The Fellows House Hotel Cambridge – Curio Collection by Hilton
Review: Dex Jones
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THE HOTEL
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The Fellows House Hotel opened on 1st July 2021 and boasts a selection of studios, apartments, duplex, and adjoining rooms where each of the rooms are named after celebrated University Fellows.
Facilities include the stylish open-plan Folio restaurant, comfortable Folio bar lounge, fully equipped conference room, and cafe bar (Sage of Cambridge), which is open to the public and doubles up as a wine bar on an evening. For nearby outdoor space, head to the Observatory, which screens films and offers various events, along with Fellow Garden which is ideal for the warmer weather.
Located on the site of an old junior school, designers of this very traditional yet ultra-modern apartment-style hotel, have created a gem. It’s less than a ten-minute walk through the park and alongside the river Cam, through Jesus Green, to the city centre’s pulsating heart. Famous people from around the world have graced this world-renowned campus completing their education and becoming a Socius of the Fellowship. The Hotel’s name ”Fellows House” is an obvious connection to the university of Cambridge and you don’t have to be a scholar to see the in-house connections, with marvellous works of art from local artists adorning the walls, and rooms named after previous Scholars of the University.
The hotel Health Complex houses an indoor pool and fitness suite, is an ideal place to wind down to after a busy day. The sleek swimming pool is surrounded by relaxing loungers, sauna and solarium and all facilities are exclusively for hotel guest use only.
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ROOMS
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Our apartment was very impressive; decked out in muted tones with a well-equipped kitchen which includes everything you need for a longer stay, including a cook book should you need some inspiration, a small dining table, and coffee machine.
The lounge had a comfortable sofa, coffee table and large TV boasting numerous channels. The bedroom was very comfortable and welcoming with TV, bedside LED down lights and a couple of books to read – obviously a nod to the university and carrying on the theme of the hotel. The bathroom consisted of a large shower, modern square sink, and a huge round mirror with a lovely herring-bone tile finish. Fluffy white dressing gowns and toiletries are also provided.
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DRINKS & DINING
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After an afternoon sight-seeing, shopping, and a very enjoyable historical punt on the river (a must while in Cambridge!), we headed back to the hotel to get changed for to dine at the Folio Kitchen.
We had spotted a cocktail menu earlier in the Folio Bar and decided it was about time we sampled the very tempting choice prior to dining, and our bar person was quite the expert, I had a History of Time Stephen Hawking Cocktail; a whiskey Champagne blend topped with a whiskey and Champagne foam. It had quite a kick, I must admit.
Following our delicious cocktails, we headed off to the Folio Kitchen (the name Folio refers to a book or manuscript consisting of large sheets of paper folded in the middle to make two leaves or four pages as in the first folio of Shakespeare’s plays) which prides itself with home cooked British classics, vegetarian and vegan dishes, all made with produce from local suppliers.
I started with succulent scallops & celeriac with a hazelnut dust, and my husband opted for the soup of the day served with a crusty roll. For our main course I chose sea bass & quinoa and my husband the rib-eye steak. The food was delicious and we noted there was quite a large choice of vegetarian dishes, which is a keen focus for the hotel.
We enjoyed the modern feel of hotel which also captured the history of Cambridge and the university. The proximity to Cambridge centre is fantastic. The hotel caters for longer stay and families by providing self-catering kitchens in the accommodation. Bespoke family experiences are available for children under 12, including breakfast, meals and activities. But the real highlight of the Fellows House Hotel is the excellent customer service and friendliness of the staff, who really made our stay extra special.
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HOTEL INFO
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Rooms at The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, start from £170 per night for 2 people staying in a Kipling King room on a B&B basis. The property is located at 33 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1UZ. For more information, please visit www.thefellowshousecambridge.curiocollection.com or call +44 (0) 1223 94 94 99.