Cambridge is known for its academic heritage, charming rivers and, of course, the acclaimed Cambridge University. It’s also fast becoming a trendy and vibrant city for short or long stay visitors who want to explore the scenery.
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection By Hilton is an apartment-style hotel, hidden along a bustling main road. Behind the doors of it modest demeanour lies a luxurious escape, paying homage to the celebrated Cambridge University Fellows. The Fellows House also has an indoor pool, gym, sauna, and steam room. Perhaps the more striking elements of this boutique hotel, is its unique and well-curated, interior design and creative flair.
The design
The Fellows House opened its doors in June 2021. A collaboration with hospitality design practice, twenty2degrees, the design concept pays homage to the celebrated, Cambridge University Fellows, as well as the city’s fascinating history. This is evident from the choice of furnishings, artwork and clever, subtle references dotted around the hotel.
The Fellows House successfully blends modern luxe with traditional, yet still offers a homely ambiance. The narrative begins as soon as guests enter the main lobby, where you see two distinct columns honouring the famous Alan Turing. These are etched with mysterious text formatted like the Enigma code but with a twist. Instead, they’re hiding famous quotes from Cambridge fellows for guests to decipher. Of course, this is if you’re not too busy staring at the walls that are adorned with expressionist portraits of alumni, including Davidson Nicol, Cambridge’s first African fellow, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Other notable wall features include an installation of five classic bicycle frames rotated and repeated to create movement – of course, a nod to Cambridge cycling.
With so much to take in, I found myself missing significant elements, such as the the ‘DNA panel’, a feature wall with double helix DNA 3D pattern. I was told by a member of staff that it’s even embedded with the hotel owner’s DNA profile! What’s more, the faux brick wall to reveal faded college crests underneath the plaster adds character and charm.
The cosy, lounge area is designed to replicate the old university study lounges with its huge fireplace, pool table and book-filled shelves (written by former alumni). The warm lighting, leather, chesterfield sofas and velvet armchairs, invite you to sit and relax in an ambient setting.
The Folio Bar and Kitchen
In contrast to the wood-panelling and warm colours of the lounge, the Folio Bar and Kitchen is much brighter and awash with natural light, thanks to it’s centre skylight. Its floor-to-ceiling columns, Italian-style tiles, splashes of green and leather seating is more contemporary. This also spills out into an internal tree-filled courtyard, the Fellows Garden. It also has an on-site coffee and wine bar called The Sage of Cambridge.
The apartments
The Fellows House offers 131 apartments, comprising studios and duplexes, and all named after notable Cambridge fellows, such as Newton and Kipling. These offer spacious, fully equipped kitchens, and separate bedroom and lounge areas. Pale timber floors and a monochrome colour palette are paired with marble topped tables and dark timber furniture. Once again, the aesthetic is contemporary, with subtle references to Cambridge’s rich history. Bursts of colour are introduced in the framed antique-style Cambridge maps which pay homage to alumni and fellows.
In a nutshell
If you have an appreciation for cultural history, and interior design, The Fellows House certainly merges the two. Not only does it provide a home-from-home feel, but offers a dynamic, guest experience, putting Cambridge on the map.
Factbox
Guest rooms at The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, start from £170 per night for two people staying in a Kipling King room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Address: The Fellows House, 33a Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1UZ
Phone: +44 (0) 1223 949499
Website: thefellowshouse.com
Photography courtesy of The Fellows House
