Cambridge, Madingley Road52.213122,0.074823(Show on Map)
8.2
Very Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Rectory Farm emerges as a top choice for visitors to Cambridge, blending rural tranquility with convenient city access. Nestled on the outskirts of Cambridge near the M11, its location is highly praised for making both leisure and business travel easy. Guests appreciate the beautiful surroundings, including well-maintained gardens and the peaceful countryside setting, which provide a quiet environment ideal for relaxing nights despite the proximity to main roads. The property stands out as a value-for-money option combining modern amenities, comfortable rooms and an efficient self-check-in process.
Room quality at Rectory Farm is often highlighted for its cleanliness and comfort. Guests enjoy a range of well-appointed rooms, from cozy spaces with practical amenities to more spacious ones with lovely views and modern bathrooms. While minor issues such as low ceilings or the need for modern updates are mentioned occasionally, the majority of guests find the rooms charming, tidy and comfortable, contributing to a restful stay surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Cleanliness is a strong point with many reviewers commending the spotlessly clean rooms and well-kept facilities. Daily housekeeping ensures the spaces remain refreshed, offering fresh linens and towels, which positively influences the overall pleasant ambiance. The beautiful and well-maintained gardens enhance a welcoming atmosphere.
The staff at Rectory Farm receive mixed feedback but trend towards positive remarks with many guests finding them friendly, helpful and accommodating. The operational model of remote check-ins and minimal staff presence garners appreciation for efficiency but also some criticism due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Nonetheless, the staff’s knowledgeable dining recommendations and cheerful demeanor when encountered leave a favorable impression.
Parking at Rectory Farm is particularly appreciated for its ample, free and secure facilities. Visitors commend the convenience of parking right at the front door or close to the buildings, adding to a hassle-free experience. The proximity to the park and ride and ease of access to major routes further enhances its appeal.
The free Wi-Fi service, however, receives mixed reviews with some guests enjoying good connectivity while others face issues with unreliable or slow service. This suggests that Wi-Fi performance may vary depending on the location within the property.
In terms of dining, while the lack of an onsite breakfast option is a recurring complaint, the abundance of nearby dining options and helpful staff recommendations somewhat mitigate this issue. The absence of an in-house restaurant or bar encourages guests to explore local eateries, often finding delightful pubs and restaurants in close proximity.
Comfortable beds are frequently mentioned as a high point, contributing to restful sleep. Despite occasional critiques of bed quality, most guests appreciate the large, clean and comfortable beds with a variety of pillow options available.
Overall, Rectory Farm is characterized by simple yet efficient accommodations that offer significant value for money. Its idyllic setting, cleanliness and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal choice for guests seeking a modest, no-frills stay in a charming and picturesque environment. Despite some areas for improvement, such as breakfast options and Wi-Fi reliability, it remains a favored spot for both returning guests and first-time visitors.
Categories
Honeymoon
An elegant Georgian-style country residence set in mature gardens, offering a tranquil and romantic escape. Its location on the edge of Cambridge provides both convenience and a peaceful atmosphere.
Cheap
Located in Coton, Cambridge, this country house provides a unique, affordable accommodation option with a countryside setting.
3 Star
This hotel is a lovely option with a focus on providing a pleasant and comfortable stay. It offers a unique experience with its country house setting. Guests consistently praise its charm and quality.
Parking
Room Types
Double RoomThis room is located in the house and boasts a view of the gardens or the fields. The bright room boasts either a king-size, super king-size or twin beds. It also offers an en-suite bath or shower room.
Deluxe RoomThis room is located in the house and boasts garden views. This room is large, light and spacious with a king-size bed, a sofa and a desk. It includes an en-suite bath and shower room.
Club Double RoomThese rooms are located in the adjacent chalet and some rooms benefit from meadow views. They contain a super king-sized, king or twin beds. The rooms also feature an en-suite bathroom and a work desk.
Business Single RoomThese rooms are located in the house and boast garden views. They contain a small double bed. Additional facilities include an en-suite bathroom, work desk, tea/coffee making facilities, TV and DVD player.
These rooms are located in the attic and have a sloping ceiling which may restrict movement for tall people.
Superior Double RoomThese spacious rooms are mostly on ground floor, some rooms benefit from meadow views. They contain a sofa and a super king-size, king or twin beds. The rooms also feature an en-suite bathroom and a work desk.
Superior Queen RoomA seating area with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom are offered in this double room. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with Private BathroomThe double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard SuiteThe suite features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. The suite provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Superior SuiteThis suite features 2 bedrooms, a seating area and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. The suite features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a sofa, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
ApartmentThis apartment consists of a kitchenette, a seating area, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-fitted kitchenette features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The apartment provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a sofa, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
Rectory Farm impresses guests with its idyllic location on the outskirts of Cambridge, providing the perfect blend of rural tranquility and city accessibility. Just off the M11, the property offers easy access to both the city center and major road links, making it convenient for both leisure and business travelers. The proximity to the park and ride and the bus terminal further enhances the ease of commuting into Cambridge.
The property itself is nestled in beautiful surroundings with many guests praising the picturesque grounds, well-maintained gardens and peaceful countryside setting. The quiet ambiance ensures a good night's sleep despite its close proximity to major motorways.
Reviewers frequently highlight the value for money, noting that it's an affordable option for visiting Cambridge without compromising on comfort and convenience. The combination of modern amenities, comfortable rooms and efficient self-check-in processes adds to the positive guest experience.
In summary, Rectory Farm stands out as a top choice for visitors seeking a serene retreat with quick and convenient access to Cambridge. Its perfect location, beautiful setting and excellent facilities make it a favored spot for both recurring guests and first-time visitors.
Breakfast
The feedback about breakfast at Rectory Farm reveals a recurring theme: the absence of on-site breakfast options. Many guests expressed disappointment at the lack of breakfast availability, often highlighting the inconvenience of needing to travel to nearby locations for morning meals. Despite the beautiful and rural setting of the farm and the availability of recommendations for nearby dining options, there was a clear desire for some kind of breakfast service directly at the hotel. Suggestions included a simple self-service breakfast area, continental offerings or even a minimal selection of snacks and drinks.
The nearby recommended spots for breakfast received mixed reviews. Some guests appreciated the breakfast at the local garden center and Madingley Hall, finding them to be satisfactory, while others experienced inconveniences such as late opening times, particularly on weekends.
Overall, while the rural charm and the peaceful setting of Rectory Farm were appreciated, it is evident that providing some form of breakfast option on-site would significantly enhance the guest experience. Integrating even basic breakfast facilities could make stays more convenient and enjoyable, moving the experience closer to the expectations set by the picturesque environment and the price point of the accommodation.
Dinner
Although Rectory Farm does not have an on-site restaurant or bar, guests can find a variety of dining options nearby. The helpful staff provide excellent recommendations for local eateries, which include exceptional pubs such as The Three Horseshoes in Madingley and The Plough. These pubs offer excellent dining experiences and guests often receive discounts at these places. Walking to these venues might require a torch through fields and woods or a short drive.
The proximity to vibrant city center eateries ensures a wide selection of food and drink options within driving distance. Some guests have noted that, while dining within the premises is not an option, bringing food or preplanning meals can be a convenient alternative. Overall, the local dining experiences, aided by the staff’s knowledgeable suggestions, significantly enhance the stay at Rectory Farm.
Rooms
Situated in a picturesque countryside setting, Rectory Farm offers guests cozy and clean rooms that showcase a range of amenities and comforts. The rooms, while varying in size, are consistently noted for their cleanliness and comfort. Some rooms are described as small but well-appointed with comfortable beds and practical amenities like tea and coffee facilities. Others are spacious, featuring lovely views, big sash windows and modern bathrooms, complete with both bath and shower options.
The interiors blend classic and stylish touches, often described as cozy and welcoming. While some reviews highlight minor issues such as low ceilings, lack of ventilation in bathrooms or rooms feeling a bit warm, guests generally find the accommodations comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
The overall ambience of Rectory Farm is complemented by its beautiful and tranquil surroundings, making it a quiet escape, yet conveniently close to the city. Guests appreciate the easy accessibility, ample parking and the peaceful environment which adds to the restful experience.
Despite occasional feedback about the need for more modern updates in some rooms or additional amenities like shampoo, the majority of guests find the property charming and the rooms well-maintained. With spacious gardens, a cozy atmosphere and an emphasis on hospitality, Rectory Farm continues to provide a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Beds
The guest reviews of Rectory Farm reveal a generally positive consensus regarding the comfort and quality of the beds. Many reviewers highlighted the beds as being large, clean and notably comfortable. Phrases such as "very comfortable beds," "super comfy bed," and "the most comfortable I've ever slept in" frequently appear, demonstrating a high level of satisfaction among guests. The availability of various pillow options, both firm and soft, was also appreciated, enhancing the overall quality of sleep.
While the majority of feedback was positive, a few reviews indicated discomfort, citing issues with mattresses being either too soft, too hard or worn out. Specific problems included noisy bed springs and inadequate bed construction, such as two singles pushed together without a proper topper. Despite these occasional critiques, most guests found the beds at Rectory Farm to be a strong point of their stay, often leading to restful sleep and overall comfort.
Overall, Rectory Farm seems to maintain a high standard for bed comfort, contributing to positive guest experiences. However, addressing the few negative points raised could further enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
Rectory Farm stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, attracting guests who appreciate well-maintained and comfortable surroundings. Many describe the hotel and its grounds as spotlessly clean, tidy and homely, often highlighting the newly renovated, stylishly decorated rooms. Visitors consistently mention the clean and comfortable atmosphere with rooms that are well-appointed and practical.
The hotel's thorough housekeeping ensures that spaces are clean and refreshed daily, adding to the overall pleasant stay. Clean linens, fresh towels and well-kept facilities contribute to the positive impression of cleanliness and comfort guests experience.
Despite occasional minor issues such as outdated decor or spotting of spiders, the feedback remains overwhelmingly positive. Guests often note that the property and its surroundings are beautifully maintained with immaculate gardens and a welcoming atmosphere. The attention to hygiene protocols is also commended, making Rectory Farm a reliable choice for a clean and restful stay.
Staff
Rectory Farm receives a spectrum of feedback regarding its staff with a leaning towards positive remarks. The prevailing sentiment highlights the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff with multiple reviews mentioning their welcoming and accommodating nature. Guests often describe the staff as polite, informative and calm and praise the clarity and efficiency of communication, both in person and via phone.
However, the hotel’s operational model of remote check-ins and minimal staff presence on-site is a double-edged sword. While this approach leads to an easy and efficient check-in process appreciated by some, it also results in a lack of face-to-face interaction that leaves others feeling unsupported, especially when issues arise. Guests frequently noted the absence of reception staff and the impersonal nature of their stay due to limited human contact. Several reviews mention a complete lack of visible staff during their stay, which sometimes created difficulties like obtaining extra amenities or addressing immediate concerns.
There are isolated reports of negative encounters with some guests finding staff members to be rude or unaccommodating. A few reviews point out that the impersonal check-in process and the absence of reception staff added a layer of frustration. In contrast, however, when staff members were encountered, they were generally found to be cheerful and helpful, often receiving high praise for their customer service.
In summary, while Rectory Farm’s staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful and the remote check-in process efficient, the absence of constant on-site staff can sometimes detract from the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi
Rectory Farm offers free Wi-Fi as part of its amenities and while some guests report positive experiences with good instructions and an easy setup, the overall reliability and quality of the connection leave much to be desired. Some reviews highlight instances of superfast broadband and commend the Wi-Fi as being very good, instant and reliable, especially in certain areas like the cafe. However, many guests have encountered significant issues, including weak or non-existent signals, slow speeds, unstable connections and complete inability to connect at times. It appears that the Wi-Fi performance varies greatly depending on the location within the hotel with some areas experiencing better connectivity than others. Despite several mentions of good Wi-Fi, the overarching sentiment suggests that consistent and reliable internet access remains a challenge at Rectory Farm.
Parking
Rectory Farm offers a consistently positive experience when it comes to parking. Visitors have highlighted the abundance of free on-site parking, describing it as ample, spacious and secure. The gated access and large parking areas add to the convenience, making it easy for guests to park right at the front door or close to the buildings. The car park's proximity to the main facilities and its ease of use are frequently praised with many noting that the parking process is straightforward and hassle-free.
Despite a few mentions of high costs in alternative parking locations and challenges finding spots during peak times, these instances appear to be rare. Overall, guests appreciate the ease and availability of parking, which greatly contributes to a stress-free stay. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the Park & Ride and M11 makes it an ideal choice for those seeking accessible parking options while exploring Cambridge.
The grounds themselves, featuring beautiful gardens, enhance the overall parking experience, making Rectory Farm a reliable and convenient choice for guests with vehicles.
3 Star
Rectory Farm provides a comfortable and charming experience that is well-suited for its three-star rating. The location is praised as perfect with a lovely setting, making it ideal for those looking to explore the surrounding area or visit the farm shop. Guests frequently mention the well-kept gardens, which add to the overall appeal of the estate.
Visitors consistently highlight the excellent value for money, describing the accommodation as simple, clean and efficient. The rooms, while basic, are adequate and comfortable, suitable for one-night stays or short visits. The property is noted for its no-frills ambiance, which includes a basic set-up in the rooms and minimal staff interaction.
The convenience of the location is enhanced by its proximity to the park and ride, making it an accessible and affordable option for travelers. While there are no added luxuries or amenities, like a fridge in the room or biscuits on the tea/coffee tray, the overall stay serves its purpose well.
There are some minor issues, such as the swimming pool being closed and a few maintenance concerns, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. The absence of onsite staff and the impersonal nature of the stay are noted but seem to align with the self-contained model of the accommodation.
Overall, Rectory Farm exceeds expectations for those seeking modest and heartfelt lodging with a touch of character without breaking the bank. It’s a definition of no-frills done right, offering value for money in a picturesque setting.
FAQ
No, Rectory Farm doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Rectory Farm.
No, Rectory Farm doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Rectory Farm.
