The Portland Arms, Cambridge

Reading some of the previous reviews we weren't sure what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The thing to remember is that it is a pub with some rooms. Not a four star hotel. But it was clean, staff friendly, located very close to the centre of Cambridge (just a walk through a park away) and it looked like it had been newly renovated as it looked much nicer than the pictures we had seen on hotels.com. We had chosen it due to it being the cheapest option we could find in Cambridge and we were very happy with the choice. Just remember that toilets and shower are shared between the three rooms (staff kept it clean) and if you're there over a weekend the pub will very likely have a gig on. The music wasn't so loud as it bothered us in any way but if you're used to a more quite location this might not be for you. So don't stay here if you're expecting it to be a hotel but if you want decent accommodation at a reasonable price this is for you. We enjoyed our stay and would definetely stay here again.

On arrival asked to pay. I assumed I had paid via Hotel.com. The room was very clean and though simple was comfortable. I was not surprised by the bar noise but after closing it was quiet until the morning traffic started. This was perfectly adequate for our simgle night stopover.

I arrived at 11 AM. The Portland Arms is not a hotel; it is a pub, with 3 guest rooms upstairs. No one was there to check me in. After awhile, someone showed up who said, "I can't check you in, but I can hold your bags until after the room is cleaned". I left my bags, without receiving a receipt, which was risky. I returned late that afternoon. The person wanted to be paid immediately. I paid him in cash. To reach the guest rooms, you have to walk out of the pub, walk around the side of the pub where the garbage cans are, walk through a smoking area, then lug your bags up an outdoors staircase to reach the floor with the guest rooms. Thank goodness it wasn't raining. The person told me that the wifi was not working, and that it would not be working until at least Monday. The web site promised free wifi. I asked for a discount. He said no. I asked if breakfast was included. He said no. He did say that there would be live music that night. I said, "So it will be loud, right?". He said yes. He just didn't seem to care. I thought I was so clever finding a place to stay in Cambridge for only 55 UKP. I hope I am never that clever, ever again. The moral of the story is, pay a few more pounds, and find a MUCH nicer place to stay.

Great stuff at the pub. Cleaners do an awful job as far as dust concerned. Dust is everywhere - lamp fixture, curtains, radiator. The condition of the place is pretty poor, no sound proofing. It feels like a dorm. But given the price and location - it's hard to beat.

Had to stay in Cambridge for a night waiting to be able to check into the apartment that I was staying during a scientific meeting. Thought getting a cheap option would be good since the meeting was pretty expensive. Bad idea!! The rooms are really small, smell mold, and bed is terribly uncomfortable. Especially after a 9 hour flight plus a train ride. I knew the bathroom would have to be shared; however, it was in really bad conditions. You also do not have the option for late check out.