This blog post was updated on October 8, 2018.
Work recently led me to Cambridge where I had the pleasure of staying at the four star Hotel Felix. A combination of traditional Victorian architecture and modern design, the Felix invites guests to have a sort of best of old England experience without forcing them to give up on the contemporary creature comforts. I certainly had a “best of both worlds” experience during my visit.
The hotel is situated on spacious almost park-like grounds about a mile away from Cambridge’s city centre. Such a short but buffered distance from town comes with benefits. Staying on the outskirts of town, guests can stretch out a bit and get some fresh air without being too removed from any urban or university related action.
It’s only a short taxi ride away from the Cambridge railway station – about the same distance to get to any accommodation in “downtown” Cambridge. A cab to or from the train station should usually only cost about £10 (roughly $15 to $16). Contact the hotel for its preferred cab company or to arrange pick up. But get this – if you’re planning to drive to Cambridge, it’s well worth noting that a stay at the Hotel Felix comes with free parking, something that’s not always a given at Cambridge area hotels. Cycling in and around Cambridge is easy; it’s one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the UK with plenty of cyclists and bike lanes (it’s mostly flat around there too). Busses into town stop right outside the hotel. Whatever your preferred mode of transportation may be, the hotel is just a 30 minute walk from town – a rather pretty stroll along the punting rivers and fields too.
For me, having to hit the highway early the last day of my stay, it was nice not having to worry too much about trying to cut through the traffic in town. I thought the Felix was especially quiet at night too. I often have trouble falling asleep in a hotel, but this wasn’t a problem at the Felix. Part of my restful night had to do with the location. But I should also mention my massive (and massively comfy) bed. Bedrooms at the Felix come with King Size Hypnos beds, Egyptian cotton bed linen and duck down duvets and pillows – ensuring a sound and comfortable night’s sleep.
My en-suite bathroom was lux as well – with a full sized tub and a walk-in Grohe Rain Shower. All rooms have mini bars with complimentary fresh milk for the tea and coffee making facilities, laptop safe, Satellite TV with Pay as you View Movies, wi-fi access, a data port for non networked laptop connections and a Direct Dial In telephone system with voicemail.
In addition to the qualities that make this hotel such a great place to stay, Hotel Felix offers conference facilities, a fine dining restaurant and more. It’s one of only 62 establishments in England to have been awarded the Enjoy England Gold Award. The award is given by VisitEngland, the national tourist board, to recognize high standards of accommodation, hospitality and service. I’d be happy to stay at the Felix again and now consider it to be my default accommodation choice for Cambridge.
Find out more at www.hotelfelix.co.uk.
Photo: Chris Osburn
Follow us on Twitter for more great travel recommendations!
Leave a Comment