THE WATERMAN, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Rooms & Accommodations
The Waterman offers eight ensuite bedrooms with three room types: Cosy Double with classic double beds, Comfy Double with king-size beds, and Deluxe rooms with super king-size or twin bed options. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, Smart TVs, Roberts digital radios, and tea/coffee facilities. Dog-friendly rooms accommodate up to two dogs with provided dog beds, bowls, and treats for £20 per night.
Dining & Pub
The on-site restaurant serves classic British fare including fish & chips, pie and mash, and Sunday roasts. The pub features a bar/lounge and sun-kissed courtyard with heat lamps for year-round use. Guests can sample wares in the courtyard, Potting Shed area, or at neighboring establishments. Breakfast is included with direct bookings.
Location & Transportation
Situated 2 minutes' walk from River Cam and half a mile from Cambridge's historical city center. Nearby landmarks include Midsummer Common (0.5 km), Magdalene College (1 km), and Cambridge Market Square (1.5 km). Buses to the rail station and city center run every 10 minutes from outside the pub. On-street parking available at Chesterton Hall Crescent, a 5-minute walk away.
Event Spaces
The property offers two private hire spaces: The Potting Shed accommodates 35 seated or 50 standing (alternatively 40 seated or 60 standing) with private bar, projector, and Sky box. Room 30 holds 12 seated or 25 standing (25 for drinks receptions). Both spaces available for corporate events, meetings, and wedding planning services.
Local Experiences
Guests can explore the River Cam on self-hire boats or Scudamore's punting tours. Nearby attractions include Cambridge University Botanic Garden (8,000 plant species), Fitzwilliam Museum (500,000+ artworks), and Cambridge Distillery (gin tastings and masterclasses). Staff provide recommendations for walking tours and local activities.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free 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
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
The hotel is located along the river, close to a beautiful park that provides easy access to the city. Despite having rooms with some drawbacks like bare plaster walls, the provided hot water bottle adds a cozy touch. However, the lack of a bathroom or sink could be inconvenient. The small cafe next door is a nice touch, and the proximity to many tourist attractions is a definite plus.
I had a pleasant stay at this hotel. The room had good lighting throughout but could use improvement above the bed. All the basics were easily accessible. The service was satisfactory, offering room service, attentive housekeeping, a nice welcome drink, and pet amenities. The location was ideal, with many tourist attractions within a short distance, situated above a cozy pub and close to a beautiful park that provides easy access to the city. The dining experience was decent, though not included, with highlights like the amazing gluten-free bread. The facilities were adequate, providing an overall comfortable stay.
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The room had an excellent continental breakfast, and the bed was super comfy, all in a modern Retro style. However, not having a bathroom or even a sink was a downside.
The hotel is conveniently located along the river, above a cozy pub, making it a great spot for exploring the nearby tourist attractions. The rooms could use improvement, especially the smelly toilet, but they have all the basics you need. The service was decent, though some room amenities like room service and pet amenities were lacking. The dining experience was mixed, with pleasant food served in the pub but underwhelming service at No30. Overall, it's a good value for money choice with some room for enhancement.
Amazing location by the river, with cozy rooms and friendly service. However, some rooms had a strong toilet smell, which was unpleasant. The food at No30 was underwhelming, but the gluten-free bread was a hit.
