THE WATERMAN

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The Waterman Hotel Cambridge Exterior photo

The Waterman Hotel Cambridge Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

32 Chesterton Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom

Near the River Cam

Very good

7.9

8.8

/10

4.7

4.0

Loved by The Waterman Hotel guests

Spacious rooms
Friendly staff
Easy ventilation
Comfortable bed
Great amenities
Delicious food

"Very clean, small but cozy."

Vera from United Arab Emirates

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"The room was clean, welcoming with well placed facilities (sockets with usb chargers by the bed so you can use your technology while they charge)."

cookester12 from United Kingdom

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"Bar and food facilities great - parking quite expensive but that applies to the whole of Cambridge centre."

Anonymous

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Accommodation

The Waterman offers eight ensuite bedrooms above a lively pub, providing a cozy space to unwind after exploring central Cambridge. Rooms include options like the comfortable double, spacious king-size, and deluxe accommodations with the choice of super king or twin beds. Each room incorporates custom artwork, ensuring a unique touch during every stay.

Dining

On-site dining options include a menu focused on traditional British fare, showcasing quality ingredients in classic dishes like fish & chips and Sunday roasts. The pub hosts seasonal events such as the End of Summer Garden Party featuring craft beers and gourmet burgers. Guests can enjoy casual meals during major sports events, enhancing the social experience.

Pet-Friendly

The hotel welcomes dogs in designated dog-friendly rooms, allowing up to two pets for an additional charge. Each pet-friendly room includes a complimentary doggy hamper with treats and essentials. This pet policy enables guests to enjoy their stay with their furry companions comfortably.

Location

Situated a short walk from the city center, The Waterman provides easy access to Cambridge University Botanic Garden and The Fitzwilliam Museum. The hotel is conveniently located for public transport, with connections to central London and other attractions. Nearby, visitors can enjoy punting on The Cam or exploring the historic colleges.

Events and Activities

Regular events enhance the experience at The Waterman, including celebrations for the Women's Rugby World Cup with large screens for viewing. Guests can unwind in the sun-soaked beer garden or choose to snuggle under heat lamps during chillier months. The hotel also offers spaces for private hire, catering to parties and special occasions.

Highlights

Location: Short walk from city centre

Dining: Traditional British fare with craft beer

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly bedrooms with hamper

Events: Garden Party and sports screenings

“The Waterman strikes a smart balance, merging a lively pub atmosphere with appealing hotel accommodations. Its dog-friendly approach, complete with treats and dedicated fuss, truly stands out. For those seeking character a short walk from Cambridge's center, it makes a very solid choice.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Great

8.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Peace

The on-site parking made arrival stress-free. Spaces were ample, and my car was secure throughout my stay.

John Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bliss

The breakfast had a great selection. Fresh pastries and hot coffee started each day perfectly.

Marie Dubois from France

Review on

Room FeaturesCozy Comforts

The room's layout was perfect. Everything was so clean and quiet. Excellent blackout blinds ensured sound sleep.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

BathroomSpotless Shower

The bathroom was immaculate! Great shower and the towels were big and fluffy, felt so fresh.

Ingrid Svensson from Sweden

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Double Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Classic Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Double Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Twin Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Waterman, the warm atmosphere invites guests to indulge in a blend of traditional British cuisine and thoughtful dietary options. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a cozy dinner, this family-friendly venue offers a delightful culinary experience right in the heart of Cambridge.

The Waterman Hotel Cambridge Restaurant photo

British

Ambiance

A family-friendly traditional pub with a cozy bar/lounge and an inviting courtyard setting, perfect for sunny days.

Key Offerings

Savor vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The varied menu ensures every guest finds something appealing, whether dining indoors or enjoying the fresh air in the courtyard.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from 08:00 to 21:00 daily (closed at 20:00 on Sundays).

The Waterman Hotel Location

32 Chesterton Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom

Map view

32 Chesterton Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom

City landmarks

Museum

Fitzwilliam Museum

1.2 mi

University

Trinity College

1.1 mi

Church

King's College Chapel

5000 ft

Botanical Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

1.4 mi

Market

Cambridge Market Square

4600 ft

Park

Midsummer Common

2300 ft

Landmark

St John's College

3200 ft

Landmark

Castle Mound

3800 ft

Museum

Museum of Cambridge

3600 ft

Park

Parker's Piece

5100 ft

University

University of Cambridge

4600 ft

Museum

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

1.2 mi

University

Magdalene College

3000 ft

University

Trinity Hall Cambridge

3100 ft

Landmark

The River Cam

5100 ft

Landmark

King's College

4600 ft

University

Pembroke College

1.1 mi

Bridge

Mathematical Bridge

1.1 mi

University

Gonville and Caius College

4200 ft

Museum

Cambridge Museum of Technology

1.1 mi

University

Emmanuel College

4500 ft

Gallery

Kettle's Yard

3600 ft

Museum

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

1.2 mi

University

Fitzwilliam College

5000 ft

Church

Great St Mary's Church

4500 ft

Museum

University Museum Of Zoology

5100 ft

University

St Catharine's College

1.0 mi

University

Corpus Christi College

1.0 mi

University

Sidney Sussex College

4200 ft

Nearby

Park

Jesus Green

1700 ft

Restaurants

Hing Hung

300 ft

24A Chesterton Road 24a

Cafe Bread & Butter

700 ft

6 Milton Road

Four Seasons Chinese Takeaway

800 ft

8 Milton Road

Tishka

700 ft

70 Chesterton Road

Africfood

3100 ft

6 Market Hill Grand Arcade

The Locker Cafe

3400 ft

54 King Street

Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)

Explore Cambridge

Trinity College

20 minutes' walk

Trinity College is famous for its historic architecture and beautiful grounds, home to notable alumni like Sir Isaac Newton.

Fitzwilliam Museum

25 minutes' walk

Fitzwilliam Museum boasts an impressive collection of art and antiquities, offering free admission and guided tours.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

25 minutes' walk

This serene garden features diverse plant species and tranquil walking paths, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

King's College Chapel

19 minutes' walk

Renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, King's College Chapel also hosts choral services and has a rich musical tradition.

Punting on The River Cam

10 minutes' walk

Punting offers a unique view of Cambridge's iconic sights from the waterways. Rentals available for a fun group activity.

Visit Jesus Green

7 minutes' walk

Jesus Green features lush parkland and leisure facilities, perfect for picnics or a leisurely walk along the river.

Hing Hung

1 minute' walk

Hing Hung serves authentic Chinese dishes in a cozy environment, perfect for a quick meal or takeout.

Cafe Bread & Butter

3 minutes' walk

A charming café that offers fresh sandwiches and home-baked goods, popular for breakfast and lunch with vegetarian options.

Four Seasons Chinese Takeaway

3 minutes' walk

Four Seasons specializes in classic Chinese takeaway dishes, ideal for enjoying a meal in the comfort of your hotel room.

Africfood

12 minutes' walk

Africfood offers a varied menu of African cuisine, featuring flavorful dishes that cater to adventurous eaters.

Cambridge Corn Exchange

15 minutes' walk

The Corn Exchange hosts live music and performance events across genres, creating a vibrant atmosphere for entertainment.

The Junction

20 minutes' walk

A dynamic venue featuring gigs, club nights, and theater performances, catering to a diverse audience and all ages.

Getting around town

City Centre

Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)26 min · 1.3 mi

Airports

Cambridge (CBG)8 min · 3.1 mi

London Stansted (STN)76 min · 31.4 mi

Train

Cambridge Train Station29 min · 1.5 mi

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP15 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests frequently highlight The Waterman's excellent location, finding it's just a short walk to Cambridge city centre, especially enjoying the stroll through the lovely park by the river to get there. The rooms are often described as spacious and comfortable, equipped with amenities like kettles, tea, and coffee, perfect for a relaxing stay; the bathrooms also get positive mentions. While some guests have noted occasional street noise due to the glazing, the overall experience tends to be very positive, with many finding the hotel great value for money, particularly for its location near Jesus Green.

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Review score

Based on 393 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

81%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Staff

9.1/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Pros

Comfortable bed

Friendly staff

Convenient location

Well-equipped bathroom

Cons

Broken hairdryer

Poor curtains

Nonfunctional shower

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 08, 2026

8.8/10

Wonderful Stay Near the Green

helpful staffclean roomspacious showerdelicious food

The staff kindly allowed me to drop my luggage off early. My room was very clean and cute, which I appreciated. It. The shower was spacious. I had a delicious dinner, mushroom toast, and it was the best I have ever had.

The soundproofing wasn't great. I could hear quite a bit of noise from the road.

Service

9/10

The check-in process was simple. The staff was very helpful and friendly. They helped me with directions and provided useful information about the area near the hotel.

Dining

10/10

The pub offered traditional food, it was convenient. I enjoyed a wonderful meal in the restaurant. The menu had a variety of options. I chose the special and it was superb.

Location

8/10

The hotel is near a park area. It is not far from the city centre. This location allowed for a quick walk into town. The area was also quiet and peaceful.

Rooms

9/10

The beds were comfortable. The bathroom looked modern. The room was clean. It had all the necessary amenities. The setup created a relaxing environment.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel offers parking, this is convenient. The hotel is dog-friendly! This. The open fire in the pub provided warmth and a cozy feel.

0 Helpful

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Oliver from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 22, 2025

6/10

short walkunpleasant smelltiny sink

The location was good, a short walk to the city center. I thought it was acceptable.

The room I had was REALLY small. It seemed like I could barely move around. THE cleanliness wasn't great either, and there was an unpleasant smell upon entry. The tiny sink in the bathroom made washing hands difficult.

0 Helpful

Christian from Germany

Single

deluxe double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 06, 2025

9.2/10

romantic retreat near the city centre

warmth greetingsmooth arrivalstale air

the staff greeted me with such warmth. ashley's call the day before my arrival to ensure everything was smooth. the pub food downstairs was exactly what i anticipated and filled me up after a long day of sightseeing.

the room's air felt rather stale, even with the fan. i noted the carpets could benefit from an update to enhance the freshness of the space.

Location

9/10

the location is a short walk to the city centre, only through a beautiful park. a coop opposite the hotel provides convenience for snacks. the setting combines accessibility with a touch of nature.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel features a pub with a great atmosphere. the wood fire provided a cozy touch, especially fitting for the winter season. i observed the pub was decorated well for the christmas season

Rooms

9/10

the beautiful double room included a kettle with tea. rooms were quiet despite being above the pub, so it was good. i liked that the room was clean and cozy

Dining

10/10

the breakfast was amazing and very tasty. the restaurant has traditional food, and i found the staff very friendly and helpful. food was great

Service

10/10

matt was very kind and helped me with my luggage. every staff member was lovely and cute, i felt very looked after. such attention is rare and very appreciated

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Deluxe Twin Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 01, 2025

7/10

adequate stay overall

friendly staffhelpful staffriverside walkdownstairs pubroad noisesmall sinkunclean floor

The staff was friendly. the location was quite good. It was a nice riverside walk into town. i also found the pub downstairs a bonus.

the noise from the road was present. the bathroom sink was small, somewhat inconvenient. i noticed the floors leading to the room seemed not very clean.

0 Helpful

Joshua from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:August 26, 2025

9/10

clean roomhelpful staff

the room was clean i found the staff helpful there was a co-op right across the street i thought this was very useful. the bed was comfy and the bathroom was lovely to use i liked the colourful toiletries provided

the sink was quite small i found it a little difficult to use

0 Helpful

FAQs

About The Waterman

What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Waterman?

Check-in is available from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.

Which popular attractions are near The Waterman?

Nearby attractions include the River Cam (0.5 km), Fitzwilliam Museum (2 km), and Trinity College (1 km).

What dining options are available at The Waterman?

The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving home-cooked British cuisine, a bar/lounge offering wines and craft beers, and al fresco dining in a secluded outdoor courtyard.

What amenities are included in the rooms at The Waterman?

Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, Smart TVs, Roberts digital radios, and en-suite shower rooms.

What are the transportation options near The Waterman?

Buses to the city centre and railway station can be caught from outside, running every 10 minutes.

What nearby restaurants are accessible from The Waterman?

Nearby restaurants include Royal Spice Indian & Bangladeshi, Hing Hung, Cafe Bread & Butter, Four Seasons Chinese Takeaway, and Thirsty Cambridge, all within 0.5 km.

Is breakfast available at The Waterman?

Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.