16/09/2020

University Arms review: ‘The perfect venue for a quintessentially Cambridge staycation’

We put the world-class hotel’s new social distancing measures to the test – and enjoyed a night of pure luxury at the same time.

Just two years after its much-awaited relaunch, the last thing staff at  expected was for it to shut its doors. But sadly, the effects of the pandemic were felt by this world-class hotel which had no choice but to close for several weeks, under the PM’s request. So when it announced it would be reopening at the start of the month, I jumped at the opportunity to go and stay the night – and you won’t be surprised to know it didn’t disappoint.

The stay oozed luxury from start to finish – from the grandiose hotel reception area to the stylish personalised visors worn by the staff. A behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel outlined all the ways social distancing had been implemented to cater for its reopening. Some of the public areas such as the bespoke library – which is filled with gorgeous leather bound books and the hotel’s original fireplace are closed to the public.

Reviewed by Abigail Rabbett