7 best hostels in Cambridge

Cambridge is a university city in England, located along the banks of the River Cam, just 55 miles north of London. Cambridge is home to Cambridge University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city is known for its fascinating architecture, vast greenery and attractions like the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Corn Exchange, The Bridge of Sighs, Corpus Clock, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (conveniently near Cambridge Station) and more.

When planning your trip to Cambridge, England, you should know that it's an expensive city, and could be difficult to find cheap accommodation if you're traveling on a tight budget. But there are some affordable properties across Cambridge that won't break the bank. Cambridge hostels for instance, although scarce, are an excellent cheap option with average prices starting at $46.00.

To help you save time and money, we've compiled a list of the best hostels and hotels in Cambridge for your budget trip. And when you need to store your belongings, remember that Bounce partners with some of the hostels in Cambridge for their luggage storage services. If you book a place that we don't partner with, you can always choose from any of our luggage lockers in Cambridge conveniently located across the city.

YHA Cambridge Hostel

Perfectly located within a short walking distance of the Cambridge railway station, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and the town center is the recently refurbished YHA Cambridge Hostel, the best hostel in Cambridge for solo travelers, students with their parents, groups of friends, and backpackers.

The hostel features several communal areas, including a large self-catering kitchen, spacious dining room, a lounge equipped with Wii and board games, and the New Scholas cafe bar, open from 12 am until 11 pm. Some of the free amenities include linen, wi-fi, and city maps. Keep in mind that towels are not included in the room rate. This hostel in Cambridge also offers daily housekeeping, a tour desk, a luggage room, laundry facilities, on-street parking, and 24-hour reception and security.

You can pick from private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and dorms with shared bathrooms that sleep between 4 to 6 people. Also, as a Bounce partner, this hostel in Cambridge can store your luggage safely while you explore Cambridge.

What makes YHA Cambridge Hostel unique

Whether you're looking to punt down the River Cam, go museum hopping, or explore Cambridge Corn Exchange, the YHA Cambridge Hostel is an excellent base for your Cambridge stay. Its perfect location, high level of hygiene, and modern amenities and facilities make it one of the best overall hostels in Cambridge.

YHA Cambridge Hostel pricing

The average rating per night at the YHA Cambridge Hostel is $46.00 for a 6-bed male/female dorm bed. If you're looking for more privacy, a 4-bed private room will cost you around $164.00 a night. This hostel in Cambridge has the best prices for budget travelers and sells out quickly, so make sure to lock in your best price as soon as you can.

West Court - Jesus College Cambridge

If you're hoping for budget accommodation in Cambridge city center, where breakfast is free and tourist attractions are close, this might be just the place. Set in a historic Cambridge college with expansive grounds, the West Court at Jesus College offers excellent amenities and facilities for a great stay. Facilities for disabled guests are also available.

Here you get to take advantage of free wi fi, a large dining area, and clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms. West Court has been welcoming travelers since 2017, which means the place is still pretty new and well-maintained.

This property doesn't have dorm rooms, which is excellent for those who prefer a bit more privacy. All of the rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a workstation, free toiletries, and refreshments.

What makes West Court- Jesus College Cambridge unique

West Court at Jesus College is one of the best accommodations in Cambridge if you want to get a glimpse of Cambridge college life. You'll also love the green and spacious grounds you get to explore for free. The rooms are spacious, and the place is highly rated for cleanliness. Finally, you get a delicious and free breakfast. This is one of the best properties in Cambridge for its location, great value for money, food, and surroundings.

West Court - Jesus College Cambridge pricing

Pricing at the West Court starts at $129.50 a night for a single room with a shared bathroom and $139.00 for a double room with a shared bathroom. Though a bit more expensive, this place sells out fast, so make sure to secure your spot in advance.

Abbeyfield Guesthouse

Cheap properties in Cambridge are hard to find, and apart from the YHA Cambridge Hostel, this house is one of the cheapest and ideal for business travelers, students, and couples on a weekend retreat. The Abbeyfield Guest House offers basic accommodation, but good enough for an enjoyable stay. Featured amenities include free wi fi, free parking, complimentary tea and coffee facilities, a TV, and classy decoration.

The location of Abbeyfield Guesthouse is superb, within a short walking distance of the train station and The New Cambridge Leisure Centre, where you can find many restaurants, a Cinema complex, and a Bowling alley. You can pick from single, double, and family rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people. All of the rooms have a shared bathroom.

What makes Abbeyfield Guesthouse unique

This place may not be the most modern, but it has all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay, a great location, and great value for your money.

Abbeyfield Guesthouse pricing

The average price per night at the Abbeyfield Guesthouse starts at $87.00 for a basic twin room and $100.00 for a triple room. Family rooms start at $112.00 a night, which also works out cheap if you're a group of friends.

The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations

Located just 2.5 miles from the University of Cambridge, The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations is the perfect accommodation for solo travelers, backpackers, and adult guests who like the central location but don't mind staying in a quiet area for a good night's sleep. Guests at this place have a private entrance, access to a garden, private bathrooms with a walk-in shower, free wi fi, linen, and high-quality towels. You can chill in the shared lounge and make your own meal in the shared self catering kitchen. You can also take advantage of the free private parking and the airport shuttle service for a small fee.

If you get the munchies, you can hop to the minimarket at the guesthouse and choose your favorite treat.

Rooms at this property range from single, double, and family rooms. All of the rooms have been recently refurbished and are equipped with biscuits, free toiletries, and double windows to keep traffic noise down.

What makes The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations unique

This is one of the best accommodations in Cambridge for its location and clean rooms. Also, this property has excellent communal areas and gives out a great hotel vibe.

The Cambridge Suites - Tas Accommodations pricing

Pricing at this property starts at $80.00 for an ensuite junior double room and $85.00 for the same room for two people. Solo travelers can opt for the economy single room with a private shower for $94.00 a night.

Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant

This is a little family-run hotel just a mile and a half from Cambridge’s historic city center and the train station. The nearest airport is Cambridge Airport, within a 5-minute drive. The hotel features an Italian restaurant and free on-site parking. Guests can hang out in a few shared areas, including the outdoor patio and the large dining area, where free breakfast is provided every morning. Room service is also available.

At Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant, you can pick from single and double rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people. All of the rooms feature a TV, free coffee and tea, free toiletries, and a private bathroom. Some rooms even have a spa bath and a steam room, perfect for those who want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

What makes Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant unique

This lovely hotel has everything you can expect from a modest but modern hotel. It's close to many popular sights, and they offer free breakfast. The Italian on-site restaurant allows you to try different specialties at affordable prices.

Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant pricing

A single room at this Cambridge hotel will cost you around $131.00 a night, breakfast included. If you're a couple or two friends, you can share a deluxe double room for about $127.50 per person, per night.

Thorn House B&B

If your idea of staying in Cambridge doesn't involve the city center and you'd rather stay in one of the nearby villages and enjoy the picturesque countryside, this could be the right place for you. Located in the village of Fen Drayton, just 15 minutes’ drive from Cambridge town center and 9 miles from Fitzwilliam Museum, this B&B offers comfortable, spacious and clean rooms in a very quiet location.

The property features two property types: an entire bungalow in the garden of the premises and a standard apartment inside the house. Featured amenities and facilities include free parking, a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge, free tea and coffee, free breakfast, free wi fi and a comfortable work station perfect for those who have to work on the go.

What makes Thorn House B&B unique

This is one of the best properties in the suburbs of Cambridge, which is affordable and high standard. Guests also appreciate the friendly and accommodating host, who will go above and beyond to ensure you have the best time. This is one of the best properties in Cambridge, England, for those who want a little peace from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Thorn House B&B pricing

Prices at the Thorn House B&B start at $100.00 for a cottage with a garden view and the same price for a standard apartment with a double bed. Both accommodations include free breakfast. Though a bit further away from the city center, and Cambridge University, rooms at this property sell out fast, so make sure to book your spot in advance.

Fennec Apartments

Fennec Apartments is one of the best properties in Cambridge with great prices and excellent location. The property has a small but fully-equipped self-catering kitchen, with a washing machine, a dishwasher and a toaster. There's a bus station nearby and Tesco is just around the corner.

Free on-site parking is available, there's a courtyard where you can have your coffee and a shared lounge. The quiet location is perfect for light sleepers. Also, there's a tennis court and a pool table for those who like their sport. Guests have access to a private entrance and free wi fi across the entire property.

What makes Fennec Apartments unique

One thing you'll love about this accommodation is the quiet location and fully equipped apartments. The tennis court and a pool table are an additional bonus.

Fennec Apartments pricing

With prices starting at $90.00 a night for two people, and $134.00 for a maximum of 4 people, this place is one of the cheapest in Cambridge and sells out fast, so you better hurry up and book in advance.

The best Cambridge hostels for a great stay

Cambridge can be expensive and cheap accommodation is hard to find. Of course, prices vary depending on the time of year you're traveling and whether you're seeking a spot to sleep for more than one person. While hostels in Cambridge are scarce, you can always check in to other accommodations with availability and a great price, from budget hotels and university rooms to guesthouses, B&B, and Airbnb.

As you plan your trip to Cambridge, you'll want to know where to go and what to see during your stay. To save you some time and money, you should read our informative guides about free things to do in Cambridge and where to find the best street food in Cambridge.