• Home
  • Travel UK
  • Travel Europe
    • Belgium
    • Croatia
    • Czech Republic
    • First Visit
      • Bulgaria
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Romania
      • Slovenia
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Italy
      • Sicily
    • Ireland
    • Portugal
    • Spain
    • UK
  • Travel General
    • Caribbean
    • Ecuador
    • Egypt
    • India
    • Mexico
    • Oman
    • Sri Lanka
    • USA
  • Recipes
    • Soups
    • Lunch
    • starter
    • Mains
    • side dish
    • Desserts
    • Cocktails and Drinks
    • Cakes and Sweets
    • 5:2 Diet Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Fish and Shellfish
    • Poultry
    • Meat
    • Balcony Gardening
  • Restaurants
    • Chelsea
    • Kings Cross
    • Knightsbridge
    • Marylebone
    • Mayfair
    • Oxford Circus
    • Soho
    • South London
    • North London
    • Victoria and Pimlico
    • West London
    • Out of London
  • Events
    • London Life
      • Foodie London
      • Visiting London – Five Must Do Sights
      • Visiting London – London Travel Tips
      • Miscellaneous
  • Giveaway
  • April 26, 2018

London Unattached - London Lifestyle Blog

Luxury London Lifestyle Blog for the over 40s with food, travel, diet and restaurant reviews - London Unattached

Hotel Felix – A Happy Cambridge Find

December 29, 2017 by Fiona Maclean 17 Comments

Feasting at Hotel Felix, Cambridge:

While my family had something of a Gypsy-like existence and seldom stayed in one place for more than a few years, sometimes not more than a few months, we did keep a home in Norfolk for most of my childhood, though it was often empty.  Once I left home, Cambridge became the ‘in-between’ place where, if they were in the country, I’d meet up with mum for shopping, evensong at Kings and an early supper.  It’s only an hour from London and took around the same time for mum to travel from her nearest train station, King’s Lynn.  I haven’t been there for a few years though and so I was delighted to have an excuse to go back to visit Hotel Felix.

The Felix Hotel

In winter, the first thing you notice is just how cold it is.  The flat fens which surround the City are chilled by winds from across the North Sea.  And, even when the sun is shining you’ll need a warm coat.  If you catch the train, like me, The Felix is a short taxi ride through town to a part of Cambridge near Girton College.  The hotl has the advantage of a large car park too, so those who prefer to drive rather than get the train to Cambridge will find this a useful place to stay – parking in the City can be impossible, so finding a hotel with parking is something special. A few minutes from Girton College, it’s on the outskirts, though still an easy walk into the centre should you prefer to leave your car behind.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Room

Finding one well appointed, comfortable and with an excellent restaurant is even more special.  It’s hard to be disappointed with The Felix.  The rooms are spacious, with the kind of bed you don’t want to leave, well-sized desks, plenty of natural light and well-appointed bathrooms equipped with cosy bathrobes and plenty of fluffy towels.

The Backs - Cambridge 2

The location means that it’s perfect if you happen to have reason to be in Cambridge for business at the new business park, but also a great base to explore the city and surrounding area if you have a car.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Bathroom

Dining at the Graffiti was an unexpected treat.  We dined from the a la carte menu, but there’s a good set menu too at lunchtime, with three courses for £20.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Graffiti - Crab

I started with Portland crab, served with scorched pomelo, sea herbs and a light, fresh homemade salad cream.  Beautifully plated, it was a delicious, lightly citrusy dish that made the perfect starter. My companion picked the comforting Risotto con  Cavolo – a creamy rich winter bowlful which she assured me was perfectly cooked with al-dente rice. We enjoyed a glass of pinot grigio with our starters, but for our main courses moved on.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Fish 2

Perfectly cooked stone bass char-grilled over rosemary and bay with slow-cooked Florence fennel was paired with a minerally Albarino.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Fish 3

While, my pan-fried turbot with baked cauliflower, mussels, black salsify, parsley and garlic came with a creamy Chablis.  On paper, I was slightly concerned that the dish might have been just a little complicated, but, everything worked in perfect harmony.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Grafitti Fig Pannacotta

For dessert, fig leaf and honey pannacotta with the perfect wobble, paired with fresh figs and honeycomb adding fresh and earthy notes of figs and a sweet honeyed crunch.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Dessert

Pear and almond tart with stem ginger ice-cream a delicious, seasonal and comforting winter dessert.

Main courses are priced between £14 and £20 while desserts and starters are around £7-£9.

I slept perfectly – the slightly out-of-town location makes for a tranquillity and peacefulness that is more often found in the middle of the country.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast the next morning offered the choice of a comprehensive buffet and a cooked breakfast.  I opted for the latter, though without an egg.  Good quality ingredients nicely cooked made for an excellent start to the day.  Then, I went to explore a little.

Felix Hotel Cambridge - Breakfast - Full English

In addition to the standard bedrooms, the hotel has a luxurious Penthouse Suite and three King Rooms in the original Victorian mansion.  The house apparently built for a local Surgeon who was also a keen arborist.  Now, as a hotel it has been extended and most of the accommodation is in a modern wing.  The current owners are keen collectors of contemporary art and you’ll find their collection displayed around the building.

The Felix Hotel Suite

It’s a dog-friendly hotel too, so you can take Fido along for a holiday, though he won’t be allowed to dine in Grafitti, which is out of bounds to canine companions.

The Felix - Graffiti Hotel

I took advantage of the crisp morning to visit The Backs for a short stroll.  Cambridge is one of those English cities that just doesn’t seem that far from the countryside – and that’s particularly evident along the backs of the colleges, where the river is distanced by large grassy stretches that were once used for grazing animals or for vegetable gardens to serve the colleges.

The Backs - Cambridge 2

If I’d had more time, I’d have walked into town from the Felix.  It’s around half an hour to the City – and 40 minutes to The Backs.  If you are more adventurous, of course, the way to get around town is to cycle, which would make it even easier.

The Backs - Cambridge

And, while Hotel Felix isn’t in the heart of the City, it’s close enough to make it an excellent option for anyone visiting the city, particularly if you intend driving and need somewhere to park.  As my companion pointed out, Graffiti makes it worth staying in the hotel to eat for the evening too.

I enjoyed my short stay at Hotel Felix and can definitely recommend it for a Cambridge visit, be that for work or leisure.

Thinking of visiting yourself?  Why not pin this post for later

Hotel Felix Cambridge_ Short Break Hotel Felix_ Short Break Cambridge _ Boutique Hotel Cambridge _ Weekend in Cambridge _ Hotel Felix Boutique Hotel

 

Hotel Felix is a member of Signpost Hotels.

Signpost has been recommending the UK’s top privately owned hotels since 1935. All Signpost members are visited every year, to make sure top standards are maintained. Most are near areas of outstanding beauty with plenty to do or see in the area; many are hidden gems, all have award-winning cuisine.  For more details and to receive news about great hotel offers visit www.signpost.co.uk

 

Hotel Felix

Whitehouse Lane,
Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge, CB3 0LX

 

Disclosure:  I stayed as a guest of Hotel Felix.  All content is editorially given.

 

 

4.5 / 5 stars     

Related Post

Top Things to do in Lincoln
Tre-Ysgawen Hall Country House Hotel and Spa
Matt Campbell at Cloud M, London (RIP 22 April 201...
Spa Break at Sopwell House

Filed Under: Travel, UK Tagged With: Boutique Hotel, Cambridge, Fine Dining, Signpost Hotels

About Fiona Maclean

London based freelance writer and marketing consultant. I edit London-Unattached.com and write for a number of other publications

Comments

  1. Hazel Rea says

    December 29, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    Cambridge is a wonderful place – we visited it often when my son was at the University. It has a lovely atmosphere. The Felix sounds terrific.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      December 30, 2017 at 9:54 am

      It’s a great place to use as a base – and Graffiti means you can ‘stay at home’ and eat in the hotel if you don’t fancy going out:)

      Reply
  2. Michael Randall says

    December 30, 2017 at 9:36 am

    While I’m a proud South Australian, I lived in St Albans for a while, and visited Cambridge, which is an astonishing place. It’s beauty is remarkable.

    But 200 quid for a main course? This is difficult to conceive.

    Thanks for the post!

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      December 30, 2017 at 9:51 am

      lmao – that IS a typo! should have been £20!!! off to correct!

      Reply
  3. Maja says

    December 30, 2017 at 9:37 am

    Looks like a wonderful place to spend a weekend. The food loks lovely and the food cosy.

    Reply
  4. Rachael stray says

    December 30, 2017 at 9:42 am

    This hotel sounds wonderful. I love a big bed and fluffy towels. I’ve never actually stayed in Cambridge. I’ve passed through on the train many times though so it’s on my to visit list for sure. Great review.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      December 30, 2017 at 9:51 am

      Thanks Rachael – this one is worth noting as you can actually park here – a rarity in Cambridge apparently!

      Reply
  5. Oriana says

    December 30, 2017 at 9:53 am

    I remember visiting Cambridge when I was a teen, I loved it ! I’ll keep this hotel in mind if I go there again 😊🌟

    Reply
  6. Heidi Love says

    December 30, 2017 at 9:55 am

    You’ve left me quite hungry and ready for a trip to England! Just a short hop from France. Bonne Année.

    Reply
  7. Simon Farnell says

    December 30, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I’ve not hear if this place and I live near Cambridge and work there, thanks for highlighting the Felix is worth noting ☺️

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      December 30, 2017 at 10:27 am

      My dinner companion also works in Cambridge – and although she’d heard of Hotel Felix, she’d never eaten there. It’s a good base for anyone on business or leisure not least because there’s a substantial car park – and Graffiti is definitely worth a visit too.

      Reply
  8. Phil Taylor says

    December 30, 2017 at 11:27 am

    What a beautiful place. If I ever find myself in Cambridge I will definitely stay there. The food looked incredible! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  9. Emma says

    December 30, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    I have just got back from Cambridge, I went with my boyfriend for a couple of days. We live near Norwich, so it’s a nice near by escape for us 🙂. I love it there very much! The hotel looks good 🙂

    Reply
  10. Lisa Orchard says

    December 30, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    This looks like a great place to stay! Thanks for the info!

    Reply
  11. Suz says

    December 30, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    I loved it until I saw the pricing! Oh well, Fiona, it would be an excellent place for a treat and a weekend away when celebrating a significant that was approaching 🙂 Your photos are very tempting to stay there!

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      December 30, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      three courses for £20 is a good lunch price I think? The room rates vary depending on the season!

      Reply
  12. Phaytea's Pulse says

    December 31, 2017 at 5:53 am

    Definitely love the grassy stretch…perfect for a walk….the ambience and food looks appealing too..Happy 2018!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Find Me

blogl

About London-Unattached

  • About Fiona Maclean
    • Writing for Other Publications
  • Enquiries/PR
  • Links to Other Sites
  • London Unattached Contributors
  • London Unattached Privacy Policy
  • Travel Bloggers Influencer Network

London Unattached Tumblr

  • April 12th  - National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

    The USA celebrates National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th.   Well, why not?   Regarded as one of the top comfort foods in America, the version we eat today originated in the 1920s when sliced bread and American cheese became easily available.  

    image

    Of course, those of you from the USA and those of you wishing to join the celebrations can do so in London!  Head for the glamorous art-deco inspired Colony Grill at the Beaumont Hotel and you’ll find the menu offers a Grilled Cheese sandwich with Dill Pickle, perfect for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.  While you are there, enjoy a cocktail or three - and perhaps a couple of other American classics - we love the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and perhaps Bananas Foster flambeed in dark rum for dessert. 

    Enjoy!

    Colony Grill
    The Beaumont  Brown Hart Gardens
    Mayfair  London  W1K 6TF 
     

Recently Published

  • Imperial Arms Chelsea
  • Rodrigues Essentials – Food, Accommodation and What to Pack:
  • One Aldwych Film and Fizz puts the glamour back into cinema
  • These shoes were made for walking – Teva Arrowood Lux
  • Italian Style from Alessandro Colli and La Belle Assiette
Find My 5:2 Diet Recipes quickly and easily

Search London Unattached



copyright © london-unattached.com

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy