In our review of The Red Lion Hotel in Cambridge, we found a charming slice of history mixed with modern comforts. This 13th-century gem boasts hand-carved wooden beams by Carmelite monks, giving you a real taste of old England.
The central location is perfect for sightseeing, with easy access to attractions like the Imperial War Museum.
However, it’s not all roses. The lack of elevators means you’ll be climbing stairs to reach your room, which could be a challenge for some travelers.
Also, while the restaurant offers a good range of dietary options, picky eaters might find the traditional British menu a bit limiting.
This hotel is ideal for history buffs and couples looking for a romantic getaway in a quaint setting. It’s also great for independent travelers who want to explore Cambridge on foot.
If you’re okay with a bit of stair-climbing and enjoy enjoying local culture, you’ll feel right at home at The Red Lion.
Good To Know
- The Red Lion Hotel is a historic hotel dating back to the 13th century, located in Cambridge, UK, near popular attractions like the Imperial War Museum.
- The hotel offers single, double, and twin rooms, all equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, but no elevator access or air conditioning.
- The on-site restaurant serves British cuisine with various dietary options, and the hotel has an on-site bar and well-maintained garden for outdoor dining.
- Guests can enjoy complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, and the hotel accommodates special dietary requirements and has meeting/banquet facilities.
- The hotel has an overall guest rating of 7.1 out of 10, with high scores for staff, location, and free Wi-Fi, but lower ratings for cleanliness, comfort, and value for money.
Hotel Overview
The Red Lion Hotel is a historic hotel that dates back to the 13th century, boasting hand-carved wooden beams crafted by Carmelite monks.
Located in Station Road East, Cambridge, CB22 4NL, United Kingdom, the hotel is just 2 miles from Duxford, 6 miles south of historic Cambridge, and 8 miles from Saffron Walden.
Guests can also find the Duxford Imperial War Museum just 1.5 miles away, and Newmarket races are a 20-minute drive.
However, the hotel doesn’t have an elevator, and rooms are only accessible via stairs, so guests with mobility issues should contact the hotel prior to booking.
Rooms and Accessibility
Rooms at The Red Lion Hotel are only accessible via stairs, as the property doesn’t have an elevator. This may pose a challenge for guests with mobility issues. The hotel advises contacting them in advance to discuss any accessibility needs before booking.
Room types include single, double, and twin-bedded accommodations. All rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, but lack air conditioning.
While the historic wooden beams add character, guests should be aware that the lack of an elevator means carrying luggage up the stairs.
Dining and Cuisine
Guests at The Red Lion Hotel can enjoy a range of dining options on-site. The hotel’s restaurant serves British cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dietary options available.
The menu features locally-sourced ingredients and classic dishes with a modern twist. Along With the restaurant, the hotel also has a bar where guests can unwind with a drink.
Guests can enjoy their meals in the cozy, traditional setting of the hotel or take advantage of the picturesque garden during warmer weather.
The key dining amenities at The Red Lion Hotel include:
- On-site restaurant serving British cuisine
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available
- Bar for drinks and casual dining
Amenities and Facilities
Along With the on-site dining options, The Red Lion Hotel offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance guests’ stay. Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi are provided, ensuring convenience and connectivity. The hotel also features a bar and a well-tended garden, offering guests opportunities for relaxation. On top of that, the hotel caters to guests with special dietary requirements, providing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options in the restaurant. Daily housekeeping and meeting/banquet facilities are also available. The hotel welcomes pets with an additional charge. With these amenities, The Red Lion Hotel give you a comfortable and accommodating experience for all its guests.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary Wi-Fi access |
| Bar | On-site bar for beverages |
| Garden | Well-maintained garden area |
| Dietary Options | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free |
Guest Ratings and Reviews
According to the available guest reviews, The Red Lion Hotel has an overall score of 7.1 out of 10, which is rated as "good" based on 280 reviews.
The hotel’s strongest ratings come in the following categories:
- Staff: 8.7
- Location: 8.2
- Free Wi-Fi: 8.2
While the hotel’s cleanliness, comfort, and value for money are also rated positively, these categories fall slightly behind the top-rated aspects.
Notably, couples particularly appreciate the hotel’s location, rating it 8.1 out of 10 for two-person trips.
Booking Policies
Booking procedures at The Red Lion Hotel encompass a range of policies.
Guests can check in from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM and must present a valid photo ID and credit card upon arrival. Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
The hotel’s cancellation and prepayment policies vary, so guests should review these prior to booking.
Children aren’t allowed, and the minimum check-in age is 18. Those requiring early check-in will incur an additional GBP 10 charge.
The hotel accepts cash payments and has staff who speak English and Romanian.
Special Requests and Services
Guests must inform the hotel of their expected arrival time in advance; failure to do so may result in a GBP 10 early check-in charge.
The Red Lion Hotel offers the following special services and requests:
- Early check-in is available for a fee of GBP 10.
- The hotel accepts cash as a payment method in addition to other forms.
- The hotel staff speaks English and Romanian, catering to a diverse clientele.
Plus, the hotel is located near several popular cities, including Luton, Bedford, Chelmsford, Stevenage, and Harlow, providing guests with a range of nearby attractions and amenities.
Nearby Attractions
The Red Lion Hotel’s prime location offers guests easy access to a range of popular cities and attractions throughout the region.
Just 2 miles from Duxford, home to the Imperial War Museum, and 6 miles south of historic Cambridge, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the area.
Saffron Walden, an idyllic town with medieval architecture, is just 8 miles away.
Newmarket races, a renowned horse racing venue, are only a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor pursuits, the Red Lion Hotel’s central location makes it easy to discover the best of what the region has to offer.
Questions About Staying Here
Is There a Conference Room Available for Business Meetings?
The hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities, so they likely have a conference room available for business meetings. Guests should contact the hotel directly to inquire about availability and make any necessary arrangements.
What Types of Events Can Be Hosted at the Hotel?
The hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate a variety of events. They have space for business meetings, conferences, weddings, and other private functions. Events can be arranged through the hotel’s events team.
Does the Hotel Offer Discounted Rates for Large Group Bookings?
The hotel offers discounted rates for large group bookings. Guests can inquire about group rates when making reservations, though the exact discounts may vary depending on the size and duration of the booking.
Can the Hotel Assist With Arranging Local Sightseeing Tours?
The hotel can assist guests with arranging local sightseeing tours. They have partnerships with reputable tour operators and can provide recommendations and help with booking tickets and transportation, making it convenient for guests to explore the surrounding area.
Is There a Designated Smoking Area on the Hotel Premises?
The hotel has a designated outdoor smoking area for guests. Smoking is not permitted inside the hotel or its rooms. Guests should inquire at the front desk for the location of the smoking area.
Worth The Stay
The Red Lion Hotel offers a charming and historic accommodation in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside. With its convenient location near popular attractions, focus on British cuisine, and pet-friendly policies, the hotel provides a welcoming base for exploring the region’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. The hotel’s well-preserved Carmelite monk-crafted features and modern amenities create a unique blend of ancient and contemporary, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay.