First impressions

On entry to the hotel bold artwork and furniture, on view through floor-to-ceiling glass, detracts from a somewhat ordinary building and sets the scene for the striking redesign throughout the hotel, which was completed in early March. The hotel can now pitch to the boutique hotel market, a sector that is grossly underserved in Cambridge. Its pitch is aided by its location, just off Mill Lane, less than ten minutes by taxi from the railway station and walking distance to the city centre. In addition the hotel is bordered by wild common land and the River Cam on two sides. This means good views from most rooms, and an atmospheric view of wildlife, passing rowers and cycling students for diners and drinkers, who can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor terrace on sunny days.

Service at the reception desk was efficient and smiley, and the requested newspaper and alarm call did materialise on time.

Why it’s special

The location is unbeatable, for its access and peaceful surroundings, and now the hotel has had a much-needed makeover, it will pose as respectable competition to the likes of the contemporary Hotel Felix, which costs from around £35 more per night, at £175. The two properties will face stiff competition though from the uber cool Hotel du Vin, opening in Cambridge in summer 2007.

Hitting the sack

The 122 bedrooms include Crown Executive and Junior Suite, which are larger and have balconies over-looking the river, plus extras such as bathrobes, slippers and free mineral water. My room had a chocolate brown/white/cream/dark red colour scheme and design was sleek, while other rooms have a more earthy green/cream/brown scheme. The dark wood desk, leather armchairs and footstool, a bed adorned with bedspread and array of different sized cushions, and “feature wall” painted in a different hue to the others, are unoriginal in terms of hotel design but pleasing nonetheless. My room ticked all the boxes in terms of amenities - iron and ironing board, tea and coffee with biscuits, minibar, plasma television with satellite channels, safe, and attractive toiletries in decent sized bottles. Despite the hotel’s city centre location my sleep was uninterrupted by traffic or reveling students.

Sampling the food

The menu was a little dated given the contemporary interior of the dining room, although dishes such as grilled fillet steak, pancetta-wrapped monkfish and stuffed chicken were sound – good colourful presentation on the plate, fresh ingredients and, unusually for a hotel, reasonable prices (around £14 for a main course, or around £27 for three courses without wine). The wine list also had a good selection of wines by the glass – around six in each colour, which is great for lone diners who don’t want to order a whole bottle.

The hotel remains popular for business conventions, so on the Monday night I stayed the bar was buzzing with delegates from an oil company, nevertheless the discreet booth seating meant it was easy to escape. The only disappointment at the bar was a lack of cocktail menu or cocktail-making knowledge of the bar staff. I don’t expect all hotels to be able to rustle up a margarita, but in a bar that’s clearly pitched to fashionable drinkers, with its modern art, bright furniture and sleek bar, I would expect at least a short cocktail menu.

Breakfast was a good spread of cold, hot, indulgent and healthy options, but much of it was undercooked – from the floppy pink bacon to the pale croissants. The cereal range was sound and there was some fresh fruit, with a good selection of yoghurts, nuts, fruit coulis and dried fruits.

Access all areas

The hotel is wheelchair accessible, and there are two specially adapted guestrooms for wheelchair users. In addition the hotel will serve hot drinks free of charge to guests who are unable to make there own and says it can provide extra services for guests who suffer from hearing and visual difficulties.

Added attractions

The leisure facilities are impressive for a hotel of this size – a sauna and steam room, swimming pool, fitness centre and treatment rooms. Treatments on offer include those using the popular Dr Hauschka products, as well as other facials, massages and hand and feet treatments. In addition, the outdoor terrace is in a wonderful spot by the river for sunny days and bedrooms with balconies offer a great spot for an al fresco breakfast. The hotel’s popularity with business guests also means that services such as laundry, wireless internet at £12 for 24 hours, and 24-hour room service (for a £2.50 service charge) are all on offer.

What we think

A serene spot in the centre of town, and decor that has a contemporary edge, but this sadly didn't extend to the bar menu.

Bottom line

Rooms cost from £140 per night including VAT, or £180 for an Executive Room, although lower rates can be booked during quieter periods.

Need to know

Cambridge Garden House, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RT; www.cambridgegardenhouse.com; info@cambridgegardenhouse.com; tel. 01223 259988

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