a pastry or coffee at one of the many cafes right outside the station.
- ✨
Use the hotel's complimentary bicycles to get into the city center much faster than walking.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is entirely cashless, so don't expect to pay for your drinks or room with paper money.
💡The first-floor library is a hidden gem—a quiet, cozy space with leather sofas and a fireplace that most guests walk right past.
💡The Tamburlaine Restaurant inside the hotel has stunning Victorian-style decor with velvet seating, making it a great photo backdrop.
💡Rooms come equipped with Chromecast on the Smart TVs, so you can easily stream your own Netflix instead of watching standard cable.
💡While the immediate area is a modern transit hub, the beautiful 40-acre Cambridge University Botanic Garden is just a 3-minute walk away.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Clayton Hotel Cambridge is located and what's nearby.