You know you’re at a classy joint when there are two beautiful vintage Bentleys parked outside, and the concierge/chauffeur appears in a splendid uniform including a bowler hat. As well as being a luxurious place to stay, The Gonville Hotel offers Cambridge visitors the best of both worlds – it’s just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city, but situated on the edge of the historic green space (where the rules of football were invented!) – Parker’s Piece.

There are 92 rooms in total, of which the feature rooms are the best, all decorated in zingy modern floral designs and luxurious fabrics – agapanthus adorn the walls and furniture of one room, butterflies embellish a stunning headboard in another – it is the epitome of plush and boujee.

There’s a relaxing and chic bar area with piano and sofas, serving creative cocktails and wine, as well as the glass-fronted 2 AA Rosette Terrace Restaurant, plus the Atrium brasserie – a colourful and bright area with natural light coming through the glass roof. There’s plenty of scope for al fresco dining here too, with the Spring Terrace at the front of the hotel and a seasonally-decorated marquee on the lawn of the pretty garden at the back. There is also a delightful summer menu, great cocktails, live music events, outdoor games and plenty of seating during the warmer months. Whether you want a sandwich, full Champagne afternoon tea or fine dining lobster dinner  – you have a wide choice and will feel really spoilt by the helpful staff and delicious treats on offer.

You can further pamper yourself by visiting the delightful Gresham House treatment rooms run by an uber professional team, who are experts at massage, facials (with Espa products), manis and pedis. We love the raised velvet seating for pedicures, and the lovely floral designs that extend to the rest of the treatment rooms, making it a truly tranquil place to be.

The Gonville Hotel is very dog friendly, not just tolerant as many others are, they simply love having four-legged guests, and pooches are welcome in the public areas, bar and Atrium brasserie. It’s this and the Experiences that really set this hotel apart from other boutique beauties – you can feel like royalty as you take a tour of the city in one of the hotel’s Bentleys with knowledgeable head chauffeur Zane or feel like a true Cantabrigian and hire one of Gonville’s traditional Bobbin bikes to see the sights. The hotel staff are more than happy to book a classic Cambridge pastime – a punting tour – through The Traditional Punting Co too.

Overall this is luxurious grown-up hotel, rather than a family-friendly place, making it the perfect getaway for couples or those with older kids. A truly indulgent and relaxing base to explore Cambridge from.