A 4-star hotel positioned directly beside the railway station, Clayton Hotel Cambridge offers travellers arriving by train one of the most convenient bases in the city. With 155 air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre, the property has drawn consistently high guest ratings — 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia and 9.4 out of 10 on Trip.com — making it a strong candidate for university visitors, short-stay guests, and anyone who prioritises walkable access to transport.
Last checked: 2026-09-02
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Stars: 4 · Bedrooms: 160 · Nearest Transport: Cambridge railway station (1 min walk) · Nearby Landmark: Cambridge University (3 min walk)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, Voyage Privé listing.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted for this review.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge at a glance
- 4-star hotel at 27–29 Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2FB (Clayton Hotels)
- Situated between Cambridge train station and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
- 9.2 out of 10 — “Wonderful”
- 9.4 out of 10 — “Amazing” based on 52 reviews
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stars | 4 |
| Bedrooms | 155 |
| Nearest transport | Cambridge railway station (1 min walk) |
| Nearby landmark | Cambridge University (3 min walk) |
What is Clayton Hotel Cambridge Known For?
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is a 4-star property operated by the Clayton Hotels brand, occupying a prominent position at 27–29 Station Road. The hotel is best known for its exceptionally convenient location — directly adjacent to Cambridge railway station and within a three-minute walk of Cambridge University. Guest reviews consistently highlight the spacious, comfortable rooms and high cleanliness scores. On TripAdvisor, room ratings average around 4.8 out of 5, with cleanliness scores between 4.6 and 4.7 out of 5 in recent years.
How many stars is Clayton Hotel Cambridge?
The property is classified as a 4-star hotel. This rating is confirmed across multiple booking platforms including Booking.com and the official Clayton Hotels website. The hotel offers 155 air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and complimentary toiletries, according to the hotel’s facilities listing.
What do reviews say about the service?
Reviewers regularly mention attentive and friendly staff as a highlight. On Trip.com, one guest noted that “the staff are professional and kind,” while others on TripAdvisor have praised early check-in arrangements when possible and professional service at reception, the bar, and during breakfast. The pattern across multiple platforms suggests that customer service is a consistent strength.
How Far is Clayton Hotel Cambridge from the City Center?
The hotel is approximately a three-minute walk from Cambridge University and roughly a ten-minute walk from the historic city centre. Its position on Station Road places it between the railway station and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, making it one of the most accessible hotels for visitors arriving by rail. The Clayton Hotels brand positions the property as a base for exploring Cambridge’s architecture and history, highlighting the walkable proximity to both the station and the Botanic Garden.
Is there parking at Clayton Hotel Cambridge?
Parking is available at the hotel, though specific pricing, capacity, and reservation requirements are not detailed in the publicly available sources reviewed. Some TripAdvisor reviewers have noted that parking costs can be relatively high compared with the room rate, which is a recurring point of feedback for guests arriving by car.
What is the hotel’s exact location?
The address is 27–29 Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2FB, United Kingdom. The hotel sits on the corner of Station Road, directly opposite the Cambridge railway station entrance and within a short walk of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden on Bateman Street.
Does Clayton Hotel Cambridge Offer Breakfast?
Yes, the hotel operates a restaurant and lounge bar that serves breakfast, in-room dining, afternoon tea, and cocktails. The breakfast offering is a central feature of the guest experience. According to the hotel’s facilities listing, typical weekend breakfast hours are approximately 07:00–10:30, with continental options available. The lounge bar serves classic cocktails later in the day.
What does the Vitality breakfast at Clayton hotel offer?
The Vitality breakfast is the hotel’s branded breakfast experience. Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor generally rate the breakfast positively, describing it as tasty and varied. However, some reviewers have noted occasional issues with the buffet temperature and the variety of hot options, which is a common pattern at 4-star hotels with buffet-style service. The breakfast is included in many room rates, though guests should confirm this at the time of booking.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, the hotel has a restaurant and lounge bar on-site. In addition to breakfast, the restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, with in-room dining also available. The lounge bar serves cocktails and light bites throughout the day.
Is afternoon tea available?
Afternoon tea is offered at Clayton Hotel Cambridge, according to the hotel’s facilities listing on Booking.com and the official site. This is a popular option for leisure guests and university visitors, though specific menu details and pricing were not available in the sources reviewed.
“Clayton Hotel Cambridge, situated between Cambridge train station and the beautiful Botanic Gardens, is your perfect place to explore Cambridge’s stunning architecture and rich history.”
— Clayton Hotels, official brand description
What Hotel is Located Next to Cambridge Train Station?
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is the hotel directly adjacent to Cambridge railway station. The station entrance is less than a minute’s walk from the hotel’s front door, making it the closest full-service hotel to the station. This proximity is one of the most frequently praised features in guest reviews across TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Trip.com. The TripAdvisor editorial summary notes that “guests have praised its spacious rooms and luxurious beds, as well as its proximity to the train station and city center.”
How to get from the station to the hotel?
Exit Cambridge railway station from the main entrance on Station Road. Cross the road directly in front of you. The hotel entrance is on the corner, approximately 30 metres to your left. The walk takes less than one minute. For guests with heavy luggage, the route is flat and fully paved.
What other hotels are near the station?
While Clayton Hotel Cambridge is the most prominent hotel directly beside the station, several other accommodation options are within a five-minute walk, including budget-friendly guesthouses and chain hotels. For travellers seeking a similar standard near the station, the Clayton Hotel Cambridge remains the primary 4-star option. The hotel frequently ranks among the top hotels in Cambridge on TripAdvisor, with positions such as #4 of 33 or #1 of 34 depending on the snapshot date, according to the Norwegian-localised TripAdvisor listing.
“The hotel is very good. The staff are professional and kind. Breakfast is delicious and rich.”
— Anonymous guest review on Trip.com
Pros and Cons of Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Pros
- Exceptional location: 1-minute walk from Cambridge railway station and 3-minute walk from the university
- High guest satisfaction scores: 9.2/10 on Expedia, 9.4/10 on Trip.com, 9.2/10 on Voyage Privé
- Spacious, well-equipped rooms with King Koil beds and modern amenities
- Friendly and attentive staff consistently praised across review platforms
- On-site fitness centre, restaurant, and lounge bar
Cons
- Breakfast buffet temperature and variety occasionally criticised by guests
- Parking costs perceived as high by some reviewers
- Some guests note that extra charges (wine, packages) can add up
- No swimming pool or spa facilities on-site
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 27–29 Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2FB, United Kingdom |
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Number of rooms | 155 air-conditioned rooms |
| Room amenities | Flat-screen satellite TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, free toiletries, key-card access |
| Dining | Restaurant, lounge bar, in-room dining, afternoon tea, Vitality breakfast |
| Facilities | Fitness centre, business centre, meeting/banquet rooms, 24-hour reception, luggage storage |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, adapted bathrooms, rooms for disabled guests |
| Check-in / Check-out | 24-hour reception; early check-in possible (subject to availability) |
Location and Getting There
Clayton Hotel Cambridge sits at the intersection of convenience and centrality. The hotel’s address at 27–29 Station Road places it directly opposite Cambridge railway station, which provides direct services to London King’s Cross (approximately 50 minutes), Stansted Airport (approximately 30 minutes), and other major UK cities. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a three-minute walk to the south, and the historic city centre — including King’s College, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the market square — is within a ten- to fifteen-minute walk.
For guests arriving by car, the hotel is accessible via the A14 and M11 motorways. Parking is available on-site, though specific pricing and availability should be confirmed directly with the hotel. For those arriving by air, Stansted Airport is the closest major airport, with direct train services to Cambridge station taking approximately 30 minutes. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports require a train or coach connection via central London.
Alternatives to Consider
While Clayton Hotel Cambridge is the strongest option for travellers prioritising train station proximity, several other accommodation types in Cambridge may suit different needs. Budget-conscious travellers might consider guesthouses on the outskirts of the city centre, while those seeking a more central location for sightseeing could look at hotels near the market square. For business travellers, the hotel’s meeting rooms and business centre make it a practical choice, but alternatives with dedicated conference facilities exist in the Cambridge Science Park area. The Best Hotels Leeds City Centre – Safety & Value Compared guide offers a useful comparison framework for evaluating city-centre properties, though the selection criteria differ for Cambridge’s historic centre. Similarly, Coventry Hotels: Compare Prices, Find the Best Stay provides a methodology for comparing hotel value across UK cities that can be applied to Cambridge.
Our Pick: Who Should Book Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is our recommended choice for three specific traveller types:
- Train travellers: The 1-minute walk from the station platform to the hotel lobby makes this the most convenient base for anyone arriving by rail, whether for a single night or a longer stay.
- University visitors: With Cambridge University a three-minute walk away, the hotel is ideal for prospective students, visiting academics, and parents attending graduation or open days.
- Short-stay guests: The combination of location, consistent service, and on-site dining means that even a single night’s stay feels efficient and comfortable.
For travellers who prioritise station proximity, consistent guest satisfaction, and a reliable 4-star standard, Clayton Hotel Cambridge delivers on all three fronts. The trade-off is that the hotel sits slightly outside the historic core — but the ten-minute walk to King’s College is easily manageable for most visitors.
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, no.tripadvisor.com, visitcambridge.org, tripadvisor.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clayton Hotel Cambridge known for?
Clayton Hotel Cambridge is best known for its location directly opposite Cambridge railway station — a 1-minute walk from the platform — and for its high guest satisfaction scores, with ratings of 9.2/10 on Expedia and 9.4/10 on Trip.com.
How many stars is Clayton Hotel Cambridge?
It is a 4-star hotel, verified by Booking.com, Expedia, and the official Clayton Hotels website.
Does Clayton Hotel Cambridge offer breakfast?
Yes, the hotel serves a Vitality breakfast in its on-site restaurant, typically from 07:00–10:30 on weekends, with continental options available.
What does the Vitality breakfast include?
Guest reviews describe the Vitality breakfast as tasty and varied, with hot and cold options. Some reviewers have noted occasional issues with buffet temperature, but overall satisfaction remains high.
How far is Clayton Hotel Cambridge from the city center?
The hotel is approximately a 3-minute walk from Cambridge University and a 10- to 15-minute walk from the historic city centre, including King’s College and the market square.
Is there parking at Clayton Hotel Cambridge?
Yes, parking is available on-site, though specific pricing and availability should be confirmed directly with the hotel at the time of booking.
Does Clayton Hotel Cambridge have a gym?
Yes, the hotel has a fitness centre available for guests, along with a business centre and meeting rooms.
Can I walk from Clayton Hotel Cambridge to Cambridge University?
Yes, Cambridge University is approximately a 3-minute walk from the hotel. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is also within a 3-minute walk.
Sources
- Clayton Hotels — official property page (address, brand positioning, location description)
- Cambridgeshotel.com — facilities listing (room count, amenities, breakfast hours, accessibility)
- Expedia — Clayton Hotel Cambridge listing (guest rating 9.2/10, property identification)
- Trip.com — Clayton Hotel Cambridge reviews (guest rating 9.4/10, qualitative feedback)
- Voyage Privé — Clayton Hotel Cambridge reviews (average score 9.2/10 from 69 reviews)
- TripAdvisor — Clayton Hotel Cambridge reviews (room ratings, cleanliness scores, location praise)
- Booking.com — Clayton Hotel Cambridge listing (star rating, dining details, breakfast feedback)