Anstey Hall Cambridge

When I visit Cambridge, I don't often stay there as there aren't many hotels in the centre; and they tend to be very pricey.

However, last week there was a little gem that happened to be in budget, so I thought I might as well try! 

I am so very glad I did, it was a beautiful old house just on the edge of the city, owned by someone who still lives in the house (the receptionist warned me upon arrival, incase there was a "strange man" walking around).

It is not like anywhere I have stayed before, as I tend to stay in chain hotels as I feel safer with the 24 hour reception keeping an eye on me. However, I was assured that there would be night staff, which made me a little happier.

As I drove up to the house, I was astounded by it's beauty, and couldn't believe my luck being able to experience such a beautiful surrounding. It felt like I was driving into Downton Abbey (one of my favorite TV shows at the moment, so you can only imagine how happy I am to feel like I'm joining the Crawley family for the day).

It was very grand, and as the receptionist took me to my room, I was excited to see what it looked liked. Reception was a flurry of activity - there were flowers everywhere as they were planning for a wedding the next day. It really felt like a big holiday home, there was a lounge with open fire, a games room and a bar, which in a very trusting manner you helped yourself to and wrote down what you had to be charged to your room. 

I was not disappointed, my bedroom was at the top of the stairs, just next to the breakfast room. I had huge old bay windows, with a stunning view of the garden, with a great big feature chandelier in the middle of the room. The bathroom was modern (as you would hope) and the room had all of its original features. The only downside was that it was a little cold, but they had a small electric heater for me to use who h was perfectly adequate. 

In the morning, I headed down to breakfast. Whilst I enjoyed breakfast, those who would like a cooked breakfast will be disappointed, it is serve yourself but everything is pre laid out the night before - everything from fruit to cereal and yoghurt to pastries. I tend to steer clear of the cooked breakfast, so I was happy with this, but it might not suit everyone. The hall that breakfast was in is large and echoey, a little like a school dining hall! But it does still have the Manor House feel to it, unfortunately I ate alone (the only person in there), so it did lack in atmosphere. 

After leaving the hotel, I realised that I had left my earrings in the bedroom. Although I had to phone a few times to check, due to the fact that they were busy with a wedding, I was very impressed that they found my earrings (along with my water bottles!) and posted them back to me - so a special thank you as I was quite upset to loose them!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, it was different to usual and rather adventurous. 

I hope to be visiting there again on my travels to cambridge. 

8/10.

Paigey x