De Vere University Arms Hotel - Cambridge

The awkward name notwithstanding, the De Vere is an excellent, convenient and affordable hotel that is located right at the edge of the historic center of Cambridge. Just to prove that you can’t believe everything you read at hotels.com, here is how our room was described: “This room measures 14 square feet (1 square meters)…” That would have been sufficient […] – just – for our luggage. In fact the room measured about 14 square meters, about 125 square feet. Fortunately, I had not read the fine print, or we would not have booked the room and would have missed out on a good hotel. The magnificent, large breakfast room (the “Ball room”), overlooks a large grassy park, the route of countless pedestrians and cyclists, going to work or morning classes. Breakfast was a sumptuous buffet. It was included in our price, as was free Wi-Fi Internet access. Parking is on the premises. This is a first-rate hotel for visitors to Cambridge who are willing to trade a ten-minute walk into town for a sizeable saving in the price of accommodation of similar standard and quality. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel was clearly not worth the money. It didn't even come up to a basic level of business class hotel. I chose it for the location and other reviews, but I'm not sure what was going on with the management. My room was awful. Here are some particulars: 1) There was NO wi-fi available in the room, which was one of the reasons I booked there. It […] was only available in one place in the bar and I had to experiment to find where it was hottest. 2) The room hadn't been updated in probably 30 years. The carpet was in bad shape, the bathroom patched up with crappy linoleum and the bathtub caulked so many times it looked terrible. Compared to the hotel I stayed in London, this place was horrendously overpriced. 3) One outlet was so bad I couldn't recharge anything without jimmying the plug several times. I had to call the front desk to untangle the mass of wires the connected the TV. 4) Maybe the problem was my room, but the lift worked sporadically and it was a real pain to bring my computer down into a noisy bar just to have internet. This was unacceptable. For the price, this was not worth it in the least. They had an old, cheesy plug-in modem that also didn't work too well on the smallish desk for what passed for internet access. 5) Breakfast was included, but it wasn't available when I had to go to Heathrow on my last day. Management offered to send up a continental breakfast at an earlier time for an additional fee -- which I didn't want. I Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Drains in bathroom smelt awful, but maybe specific to the room I got. Otherwise, a nice old-fashioned hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff was excellent. However 3 important disadvantages of the hotel was: 1) The room was too cold, because the climate control was not working properly. 2) The high voices of the drunk young people was disturbing all night long. 3) There was no wifi in the rooms. Only cable broadband was not useable for the smart phones İf you don't mind these 3 […] disadvantages, the location was great and the breakfast was very good. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Our stay here was enjoyable; however, we had a hard time finding it because of the photo which is shown. We discovered that the photo was taken from the park, not the street. Trying to find it in a car was very difficult

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I booked an executive room based among other things the photo in the list of available rooms. The actual room was nothing like that shown in the photo. It was shabby, chipped paint, dingy and really, really noisy.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Staff was very friendly and helpful but hotel is becoming dated and needs refurbishment. No wireless in guest rooms, only ethernet cable. Floor creaks when walking on it. Shower cramped.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotels.com allows users to choose what room accommodation they would like. I selected the Executive Double Room and paid extra for it. When I arrived at the hotel, they had said my room was selected as a Double/Twin Room which was as small as a closet. I spent one night there before being upgraded to a Standard Double. I would enjoyed my stay a lot […] more if I would have received the room that I booked online. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

HUGE bed with a great view of Parker's Piece. The hotel is right on the high street near all the pubs, clubs and shopping of Cambridge. It is a 'historic' building, so the facilities weren't as nice as you find in a new hotel. The bathroom was clean, but in poor shape.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice looking hotel inside--old and atmospheric. Room was pretty small and not in perfect shape, with average amenities. The big problem was the noise. Our room went out the back and at 3 a.m. a party of college kids started under our window, followed at dawn by delivery trucks. The old windows don't even close properly and one was cracked. This place […] definitely needs double windows. A sleepless night... Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed for 2 weeks on buisness. Great hotel durring the week. Often has ballroom events on the weekend that can be loud on weekend nights (until midnight). If you are staying the weekend check on scheduled events or request a room on the higher floors.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good location, great breakfast. But the interior could use some refreshing. And how about a business center? There is none. Very British and traditional. Has a lot of charm and with a few added touches it could be a great hotel.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

From pleasant reception to well appointed room in a perfect location the stay was worthy of a return.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel is old and not very comfortable. The bathroom is very outdated, the outlets don't work well. The room was small and stuffy. Did not enjoy my stay, couldn't wait to leave. Stayed there for only 2 nights.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The breakfast room was impressive and was full of old world splendour but the main entrance to the hotel was on a busy street, the entrance itself was very shabby and our room was not nice. Perhaps there are nicer rooms overlooking the green but ours was not one of them. the breakfast was very nice. While the hotel said there was parking in reality […] it was full and in any event it was a very small crowded parking. We parked in a public parking. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Spent 1 night @ the hotel. The hotel room was on the main street. The noise from the street was not acceptable. It ruined sleep of the evening. I spoke w/the head concierge & she did not seem to care. The hotel location is great but it is shabby & the service appaling for the price of the room. It seems to be central for many local weddings.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The best part about this hotel is the location. Easy walk to just about anywhere in Cambridge. However the place is run down with leaks in the roof (the weekend I was there, it poured and there were buckets catching drops all over the hallways). My room was on the thrid floor under the eaves - it was stuffy and it was impossible to open the window. […] However, the staff was friendly, .and the breakfast buffet was delicious. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This hotel desperately needs renovation. The paint and carpets must be 20 years old.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I should start off by saying my first stay with the hotel was far better; however, it was only for one night. I never really had a chance to let things sink in as I did for the second stay. The staff was very nice, and that is by far the best thing the hotel has going for it. The breakfast was good, but the wait staff was forgetful - do not bother […] trying to get butter for your bread unless it is already at your table (or you can steal it off of an empty table). You also really need to like British food to enjoy the breakfast; otherwise you can stick to breads, muffins, and cereals or fruit. The juice was fresh and very good, however. All in all, the dining room and the rest of the hotel is very old. The dining room does have a very nice view of the park. If you can get a seat by the windows, you will enjoy breakfast immensely. The entire building, regardless of whether or not it is on the ground floor or in the hall way towards your room / in your room, the floors will creak, the furniture is a bit outdated, etc. The rooms get VERY hot, especially at night. I ended up requesting a fan to keep me cool at night. There is little circulation in the room, even with the windows open in the dead of winter - it is still far too hot under the covers. Televisions are primarily still old CRT units with only six channels; I did see a few rooms with flat pannel TVs. I do not recommend staying here if you plan on spending a lot of time in the hotel room. If you are only staying to sleep while you are on business, then it is a good location and the old building should not bother you too much. The price was a bit too much for me. I had stayed there in the past and paid far less for a larger much more comfortable room. This last trip for six nights cost me far too much (double bed room - 2 single matresses attached in one frame - annoying). The location is nice, but I would expect the accomodations to be better and renovated place for such a cost. In comparison, I have stayed 3 Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very expensive room with whirling fan noise the entire time. Spotty housekeeping with poor plumbing facilities. Nice public rooms, lobby and bar but guest rooms seem tired.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I love staying at this hotel. My parents stayed her e 50 years ago when I was a student and it has wonderful memories for me. I have stayed several times and find it charming and so very comfotable.Please thank all the staff for making this a lovely experience particularlythe maitre d,

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice hotel, friendly staff, very convenient location. Easy walking distance to colleges and downtown amenities. Physical infrastructure is dated (persistent heavy drip from my shower) but common areas are nice. DON"T accept a room on the park side. View is nice but the park is a magnet for rowdy teenagers who party noisily into the early hours. Found […] it impossible to sleep before 2 a.m. even with all windows closed. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is located at a very convient area. Although old style , the newly expanded portion is very nice. The restaurant and breakfast arrangements and service were very commendable. I enjoyed very much the breakfast time as the restaurant is very wide , nicley set up , very helpfull staff , nice food and overlooks the city park. The TV chanels were […] not fine tuned which affected the quality . This is strange as we are living in the technolgy era. I hope this is revaluated and improved. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The De Vere University Arms Hotel with a great location in Cambridge is long over due for a major renovation that will bring the hotel up to the high standards required of a fine hotel with an important history.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel exceeded our expectations. The room was large and comfortable with a nice view of the large city park next to the hotel. The bathroom was spacious and very clean. The breakfast buffet and hot offerings were generous and tasty. Staff was helpful with all questions. The location was convenient--just a short walk from the main part of the university. […] We arrived by train and walked from the station (about 15 minutes) but there is also bus service available. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall hotel service was good and attentive. Hotel is in very good location, however parking can be a problem as when we turned up no parking was available and nor during the duration of our stay. Otherwise in relation to the location and service I would recommend.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A very nice Hotel and comfortable stay, super comfortable bed, although no hair dryer or fridge. Only negative was that the hotel was some what dated however surrounding area was stunning and beautiful

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel only looks like the pic in the advert from a playing field behind the hotel. It misleads you to think you would be staying in an ex stately home, more symbolic to the name it possesses. The hotel was very tired , paintwork throughout was damaged and in dire need of a re paint. It was dirty in the common areas, a cigarette end remained in the […] corridor against the skirting for the duration of my stay. My room had been broken into at soemstage and the door frame around the lock so badly filled with resin filler that it let light through. The room was small and the very small bathroom had the small type of handbasin which you could just about get your hands in. There was about 20in/ 50cms between the basin and the bath in which to stand. The fittings in the bathroom needed cleaning around where they were fixed to the tiled walls. The bed was clean and well presented but the room was very tired and shabby. The ceiling was just painted over where the ceiling needed repair in two places. The upholstered chairs were so worn out and torn. I had to ask the duty manager to get the room cleaned as there were stains where guests had spilt tea down the furniture. I asked for another room but informed there wasn't a room available at the high rate I paid. I stayed here as part of a group function but had I had the choice, the 3.6 rating for a supposedly 4* hotel would have persuaded me otherwise. On the whole a very dated, very tired over priced hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I liked the old-world feel and service of the hotel - and the archaic lift was fun to use - if something of pain. The staff were uniformly wonderful - very helpful at all times. The room was nice enough except the bathroom was miniscule - had to move the shower screen against wall to struggle past toilet to get into the bath. The breakfast was super […] - good buffet - and the cooked choices were excellent. I especially recommend the eggs benedict. The only thing that let down the breakfast was the truly appalling coffee. Please, please invest at least in some cafetieres, if not an espresso machine. [They have one in the bar ... not available for breakfast ... weird! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

4 beds in the room but no easy chair, no hairdyer.The room was cold and made the impresson of not been used since long time.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Atrocious lack of view. -- A ridiculous car park entrance, and then overnight car park charges! -- Breakfast was embarrassing... Very poor quality of food and service. [How can they fail to serve sausages and not be able to count to two?!?] --- A first and last ever visit... Don't go!!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is the quintessential English hotel ideal for the Agatha Christie heroine Miss Marple! Lots of nooks and crannies one amazing old lift that takes you back. Friendly service room 340 is a peach of a room. My girlfriend and I call this our Miss Marple hotel for all the good things English!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Old, not maintained well, still cold and hot water separated.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Checked in late after arriving from Brussels. Staff were friendly when I arrived but never mentioned parking charges or the noise outside the room. Room itself was tired - melamine furniture with doors sagging, tired curtains, worn carpet. The bathroom was tiny, with the shower head hanging off - DIY repairs needed to get it working properly. The road […] outside was being worked on all night, so there was constant noise throughout the night. Breakfast was buffet style and rushed, nice food but terrible coffee. Only on complaining about the room, noise, unceremonious dumping of the parking bill under the door was that charge waived. I have stayed in cheaper hotels (Days Inn at Stansted for example) which were 1/3 the price and in better condition. I would not want to stay in this hotel again out of choice. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

A good location, but the room was small and dusty with damaged wallpaper. The bathroom was tiny and the sink was blocked. Overlooking Regent Street it was also noisy. Most disappointingly, the car park was very crowded and difficult to manouevre a medium size car around and cost £16 for the privilege. Breakfast was good however. I wouldn't recommend […] and wouldn't rebook. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

the people on reception were helpfull and friendly,but the room needed a bit updating. The restaraunt was cold and we asked to be moved,the food was very niceand the staff were to.Was not happy as we charged for using there car park.Over all we enjoyed our stay but changes do need to be made.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice hotel if they could keep the hotel cleaner. Really nice staff, most of them are professinl and helpful, but one of them put me in a vey noisy room even I request a quiet one. So not so nice hotel after all.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great location and helpful staff. Hotel in need of some investment but overall an enjoyable stay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A good base for exploring Cambridge. We got the dinner, bed and breakfast package which was good value. The food in the restaurant was good - although the vegetarian options were uninspiring. I would book the same package again though.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The location is very convenient for central Cambridge locations as most places sre in walking distance. The public rooms are impressive, but looking a little tired. The bedroom I occupied was well furnished although for business use, lacking in a well lit working space. I asked for and was given a quiet room. This was in the more modern part of the […] hotel and in the summer wuld not be that quiet as it was very close to the junction with the main street. Breakfast offered a good choice of both cold and hot food, service was quick and well mannered. Bar service was less efficient, the staff spending more time talking to each other and slow to serve. On one occasion I left after waiting 10 minutes to be noticed. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great hotel, but if you stay there Wed-Sun ask for a room away from the road as there is a bar opposite with a very late (3am!) ridiculous license that means it is noisy for a good half hour after closing outside. Staff very welcoming (bit OTT actually) room lovely and comfy, bathroom very small but adequate. Great TV/music. Friendly bar overlooking […] Parkers Piece. Car Parking (pricey but convenient) free wifi I found out as I left! Few doors up from Sainsburys convenience store and near plenty of restaurants/Grafton Centre etc. Would return if guaranteed a quieter room! and I regularly stay in Cambridge with overseas customers, so let's hope they do! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Room decor is dated and bathroom very small but it was very clean, shower hot and bed extremely comfy with snug duvet and crisp linen . Staff very helpful . Breakfast excellent selection, and great value. Would recommend

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very frindly and helpful staff. Great convenient location. A bit nosiy at night

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Looks like it's going to be a lovely hotel. However, it wasn't, for various reasons including the following: my room wasn't clean and was very cold, I asked for a wake up call and didn't get one, the hot drinks machine at the hotel was broken, the girl who checked me in was rude, (plus others I can't remember). I wouldn't have minded all these things […] if the hotel hadn't been pretty expensive!!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel has 20 rooms that face regent street in Cambridge. These rooms have to put up with the nightlife of Cambridge until 4am every night. Hotel were not sympathetic to the issue but they should not be selling these rooms.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

excellent location.Friendly and welcoming hotel but room at back cold and shabby. Breakfast good.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review