University Arms

I am a frequent traveler and a Marriott Titanium Elite member, so I base my hotel reviews on both the brand’s standards and my personal experiences. I recently stayed one night at the University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection in Cambridge, using a nightly upgrade award to secure a suite. The hotel is situated in the heart of Cambridge’s city center, with abundant shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and local sites within easy walking distance — though the walk from Cambridge Railway Station is approximately 10–15 minutes on foot if you arrive by train. Upon arrival, I was warmly acknowledged as a Titanium Elite member, and my breakfast was included as part of my stay. Check-in was smooth, and the staff throughout were very pleasant and attentive. The suite I received was spacious with good amenities. The sizeable bathroom was a highlight, featuring both a tub and a separate shower, which made the room feel particularly comfortable. The overall décor and quality of the suite were in keeping with what I expect from an Autograph Collection property. Breakfast was enjoyable, with a well-stocked buffet that offered a strong selection of items — everything from fresh fruit and pastries to hot options. As a Titanium member, having this included added real value to the stay. The location could not be better for exploring Cambridge on foot. You’re steps away from historic streets, cafés, and attractions, and it’s an easy city to navigate as a pedestrian. The area around the hotel has a very pleasant feel, and it’s ideal if you plan to see the sights without relying on transportation once you arrive. Overall, this was a very pleasant stay. The combination of a generous suite, solid elite recognition, excellent breakfast, and a fantastic central location means I would gladly stay here again.

Lovely hotel, nice staff, great atmosphere. Special about out to the Romanian/Moldavian girl working in breakfast and recommend is the avocado toast! I'm sorry I couldn't remember her name but we had a great chat about the city. The only thing I could perhaps wish that was a little better is the Shower Pressure. But this is obviously on a personal level, otherwise everything is lovely, will definitely come back 🩵

Hotel is beautifully done-up (...so long as you like Cambridge / Fortnum's blue), and fun black and white rowing photos in the hallways. High tea a Lady Bracknell-ish treat. Comfortable rooms (albeit as a university town, expect a few late night revellers on Parker's Piece), and exquisite new bathrooms. V helpful staff, from Reception to Parker's Tavern.

Just had a wonderful overnight stay. Lovely hotel, grwat staff, food & drink very reasonable. Would highly recommend a stay here

I spent my wedding night here and have always recommended it to friends, many of whom have stayed. Collectively we have spent thousands here, but no more. The service in the restaurant / bar is beyond appalling. It is not intentional, but the staff have no idea what they are doing. I have been a waitress so I believe staff deserve the utmost respect, but they don't even bring a menu. I complained directly twice to the manager and heard nothing. After several bad experiences I am now writing a public review. Two recent negative experiences - firstly, I booked breakfast for 14 people after a party at my house and I'd recommended my friends to stay here. When we arrived, we were seated on a table for 8 people. I said there would be 14 of us. I repeated this 4-5 times over the next 40 minutes. At no stage did they set up for 14 people. They would bring one menu at a time (only when asked) and we kept asking for more. They did not bring cutlery. We ended up going to get our own. They were just clueless. There is no leadership or guidance for the staff. They don't know to provide menus for the number of people, to take orders, to provide cutlery, to offer water. The basics are not there. Then I gave them one last chance this weekend by taking my husband for his birthday to sit in the library. I felt sad for husband as it was another bad experience. Again, needed to ask for menus and water and to order, after politely waiting 20-30 minutes and smiling at staff. The bar food was tiny portions and cheap ingredients. I ordered three items and the waiter came back to me three times to confirm! (chips, crudite and water). Then when I asked for the bill, they charged £80 for the champagne which on the menu it was £70. I politely informed the waiter and he insisted he was correct and I was wrong, so I asked him to bring the menu. I was correct and then he changed the bill. Unbelievable! It is a 5* building and that gives the good reviews but it is Faulty Towers service!