The Clements Hotel has just opened in the center of Cambridge.
Once the town’s original 1866 beaux-arts Masonic hotel, the elegant Clements has emerged from decades of disrepair and many months of renovation.
The multi-million-dollar transformation of the town’s iconic building aims to create new standard of accommodation the owners say was inspired by upscale London art deco hotel Claridge’s.
The lovingly detailed glow-up has seen many of the original features of the building revived, blended with modern interior details that don’t feel too far off that aim. Given the dearth of premium accommodation options in the region, a busy farming and tourism hub, The Clements arrival is a welcome one.
Named after original owner Archibald Clements who built the town’s first commercial building those 158 years ago, the hotel was once a busy heart of the town, hosting thousands of guests and plenty of significant celebrations along the way.
Now, fitting grandeur returned, the boutique hotel offers 29 beautifully-appointed modern rooms and suites. Each is finished with plush furniture, crisp linens and textural details expected from a five-stay stay.
Guests can book the luxurious Clements Suite, rooms in the new attic level commanding leafy views, or restored Edwardian rooms with soaring ceilings. Original architectural features such as stained-glass windows, red brick walls, and the sweeping wooden staircase have been carefully restored.
For a little more privacy, a further three suites with a charming, luxury cottage aesthetic have been created in the former century-old horse stables in the gardens. One has a fireplace and private courtyard, while another has a free-standing bathtub, walk-in shower, and a spacious 30sqm terrace for alfresco dining.
Like the best hotels, you don’t have to go far to dine. Gallery Restaurant overlooking the property’s terrace and gardens is open early morning until evening with a focus on showing off produce the region is known for.
A glamourous bar is also a must for a location with throwback influences, so we can imagine ourselves lingering at the Clements Café & Wine Bar , enjoying the hotel’s own bespoke gin.
Made by The Cambridge Distillery Co. located at the rear of the hotel, the gin is based on a rediscovered 1860s Irish recipe, a fitting tribute to Irish-born Archibald Clements.
