Cambridge52.19458700,
0.16485900,
15/17 Coldhams Park, Norman Way, Off Coldhams Lane(Show on Map)
7.8
Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsThe Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, offers a blend of tranquility and convenience, making it a suitable base for various travelers, including those visiting local hospitals. Located in a serene area with pleasant views, the hotel provides excellent access to Cambridge via efficient bus routes and nearby Park and Ride services, though it remains a bit distant for foot tourists. Free and ample parking add further convenience, particularly for guests with cars.
Guests generally praise the breakfast for its variety organized setup and gluten-free options, although the quality can be inconsistent with occasional shortages and cold food during peak times. Dinner receives mixed reviews with some appreciating the convenience and cleanliness of the dining area, while others criticize the limited menu, high prices and uninspiring food options.
The rooms are highlighted for their cleanliness and comfort, featuring modern amenities and stylish decor. Despite some comments about noise and room size, the overall response is positive with many guests finding the rooms sufficiently spacious and well-maintained. Cleanliness is consistently commended across the board with rooms and common areas described as spotless and tidy.
Staff friendliness and professionalism are frequently lauded, contributing to a smooth check-in process and an overall welcoming environment. Although some minor issues with overwhelmed staff and inconsistent service are noted, most interactions are positive.
WiFi service is generally reliable and fast, adding a strong positive note to guest experiences. While some guests experience connectivity issues, the majority find the free WiFi efficient and satisfactory.
Family accommodations receive a mixed response with positive comments about the family-friendly environment and supportive staff, but some criticism regarding the small size of family rooms and uncomfortable sofa beds. Beds, in general, are noted for their comfort, though firmness and bedding size receive some complaints.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, offers a well-rounded and pleasant stay, suitable for both leisure and business travelers. It provides good value for money through its combination of serene location, modern amenities and commendable cleanliness, although there is room for improvement in dining options and room size. Show more
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express is known for being family-friendly. It is located close to family-friendly attractions and activities.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The staff are well-versed in accommodating pets, providing bowls and bedding. There are also a range of dog-friendly parks and walks nearby.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers parking facilities, a convenient amenity for guests traveling by car.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers accessible facilities for all guests and has elevators for guests with disabilities. Accessible rooms with disabled facilities and accessible ground floor rooms are available, featuring adapted bathroom facilities with roll-in showers and emergency cords. The reception area and entrances are also accessible.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel offers a convenient location with easy access to Cambridge's attractions. The hotel is known for its friendly staff and inclusive breakfast, providing good value for money. Free parking can be arranged at the check in desk.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Room Types
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastA twin room suitable for up to 2 adults. This room features 2 single beds, free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en suite bathroom with power shower.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastA family room suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 children aged under 12 years. The room features a double bed and pull-out sofa bed, free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en-suite bathroom with power shower.
If you require the hotel to set up the extra bed, please inform the hotel via the Special Requests box during the booking process.
Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleA wheelchair accessible room suitable for up to 2 adults. This spacious room has a double bed, wider doorways and adapted bathroom facilities with roll-in shower and emergency cord. It also features free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleA wheelchair accessible room suitable for up to 2 adults. This spacious room has 2 single beds, wider doorways and adapted bathroom facilities. It also features free WiFi, a 32-inch TV with Freeview and an en suite bathroom with power shower.
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastA standard twin or double room will be allocated to you on arrival at the hotel's discretion. Your room and bedding preference is purely a request and not guaranteed.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot BreakfastFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Located in a quiet and serene area, the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge offers a practical base for various travelers, including those visiting Addenbrookes and Royal Papworth Hospitals. The hotel stands out for its convenient access to Cambridge via bus routes, making it easy to explore the city. Several guests highlight the benefits of the nearby Park and Ride, ensuring smooth commutes.
The setting, close enough yet comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle, provides a peaceful retreat enhanced by pleasant views of trees and a lake. While it's not in the city center, dedicated walkers can reach central Cambridge in about 30-40 minutes and a short bus ride also serves as an efficient option. Free parking is another appreciated feature, adding to the convenience for those with cars.
For dog owners and families, the hotel's pet-friendly policy and proximity to natural surroundings offer added comfort. Despite some comments about the location being a bit far for foot tourists, many find it an ideal blend of tranquility and accessibility, suitable for both leisure and business stays. The Holiday Inn Express Cambridge offers a well-balanced choice for visitors seeking a quiet lodging option with easy city access.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, elicited a variety of reactions from guests. On the positive side, many praised the breakfast as excellent with a good variety and a plentiful buffet that was included in the stay’s price. Guests appreciated the availability of gluten-free options, fresh fruits and the ample choice that catered to dietary needs. The breakfast was described as tasty organized and in some cases, even first-class, adding significant value to their stay.
However, there were numerous notes of criticism as well. Several guests found the quality lacking with complaints of cold food, unappetizing scrambled eggs and limited hot options. The breakfast area often became chaotic, especially during peak hours with slow replenishment of items and frequent shortages of essential foods like eggs and sausages. The coffee quality and juice temperature also received negative comments.
In summary, while the breakfast was largely considered good value for money, the experience could be hit-or-miss depending on the time and day with notable issues in organization and food quality.
Dinner
Dinner at the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, has received mixed feedback from guests. While some praised the food, describing it as good or even excellent on certain occasions, others found the choices to be severely limited and uninspiring. The restaurant was appreciated for its convenience and cleanliness, but many guests noted the dining area felt run down and lacked ambiance.
Several reviews highlighted that while the menu included pizza and burgers, the overall variety was lacking, especially for vegetarians and vegans. A common criticism was the quality of the food with some dishes described as basic or even resembling microwave meals. The prices were often deemed too high for the quality offered and at times, certain menu items were unavailable, leaving guests with even fewer options.
On the positive side, guests did acknowledge the presence of a nice bar area and good evening meals that saved them a trip outside the hotel. However, due to the limited and sometimes disappointing dinner options, several guests chose to dine elsewhere or order in from external services.
Overall, while the hotel provides essential meal services, many guests felt there is significant room for improvement in terms of variety, quality and availability of evening meals.
Rooms
The rooms at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG receive a range of feedback, but the consensus is generally positive. Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness and tidiness of the rooms, describing them as spotless, immaculately clean and well-maintained. The rooms are praised for their comfort, especially the beds and many guests find the space sufficient for a comfortable stay with ample storage for toiletries and hanging space.
The rooms are often noted as being airy, large and spacious, providing a good-sized bathroom. Despite this, there are some comments about the rooms being small or cramped, particularly for larger groups or families. Some mention that the rooms feel compact but are functional and equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, work desks and essential conveniences like irons and hairdryers.
Guests appreciate the modern, stylish decor and the effective use of space, although there are remarks about some rooms appearing dated and in need of renovation. Noise can be an issue for some with soundproofing described as suboptimal.
Basic but functional, the rooms cater well to short stays with many visitors finding them more than adequate for their needs. The complimentary breakfast and easy check-in process add to the overall positive experience. The location offers ample parking, which is convenient for guests with cars.
Overall, while there are a few areas for improvement, particularly concerning room sizes and some maintenance issues, the rooms are generally well-received for their cleanliness, comfort and functionality, providing good value for money.
Beds
Many guests at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, find the beds to be quite comfortable. Numerous comments highlight that the beds were comfy and provided a good night's sleep. Reviewers frequently mention that the bed comfort contributed positively to their overall stay, noting that the clean and well-equipped rooms added to their satisfaction.
However, not all feedback about the beds is positive. Some guests found the beds too firm or hard, while others mentioned that the mattresses felt uneven or too small. The sofa beds often received criticisms for being uncomfortable and squeaky. Bedding size also seemed to be an issue with several reviews mentioning duvets that were too small.
Pillows received mixed reviews with some finding them comfortable, while others thought they were too hard. Despite these mixed experiences, the predominant sentiment leaned towards appreciating the comfort of the beds, underscoring it as a key feature of the hotel.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, has garnered significant praise from guests for its commendable cleanliness. Many guests described their rooms and bathrooms as spotless and very tidy, emphasizing the well-maintained state of the accommodations. The hotel rooms were often highlighted as clean, comfortable and modern, providing everything needed for a short stay. Common areas, including the bar and restaurant, were also frequently noted to be clean and tidy.
Guests expressed satisfaction with the clean and comfortable beds, fresh towels and clean linens, which contributed to a pleasant stay. Despite some isolated mentions of dated furniture, dirty carpets in hallways and occasional lapses in housekeeping, the overall perception remains positive regarding cleanliness. The hotel’s facilities, including the reception and dining areas, were generally well-organized and clean, creating a welcoming environment.
Moreover, the staff received compliments for their politeness and efficiency, contributing to the hotel's friendly atmosphere. Instances of cleanliness issues were relatively rare and mostly overshadowed by the numerous affirmations of the hotel's high cleanliness standards. Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge effectively meets guests' expectations for a clean and comfortable stay.
Staff
Guests of the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, have frequently commended the hotel's staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Reception staff, in particular, have been highlighted numerous times for their welcoming and accommodating attitude, making check-in smooth and efficient. Many guests appreciated the staff's ability to provide useful local information, such as directions to nearby pubs and transportation options.
The housekeeping team also received praise for maintaining clean rooms and public areas, enhancing the overall guest experience. Breakfast service, although occasionally perceived as lacking supervision, was generally well received with staff being attentive and quick to address any needs. However, some guests mentioned a few less-than-positive interactions with certain staff members, who appeared overwhelmed or less responsive at times.
Instances of exceptional customer service were frequently noted with many guests expressing gratitude for staff members going above and beyond to assist them. Overall, the personnel at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge are described as a dedicated, friendly and professional team, contributing significantly to the positive experiences of their guests.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, generally receives positive feedback. Guests frequently highlight the excellent, good and very fast WiFi, noting its reliability in many areas of the hotel. Free WiFi is an appreciated perk and many visitors have mentioned that the connection is particularly strong and rapid, making it efficient for routine online activities. Some rooms even boast perfect WiFi.
However, there are several mentions of issues such as slow speeds, dropouts and poor coverage in certain areas. A few guests encountered difficulties with the WiFi connection with some experiencing constant drops, particularly on higher floors where the 5G signal varied. There were also occasional complaints about the WiFi not supporting emails or being entirely non-functional at times.
Despite these issues, the predominantly positive reviews suggest that for most visitors, the WiFi strength and speed at the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge are more than satisfactory, contributing positively to their stay.
Parking
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, is praised for its parking amenities, a crucial factor for many guests. The hotel offers ample onsite parking, which numerous reviewers described as easy to park and convenient. Free parking is a frequent highlight with multiple mentions of the abundance of available spaces. Guests appreciate the spacious car park, which provides an effortless parking experience. The addition of electric charging points adds another layer of convenience.
Despite these positives, there are some concerns. A few guests noted that the car park can become crowded and spaces can be tight. Additionally, some encountered issues with paid parking, although the £5 per 24-hour rate was seen as reasonable by some. A minor downside mentioned was the rubbish in the car park and occasional difficulties finding a space during peak times.
Overall, the free and ample parking at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge is a significant advantage, making it an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize parking availability.
Family
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge offers a mixed experience for families. On the positive side, the hotel is noted for its family-friendly environment and supportive staff who understand the needs of children. Many guests found the family rooms ideal in design and well-presented, making it a convenient choice for families traveling with kids. The hotel also scores high marks for its child-friendly facilities, including diverse breakfast options that kids seem to love. Additionally, families appreciated the ample parking and the availability of maps with themes of interest, making the stay more engaging.
However, there are some areas where the hotel could improve. Several reviews mentioned that the family rooms are often small and not entirely suited for larger families with reports of crowded spaces and insufficient accommodations for four people. Sleeping arrangements, particularly the size of the sofa beds, were also criticized for being too small for two children. Issues with cleanliness and maintenance, such as squeaky beds and limited seating space during breakfast, were noted. Despite these setbacks, many families still found the hotel a good value for money and appreciated the safe and clean environment it provided for young kids. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge is a good option for families, but future guests might want to consider the room sizes and layout beforehand to ensure a comfortable stay.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge provides a sufficient three-star experience, delivering good value for the price and functionality that meets expectations for a short stay. While the accommodation is basic, it is clean and suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms, although sometimes cramped when accommodating multiple guests, offer conveinent amenities including a good quality coffee machine, comfortable beds and an adequate shower, even if water pressure can be on the weaker side.
The hotel is well-maintained and features standard facilities typical of its class, making it ideal for those needing a simple and cozy place to stay. While the breakfast may be considered average and the serving area can become crowded, it aligns well with the three-star rating the hotel holds. Free parking is an added bonus, although there could be room for improvement regarding overall cleanliness and communication, particularly in special cases such as bookings involving young children.
Additionally, the professional and straightforward staff contribute to a generally pleasant experience. However, there were occasional issues with friendliness and noise from the lift, which slightly marred the experience for some guests. Despite these minor inconveniences, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge stands out as a clean, functional and reasonable option for travelers seeking a short-term stay. As expected from a property of this category, it offers essential comforts without fancy frills.
Accessible
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, an IHG Hotel, offers a range of features making it accessible for guests with disabilities. The hotel stands out for its easy access to the city center, conveniently reached by bus or even on foot. It caters well to wheelchair users with specially designed accessible rooms and bathrooms perfectly adapted to specific needs.
The hotel's general accessibility is well-maintained, evident from the accessible reception area, entrances and a fair layout with essential amenities within reach. Positive remarks highlight that staff is not only friendly but also very helpful, providing much-needed assistance when required and ensuring an easy check-in process.
The facility's modern and clean environment, combined with free parking, adds to the convenience. Despite some isolated issues with the lift and an occasional stiff entrance door, the presence of helpful staff and good interior accessibility mitigate these disadvantages. Guests appreciate the fact that even if arriving late, access remained smooth and an early check-in option was readily available.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge successfully balances comfort and accessibility, making it a solid choice for guests with mobility needs, aided significantly by attentive and accommodating staff.
Dog Friendly
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG, receives numerous accolades for its dog-friendly facilities. Guests repeatedly mention that the hotel is very accommodating to dogs, featuring pet-friendly areas and rooms where dogs are not only allowed but are warmly welcomed. Many highlight the provision of a dog treat bag and a dog welcome pack as thoughtful touches.
The staff is frequently praised for their kindness towards both guests and their four-legged companions. The hotel ensures a relaxed stay for those traveling with dogs, even accommodating multiple pets. Dog-friendly spaces are available, including rooms specifically designed for pets, which are described as safe and clean.
However, there are a few caveats. Some guests note that while dogs are allowed in many areas, the hotel lacks a designated space for walking dogs, although there are open spaces and pathways nearby for walks. A couple of reviews mention incidents of dogs barking, which occasionally disturbed other guests. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment showcases a welcoming environment for dogs and their owners at the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge.
No, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express Cambridge by IHG doesn't have a gym.