More about The Cambridge Belfry
Lovely hotel
by TripAdvisor Member KTUk
The Cambridge Belfry is situated in the new town of Cambourne just outside Cambridge. It is a 4* hotel and was built in 2004.
My husband and I stayed here for a weekend to celebrate our anniversay. The hotel itself is beautiful, the rooms are clean and well dressed and of a great standard. The location isn't fantastic as your views mostly consist of other houses. Despite that the access to wonderful Cambridge is brilliant. You can drive or get the local bus, the Citi 4, into cambridge for £2.80 (all day any bus ticket). The hotel does have a maturing lake outside which offers nice views over breakfast and dinner. (The most massive fish I've ever seen live in there as well)
The reception staff were friendly and helpful. The food in both restaurants was lovely however it was a little awkward as it was so quiet. We were one of three couples in a large dining room. The staff were constantly watching us for something to do. In the morning, breakfast was amazing!
We had no problems at all with this lovely hotel but I feel it needs more custom and bustle. Perhaps its early days.
Great Hotel + Staff, Random location
by TripAdvisor Member Suneet_a
12 of us stayed in this hotel for a hen weekend.
Other then the surrounding location of the hotel, I would say it was faultless.
The Belfry provided a great hotel, with top quality rooms, sauna treatments, staff and food. We would definately return
Annoying small problems mar stay
by TripAdvisor Member MuggleB
This was out second visit to this hotel. The first was in August 2004 when the hotel had only been open for a few weeks and we had put down any "niggles" (waiting 25 minutes for the pre-ordered packed lunch, etc) to teething troubles. As it is convenient for Duxsford Air Museum, we decided to give it another chance.
Stayed in this hotel for one night; arrived at 1700 to find the room was not ready. Were told to wait in bar area - no offer of complimentary drink whilst waiting. Room was finally ready at 1730! Literature says "check-in at any time after 1400!
Room was clean, with spacious bathroom (separate shower cubicle and bath) but the TV had been re-tuned to random satellite sport channels which left a choice of golf or wrestling.
Ate in the Bistro as we didn't have the right dress-code for the restaurant (??!!!). Were asked if we wanted a drink whilst ordering and then the wine list was taken away; were asked three times in as many minutes if we had made our choices, then waited 15 minutes for first course to arrive. There were 12 mussels in my husband's moules marinieres - a rip off for the price. My steak was adequate; we had to ask twice for husband's side salad and a spoon for him to eat his tagliatelli. Like another reviewer we had to go to the bar to settle the bill as it didn't appear; also, had to wait ten minutes for an after dinner drink as the bar had run out of bacardi and they had to "borrow" a bottle from the main bar. (Domingo was very sweet and helpful though!).
No problems with breakfast, although we were quite early (around 8.15) so that may have helped - one small thing, the toast was warm bread - it had been briefly shown a hot plate.
The staff at this hotel try hard, and the location is bizarre; there is, however, just something about the place which is uncomfortable and we will not give it another chance.
Great stay
by TripAdvisor Member ericbusby
I stayed at this hotel for 18 nights. The hotel is not in cambridge. Nice place to stay. Family friendly but not a lot for the kids to do. A great park in a nearby neighborhood (beyond Morrison's ) It takes a while to make you way to the bus stop, then take the 20 minute ride into the center of cambridge if you do not have a car. Spa services, gym and pool were great. Brasserie has modest selection of dishes, decent quality. Noplace to go after sunset - zero nightlife. Meeting rooms were superior. Guest room was good, but lacked colorful decor and no A/C! (It was hot) The hotel was clean, did not smell of smoke, and safe. Perfect for a business conference. I would stay again, but would hire a car for sure.
A good option for Cambridge
by TripAdvisor Member anlo
We stayed at this hotel during our tour of England. The hotel was a real deal for us since we got it for just 60 Pounds through Priceline. For this price you really should not complain about anything. We did not mind the location since we had a car at our disposal.
The hotel was very quiet, the room clean, a nice bathroom with both bath and shower. Reception staff were very friendly, they let us check in well before the official check-in time.
If I had booked the room for the full rate, however, I would have a few things to criticize. First, a four star hotel should not have these old-fashioned sheets but real duvets with covers, is just more hygienic. Then the selection at breakfast was a bit restricted for those who do not like the full English breakfast, no fresh fruit for instance. The coffee was instant coffee and not filter coffee. But overall it was a very pleasant stay at this hotel.
OK for business, no good for couples, non smokers or families
by TripAdvisor Member TripTakerUK
This hotel is basically OK but it’s set up for business travellers and company conferences so don’t take your partner and/or family there expecting a good time. I’m not too keen on the place myself (as you’re about to find out), but read on because it may suit you…
I pre-booked directly with the hotel and asked for written confirmation. It arrived promptly but was totally inaccurate. Fixed with a phone call.
The entrance door is amusing. It’s a small auto-start rotating affair; as you approach it starts. You have to judge your speed just right or it’ll trap you and your bag (especially if you’re using one with wheels). It’s just amazing that there’s no conventional door and that the only entrance to a major hotel should be so inadequate.
In general, the hotel is cold. We had no heating in our (penthouse) room for a two night stay. We asked at reception and were given a pair of inadequate electric heaters. The lite-bite brassiere so cold, the staff have rigged up heaters around the tables. Quite strange considering that the air-con is still pumping cold air through vents around the edge of the room. We ate in there on both nights and to be honest, the food was quite good; simple, but good. The walls are decorated with nude males. Nothing tasteless you understand, the only meat and two veg on display are on your plate. But looking at them, they all look miserable, searching for something; personal fitness, a bigger BMW or a warm room. Who knows, but it’s not the sort of art I like with my evening nosh. I suspect it seemed like a good idea at the time, but the sooner they go, the better.
The pool and gym were quite good I thought (but full of local kids between 3-5pm). Kids were also in evidence in the brassiere. Not a big problem, but it’s not possible to have a romantic evening with young Camilla and Charles ”expressing themselves” at the table while their mum and dad recount the day’s work misery to each other in spite of the noise…
The posh restaurant is very expensive and unfortunately the bar outside is the main smoking area meaning that you get a good blast of stale tobacco on your way in and out. It’s not too bad as long as one of the company conferences isn’t having a “natural break” which results in that part of the hotel smelling just awful.
Breakfast was OK but the service is poor (had to ask for tea and toast on both days) and the bacon/sausage just didn’t seem right to me. Good selection though and some nice pastries.
As I said, the room was cold and the tiled entrance lobby and bathroom didn’t help much. The shower base was falling apart, the skirting boards were falling off. The ghosting on the TV picture was so bad that some channels were unwatchable. It looked like it needed a cuddle. The lift to the penthouses sounds like it’s on its last legs; it’s really loud in the room and groans to a halt at the forth floor. Quite an amusing voice tells you “doors opening, doors closing”. The smell of smoke on the bed covers and in the separate lounge was just terrible for me as a non-smoker. I checked when I booked about the smoking policy and they implied that the main bar was the only place where it was allowed. In reality, because most of their clients smoke, there’s no interest in getting it sorted out.
So this hotel WOULD suit you if you’re part of a group, most of whom smoke. The road links are very good and the park & ride to Cambridge is about 3 miles way (sounds a long way, but it’s easy). A short walk to the Cambourne Business Park.
Checking out took a while and the bill was just full of random line items “early bar”, “late bar”, blah blah blah… I just paid it because it looked about right. We won’t be going back there, but I guess we’re not the target client.
A cold hotel!
by TripAdvisor Member Feea
My husband and I booked this hotel through last minute.com. The main reason we chose it was because it was convenient for a visit to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on the Saturday and lunch with friends, also in Duxford on the Sunday. We arrived on the Friday evening about 9pm and arrived in reception to the loud music of a wedding reception taking place. We were told that we had been upgraded from a basic room to an executive room which initially we thought was great. However, on going to the room (302), it was very clear on entering it, that we had been given a smoking room. The smell of stale smoke was awful. I went back down to reception to complain and was told that they were aware I had booked a non-smoking room but it depends on availability and there were no non-smoking rooms available. So we were stuck with our room. It was impossible to have a relaxing drink in the bar as the whole area was reserved for the wedding party. We did go into the bar by the leisure area and were served by a miserable man! Several couples were eating here - the food looked basic - burgers and chips etc. We only stayed as long as it took us to have our drinks as the room was freezing with cold air blowing out above our heads. We ordered room service. The service was very quick, although pricey.
The room itself was lovely (except for the smell of stale smoke). The bed was comfortable, the tv great and the lighting fab - especially the lighting in the skirting board areas. The bathroom was super - very clean and lovely toiletries. A large bath with a hand held shower attatchement, as well as a separate shower. There was also two comfortable chairs, a large desk, chest of drawers, a large wardrobe and a cupboard housing an ironing board and iron. There was a mini bar in the room ,but it was empty! I believe you have to request to have it stocked up. Tea, coffee etc was available and also a hair dryer in the room. However on both nights I had to have a bath before going to bed as the room was FREEZING cold! Also, because the lift was right next to our room, all your could hear was the lift going up and down - really annoying, especially when you are trying to relax and wind down in your room.
Breakfast was great - good service with a wide variety of food - hot buffet - sausages, bacon, scrambled and fried eggs, fried bread, mushrooms, beansand tomatoes, a choice of fruit juices and cereals, pastries, fruit, cold meats, cheeses, yoghurts and toast. We did not have to wait to be served at all and so were both impressed with the breakfast.
We did not eat in the restaurant and so I cannot comment on things there. We found a great pub just behind Morrisons - the Monkfield Arms which had cheap, basic hot food and cheap wine of an excellent quality - this pub comes highly recommended by us! The same bottle of wine we had was on sale in the hotel bar for £8 more!
Check out on the Sunday morning was a joke - I queued for twenty five minutes and had to listen to several people complaining that they had been charged for things they had not had! Only two staff on the desk - there were four but when the queue got longer, two staff promptly disappeared!!
I don't think we would stay at the hotel again - it does seem to be more geared towards business clients and is cold - some heating would be good! However, the rooms are clean, the bathrooms great and some of the staff are friendly.
Pleasant and clean hotel - business orientated
by TripAdvisor Member Riflerangeblues
Stayed here for one night on business and found the accommodation really good. Very pleasant, clean and modern room, with a fantastic shower and crisp bed linen.
Two issues - the first being lack of staffing on reception. Check in was rather slow. I arrived late in the evening but still waited over 10 minutes for the one member of staff to check me in as he was caught up with phone calls and room service requests. He was, however, polite, professional and efficient - just over stretched. In the morning check out was worse - the same chap and one women, who seemed to be struggling ot keep up. The other issue was breakfast - the food wasn't good. Poor selection of cereals and the cooked food was either baking under the hot lights or pretty dire (scrambled eggs were grim).
Otherwise, I will stay again, it's ideal for a one night stop over and conveniently located for the business park.
Clean and modern. Awful staff
by TripAdvisor Member tarka00
I had to stay at this hotel for eight nights for business.
The hotel is in Cambourne, some distance from Cambridge - you'll need a car if you intend to go to the city. Cambourne is a small develpoment of new houses and the hotel has no views other than a surrounding wall and superstore nearby.
There is nothing to do in the area so, unless you're attending a fuction at the hotel or have transport to get out of Cambourne, I can see no reson to stay here.
The hotel is modern with clean, good- sized rooms. But, for a four-star hotel the rooms are not well equipped - no mini bar, limited TV stations and some mornings there was only lukewarm water for bath/shower.
Bar, restaurant and Brasserie are comfortable and well appointed. Breakfast is a very good buffet with good choice of freshly cooked food.
The gym and pool area are clean and modern, and spa staff friendly and helpful.
The downside of the hotel is the attitude of the staff who were, apart from room-cleaning staff, unconcerned with guests to the point of rudeness. At check-in I and three colleagues were eventually served by a sultry man and pointed towards the rooms without any explanation of meal times etc. or any help with baggage.
Given that my room was booked for a week, my key card was cancelled on four mornings. It was reactivated by another sulky receptionist without any explanation or apology.
Having stayed at the hotel for eight nights, I asked at reception if I could have a late check out on the final day - the receptionist, rude to the last, refused.
All-in-all, a clean hotel in a pretty awful place with pretty awful reception staff. About the same standard as a Travel Inn (3 stars). Not worth the rate of over £100 per night.
Not 4 Star
by TripAdvisor Member MB37
Located in an area of much new housing development about 10 miles from Cambridge. Room clean and adequate but not 4 star. As the hotel is so spread you needed to run the water for up to 20 minutes before it became hot enough for a bath - maybe because it was not fully occupied. The brasserie food was not very good and the music was loud and intrusive. The best feature was the good selection for the buffet breakfast - hot and cold.
Photos
Yippee Crowd
Looking Into The Nave
Cambridge at night
cambridge 2007 by iris2002
Forum Posts
2 day stay in Cambrigde
by 5joe
We are a family of five and will be in Cambrigde July 3rd and 4th. Any suggestions as what to see, We are planning to move on towards Bath. Any tips on where to stay or what to see are welcome.
RE: 2 day stay in Cambrigde
by tse1212
Cambridge is a beautiful city and good for walking around (or cycling round if you want to hire bikes). Most of the colleges will be open to tourists while you're there. As you're a small group I'd recomend you get a guide - get an official one via the Tourist office, they'll know the best places to see and will be able to give you the correct history of the city. If the weather's nice then make sure you go punting on the river - you can hire a punt with a driver, usually students making a few extra pounds in the summer holidays, or you can have a go yourself, it's quite a skill and a lot of people do fall into the river - don't worry it's not too deep!
There are lots of good restaurants, pubs and clubs.
RE: 2 day stay in Cambrigde
by soundchaseruk
But watch out for colleges who now charge for entry in the summer. This can be very costly just to see one or two with a family. St Johns is well worth the visit and if you can get into Kings College Chapel it is well worth it, whether you are religious or not. Also a cycle or walk to Grantchester meadows on a sunny day is wonderful. Pink Floyd wrote a song about this beautiful natural area just minutes from the city. Grantchester itself is worth a visit anyway and to chill out in the Orchard tea gardens.
Check out Queens college courtyard over the mathmatical bridge near the Mill Pond / Anchor pub.
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