Prince Regent
Type: pub | Distance: 160 (3 minutes walk)
A Greene King pub with a local vibe. It has a lovely beer garden backing onto Parker’s Piece, great for a summers evening. It can get busy back there though.
Verified by The Hotel Hero
The Gonville Hotel
The Radical Truth
It’s for the traveler who wants the "old school" Cambridge experience (Bentleys & views of the green) but needs to be warned that they are staying on a literal island surrounded by some of the city's busiest tarmac.
Room Reality
The hotel sits on a busy artery where traffic regularly 'pauses' at busy times. Drivers often don't respect the "keep clear" road markings meant to protect the entrance and exit to this hotel. Crossing the road to get into the parking could be stressful and might see you blocking the road. If you miss the entrance to this hotel, it could be quite a trek to get turned around to come back.
Local Insider Hack
The Goville offers a prestigious Bentley service in what can only be described as a classic. It's first come first served, but what a way to be dropped off at the train station or take a brief tour of the city.
The Vibe
Mid-Century Posh Boutique
The Neighbourhood Reality
Located on a busy junction, the hotel sits on a gateway between the residential south and east and the historic core. It is directly across from the vast green space of Parker’s Piece and faces, from a distance, the grand architecture of the University Arms. It feels more "spacious" here than the cramped streets of the city center, but you are trading medieval quiet for an "Urban Pulse."
While the central train station is only a 0.6-mile straight shot down Hills Road, if it’s raining or you’re carrying heavy bags, that 12 minute walk will feel much longer. Taxis are plentiful at the station and are recommended if you aren't traveling light.
When arriving by car, the last few metres could be the most stressful, especially at busy times. There is a rare (for Cambridge city centre) on-site car park. The entrance is tucked away a short distance from a major junction, Blink and you’ll miss it. If you're turning right into the car park during busy traffic hours, the opposite direction traffic often blocks the entrance. Similar is true for getting out of the hotel car park. Once inside, the spaces are tight. If you miss the entrance, navigating back to the hotel in the traffic could be quite tricky and might take 10 minutes or more. If you of miss the entrance when passing the hotel and it's on the right, turn around at the entrance to the nearby Queen Anne Car Park.
You are perfectly placed for a local Cambridge experience. You’re seconds away from Regent Street, which is packed with the city's best independent restaurants and real pubs, moving away from the tourist-heavy chains of the Market Square.
Local Intel & Verified Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the walk from the Cambridge Central Train Station?
It is a very straightforward 10 to 12 minute walk down Hills Road. Unlike the narrow streets of the historic core, the pavement here is wide and manageable with luggage. Because it's closer to the train station than the Hobson or the University Arms (the closest alternatives),
Is the on-site parking guaranteed?
No. It is a first-come, first-served system. The entrance is tight and the car park can get congested. If it’s full, the Queen Anne Terrace multi-story car park (a 5-minute walk on the same road) is a good alternative. However, this car park charges by hour and by day, it's a good but not perfect alternative but does have EV charging.
Is this a good hotel to stay at for graduation ceremonies?
Within a 10 to 15 minute walk you have the Senate House, past the historic Corpus Christi and King’s College. It’s long enough to feel like a procession, but short enough that grandparents won't struggle.
Is it easy to get into the city centre?
Yes. You are a 10 to 15 minute walk from the museums and colleges. It's a great location to have access to the city centre but with a calmer feeling.
Not Quite Right? Consider These Alternatives
- The Hobson - A good alternative if you want a more modern chic experience located in a historic Victorian building. It’s only about half a mile or so down the road.
- The University Arms - If a really high end stay is your goal, then this might be the place for you, directly in line-of-sight from The Gonville.
Radical Truth Audit
This review was independently verified and last updated: 2026-01-04
All content is human-curated with AI assistance. No sponsored placements.