TRIED & TESTED HOTEL
Novotel Cambridge North B A C K G R O U N D The hotel is situated in the Cambridge suburb of Chesterton, within the Cambridge North development, described as “a sustainable urban gateway”. The Novotel Cambridge North opened in May. Opposite the hotel, One Cambridge Square will eventually offer 8,784 sqm of office space. W H E R E I S I T ? Next to Cambridge North rail station, which has direct links to Cambridge, London Stansted airport, London King’s Cross, London Liverpool Street and Norwich. There is parking adjacent to the property, but this is operated by NCP and Greater Anglia, and there are currently no discounts for guests staying at the hotel. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? The six-storey Novotel Cambridge North is easy to spot. There was no queue at the understated reception desk when I checked in at around 1600 on a Friday afternoon. To the left of reception is a games “snug” area with lounge chairs and various board games; to the right is an open space lounge/bar, past which is the dining and breakfast area. The public spaces are stylish and upscale. R O O M S There are a total of 217 rooms across Superior (starting from 25 sqm) and Executive categories, with six Executive suites taking up the corner of each floor. The décor is mainly white with dark woods and burgundy cushions. The walls feature abstract art. Facilities include 55-inch TVs with Chromecast capabilities, as well as
fridges (empty for guest use), ironing board, hair dryer, safe, and tea and coffee facilities. Wifi is free, and no code is required to log on. My son was able to stream content via his Kindle without issue. All rooms have walk-in rain showers rather than bathtubs, and executive rooms enjoy upgraded amenities, including bathrobe and slippers, and a Nespresso machine. Despite being directly next to a rail station, I could not hear the trains. There was also ongoing work at the One Cambridge Square development opposite, but again I was not disturbed by this.
The indoor pool would not feel out of place in a five-star hotel F O O D A N D D R I N K The main restaurant
area is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had breakfast on a Saturday morning and were impressed with the buffet selection, which ranged from breads and pastries to cereals (including glutenfree options), cold meats and cheeses, and the standard hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, hash browns, etc. Lunch and dinner options include sharing bites, grill options (rack of lamb, $31, and ribeye steak, $38), burgers, pizzas, salads and “classic dishes”, such as fish and chips, and Thai green chicken curry (both $25). The open layout on the ground floor is light and bright, and guests are not restricted to a particular area to drink or dine. Menus are available via a QR code displayed at every table. There are several seating options from communal bench-style seats to more private seating.
M E E T I N G S There are seven
L E I S U R E The wellness area on the ground floor includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, plus an indoor pool that would not feel out of place in a five-star hotel. A spa bath feeds directly into the main pool and there are two monsoon showers and a small sauna. The health centre is operating under the Club 100 brand, which as the name suggests is offering a maximum of 100 private memberships.
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V E R D I C T A great addition to Novotel’s UK portfolio – the leisure facilities in particular are of a high standard. The rail station next to the hotel is a big bonus. Mark Caswell BEST FOR Being away from busy Cambridge city centre
DON’T MISS The superb Club 100 health centre
PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February 2022 started from $173 for a Superior room
CONTACT 2 Cambridge Square, Cambridge CB4 0AE; +44 (0) 1223 867 170; all.accor.com
MARCH 2022
ABACAPRESS/FILIP GIERLINSKI
meeting rooms, all with natural daylight, ranging from the 20 sqm Crick room (they have all been named after Cambridge University alumni) accommodating up to eight people, to a 155 sqm space for up to 100 guests when the Darwin and Hawking rooms are
combined. The latest technology is provided, including wireless projectors which can share screens from devices.
