The quaint county of Cambridgeshire, in the mid-east section of England, is known mostly for the town of Cambridge, where the prestigious university of the same name makes its home. Although the area is steeped in tradition, designer boutique hotels have popped up, attracting a sophisticated, yet modern, crowd looking for a few days of rest and relaxation in the English countryside.
Hotel Felix, located in the heart of Cambridge and described by "The Guardian" newspaper as "Cambridge's first designer hotel," combines elements of contemporary design with classic Victorian style. This is especially apparent in the guest rooms, where traditional, old English simplicity merges with such modern amenities as stainless steel bathrooms, plasma televisions and wireless Internet. Also in the hotel is the Graffiti restaurant, with its wood-covered hall and outdoor terrace/patio, where guests can come for lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea.
Whitehouse Lane, Huntington Rd
Cambridge CB3 0LX
United Kingdom
011-44-1223-27-977
hotelfelix.co.uk
The Hotel Du Vin is located close to the historic area in Cambridge in a building that, according to the hotel, dates back "in part to medieval times," yet has been equipped with all modern conveniences. The rooms range from classic, simple accommodations with hand-sprung mattresses, covered Egyptian linen and private baths to the boutique suites, which provide guests with a private terrace overlooking the courtyard. The bistro serves high-quality French cuisine, such as tuna nicoise and pork confit, while the bar/wine cellar, referred to as a "labyrinth," is where the hotel's English medieval feel is most prominent.
15 Trumpington St.
Cambridge CB2 1QA
United Kingdom
011-44-1223-227-330
hotelduvin.com
Unlike most of the county's boutique hotels, the Bull Hotel is not in Cambridge but in the town of Petersborough, about an hour north. The establishment dates back to the turn of the 20th century. The rooms in the Bull contain four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms and wireless Internet, while downstairs a brasserie caters each meal of the day. The Bull Hotel is an especially popular choice for wedding guests and romantic getaways, with stemmed roses and bottles of champagne always on hand for such occasions.
Bull Hotel
Westgate, Peterborough
Cambridgeshire PE1 1RB
United Kingdom
011-44-1733-561-364
