Madingley Hall
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The 16th century property is set in majestic gardens, 7 acres of land with splendid landscape just four miles from Cambridge. Its location and complimentary breakfasts are an ideal option for students, business travelers and any kind of events.
Summary of reviewsMadingley Hall is a highly acclaimed destination, treasured for its serene and picturesque location nestled amidst tranquil parkland and stunning gardens. The convenient proximity to Cambridge and the M11 highway makes it an excellent base for both leisure and academic pursuits. Visitors frequently praise the historic Elizabethan architecture and immaculately maintained grounds, adding to the hall's charm and making it a memorable experience.
The breakfast experience at Madingley Hall stands out, appreciated for its high quality and variety. Guests enjoy a well-prepared, ample selection of both hot and cold options, highlighting the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dining ambiance, set in a grand historic hall, enhances the experience, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. While some minor issues with food temperature and variety were noted, the accommodating staff aim to provide a satisfactory breakfast experience.
Dinner at Madingley Hall offers delightful options, particularly at the Terrace Bar, which serves delicious meals in a cozy setting. However, the limited menu and occasional service disruptions due to private functions can be downsides. Despite occasional slow service, the staff are generally praised for their welcoming nature, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.
The rooms, described as clean and comfortable, offer a blend of quaint charm and functionality. Many provide beautiful garden views and ensure a peaceful stay. However, there are minor criticisms about the basic decor and some areas needing modernisation. While the beds are often noted as comfortable, issues with firmness and outdated mattresses persist. Nonetheless, the overall tranquility and reasonable pricing make the rooms a practical choice.
Cleanliness at Madingley Hall receives mixed reviews. Many guests find their rooms spotless and well-maintained, though some have encountered issues with dust, cobwebs and outdated bathrooms requiring refurbishment. Despite these concerns, many visitors were satisfied with the overall cleanliness.
The staff at Madingley Hall are frequently highlighted for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Their courteous and professional demeanor significantly enhances the guest experience, despite occasional inconsistencies in service.
WiFi connectivity is an area that needs improvement with guests reporting issues with poor and inconsistent signals, especially in the rooms. Despite this, when functioning, the internet speed is often praised.
Parking at Madingley Hall is stress-free with ample, free and secure spaces available on-site, adding to the convenience for guests traveling by car. Additionally, the availability of electric vehicle charging points, although somewhat difficult to locate, is a valuable amenity for eco-conscious travelers.
Overall, Madingley Hall offers a blend of historical elegance and modern convenience, making it a favored retreat for those seeking serenity and proximity to Cambridge's cultural and academic attractions. While a few areas could benefit from updates, the splendid location, beautiful grounds and welcoming staff create an exceptional and memorable guest experience.
Categories
The breakfast experience at Madingley Hall stands out, appreciated for its high quality and variety. Guests enjoy a well-prepared, ample selection of both hot and cold options, highlighting the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dining ambiance, set in a grand historic hall, enhances the experience, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. While some minor issues with food temperature and variety were noted, the accommodating staff aim to provide a satisfactory breakfast experience.
Dinner at Madingley Hall offers delightful options, particularly at the Terrace Bar, which serves delicious meals in a cozy setting. However, the limited menu and occasional service disruptions due to private functions can be downsides. Despite occasional slow service, the staff are generally praised for their welcoming nature, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.
The rooms, described as clean and comfortable, offer a blend of quaint charm and functionality. Many provide beautiful garden views and ensure a peaceful stay. However, there are minor criticisms about the basic decor and some areas needing modernisation. While the beds are often noted as comfortable, issues with firmness and outdated mattresses persist. Nonetheless, the overall tranquility and reasonable pricing make the rooms a practical choice.
Cleanliness at Madingley Hall receives mixed reviews. Many guests find their rooms spotless and well-maintained, though some have encountered issues with dust, cobwebs and outdated bathrooms requiring refurbishment. Despite these concerns, many visitors were satisfied with the overall cleanliness.
The staff at Madingley Hall are frequently highlighted for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Their courteous and professional demeanor significantly enhances the guest experience, despite occasional inconsistencies in service.
WiFi connectivity is an area that needs improvement with guests reporting issues with poor and inconsistent signals, especially in the rooms. Despite this, when functioning, the internet speed is often praised.
Parking at Madingley Hall is stress-free with ample, free and secure spaces available on-site, adding to the convenience for guests traveling by car. Additionally, the availability of electric vehicle charging points, although somewhat difficult to locate, is a valuable amenity for eco-conscious travelers.
Overall, Madingley Hall offers a blend of historical elegance and modern convenience, making it a favored retreat for those seeking serenity and proximity to Cambridge's cultural and academic attractions. While a few areas could benefit from updates, the splendid location, beautiful grounds and welcoming staff create an exceptional and memorable guest experience.
Historic Hostel
The stylish property was built in the 16th century, between 1543 and 1559. It is famous for Queen Victoria who in the 1860's rented the property for the Prince of Wales.
Hostel with Free Wi-Fi
Free WiFi is available in every room and in some public areas.
Hostel with Parking
Free self ample parking available at the property.
EV charging stations
Hostel with EV Charging Stations
3-Star Hostel
Guest Reviews
Madingley Hall boasts an enviable location, perfect for visitors looking to explore Cambridge and its surroundings. Nestled amidst beautiful, tranquil parkland and stunning gardens, this historic property exudes an air of peaceful elegance. Guests appreciate the convenient access to Madingley Park and Ride, making trips into Cambridge both hassle-free and economical. The hall's position, a short drive from central Cambridge and easily accessible from key highways like the M11, provides an excellent base for both leisure and academic visits.
The grounds are particularly highlighted for their beauty, offering a serene and picturesque environment that feels like a retreat into the countryside. Visitors frequently mentioned the impressive Elizabethan architecture and the immaculately kept gardens, which contribute to a truly idyllic setting. The building's historical significance and its connection to the University of Cambridge add to its unique charm, making it more than just a place to stay, but an experience in itself.
Overall, Madingley Hall is highly praised for its serene and beautiful location, magnificent setting and ease of access to both the city of Cambridge and the surrounding countryside. The combination of historical ambiance, natural beauty and convenient modern amenities makes it a favored destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and proximity to academic and cultural attractions.
Madingley Hall offers a breakfast experience that is generally well-received by its guests, praised for both its quality and variety. Many reviewers highlight the top-tier quality of the food, describing it as delicious, fabulous, excellent and even exceptional. The buffet-style setup provides a generous selection, including both hot and cold options, ranging from a hearty full English breakfast to lighter continental fare. Fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients are also appreciated by guests, adding to the dining experience's charm.
The breakfast setting itself is often noted for its beauty and historical significance with many enjoying their meals in a grand, Harry Potter-esque hall adorned with oak paneling and stately dining arrangements. This impressive ambiance contributes to a memorable dining experience, making breakfast a high point of many stays.
However, a few guests felt that the breakfast choices were somewhat limited or basic. Some experienced issues with the temperature of the food, noting that it could sometimes be lukewarm. There were also occasional comments about items being unavailable or the breakfast service being understaffed. Despite these minor setbacks, the staff is commonly praised for their helpfulness and effort in maintaining a satisfactory breakfast service.
For those with dietary restrictions, the breakfast at Madingley Hall seems accommodating, offering gluten-free and lactose-free options. The breakfast area encourages social interactions with communal tables allowing guests to mingle if they choose.
Overall, breakfast at Madingley Hall is largely considered a delightful and enriching experience, contributing positively to the overall stay.
Madingley Hall offers a dining experience with a mix of delights and limitations. The Terrace Bar often receives praise for serving excellent and delicious meals at reasonable prices with the ambience enhanced by pleasant features like candles on tables. Guests have particularly enjoyed dishes such as the steak and ale pie, vegan burger and a variety of fresh and tasty options. The bar also adds to the convenience of dining on-site, providing a good selection of meals and snacks.
However, the dining options come with some constraints. The menu is described as limited and the choice of evening meals can be restricted, sometimes resulting in disappointment when certain items are unavailable or served only lukewarm. On occasion, private functions can disrupt meal service in the main dining areas, forcing guests to seek alternatives like the nearby pub, The Three Horseshoes, which is known for its great food and is just a short walk away.
The service quality can vary, particularly in the Terrace Bar where some guests have experienced slow service. Despite these setbacks, the staff at Madingley Hall have been noted for their welcoming nature and the overall food quality is generally high, contributing to what many guests deem a delightful dining experience when the full range of services is available.
Madingley Hall offers a unique blend of quaint charm and functionality, set against the backdrop of stunning grounds and a beautiful historical building. The rooms, while clean and comfortable, often evoke a sense of simplicity reminiscent of student dormitories with some guests noting their basic and functional nature. Many rooms are described as spacious and outfitted with everything needed for a pleasant stay, though others are smaller with limited amenities.
The views from the rooms, particularly those overlooking the gardens, are a highlight and the peaceful setting ensures a quiet night's sleep for most. However, some rooms suffer from issues such as thin walls that allow noise from neighboring rooms and others are in need of updates and refurbishment, especially the bathrooms. Despite these minor setbacks, the beds are generally reported to be comfortable, ensuring a restful night.
While the furnishings and décor might be considered plain or outdated by some, they serve their purpose adequately. Instances of cleanliness issues were noted, such as visible cobwebs or mould in the bathrooms; nonetheless, many guests found their rooms to be well-maintained and spotlessly clean.
In summary, Madingley Hall provides a comfortable and tranquil retreat with rooms that are functional and clean but could benefit from modernisation and more character. Its beautiful location and reasonable pricing make it a good choice for those seeking practicality over luxury.
Guest reviews for 'Madingley Hall' provide a mixed perspective on the quality of the beds. While many guests highlight the comfort of the beds, describing them as comfortable, very comfy and spacious, there are also frequent remarks about mattresses being too firm, thin or even lumpy. Some visitors found the beds to be functional and clean, while others felt the beds were tired, outdated or sagging. Positive comments often note the comfortable mattresses, crisp white bedding and massive bed size in some rooms. Nevertheless, inconsistencies remain with guests mentioning small or narrow beds and an overall need for updating the bedding facilities. Despite these variations, many guests seemed to benefit from a sufficient night's sleep, appreciating the comfort provided by the rooms and bedding.
Madingley Hall's guest reviews present a mixed picture regarding cleanliness. Many visitors praised the rooms for being spotlessly clean, tidy and extremely comfortable. Several reviews highlighted the bathrooms as clean as well, although some guests felt they could benefit from modernisation. Positive feedback spoke of clean, functional accommodations and well-maintained gardens.
However, some reviews pointed out shortcomings. Some guests noticed significant dust accumulation on surfaces, spider webs and occasional mold in the bathrooms. A few found the cleanliness inconsistent with complaints about rooms not being serviced until requested and cleanliness of bathroom fixtures disappointing at times. Concerns about outdated and basic bathroom fittings persisted and some travelers noted areas needing refurbishment.
Overall, while many found their rooms clean and comfortable, there were evident issues with thoroughness in cleaning and attention to detail that the management might need to address.
Madingley Hall is widely praised for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Guests consistently highlight the staff's welcoming and attentive nature, describing them as courteous, efficient and professional. Receptionists have been noted for their charm and informativeness, ensuring a smooth check-in experience. Furthermore, the dining and bar staff have received commendations for being accommodating and caring.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of issues such as lack of communication and unhelpfulness, especially in the breakfast room and bar. Some guests encountered unfriendly staff or instances where the service was not consistent throughout their stay. Management has been urged to improve support for housekeeping and address gaps in customer service.
Overall, the pleasant and friendly demeanor of the staff at Madingley Hall significantly enhances the guest experience, making it a memorable visit despite a few areas needing attention.
Visitors to Madingley Hall have shared mixed experiences regarding the hotel's WiFi. While some guests praised the connection, noting it as flawless, excellent and even the fastest they have ever seen, others encountered significant issues. Reports of poor, inconsistent and weak signals, particularly in rooms, were common. The WiFi registration process also proved cumbersome for some. Free WiFi is available and can provide access to the internet, but many found it unreliable, slow and at times non-existent. Problems with connectivity, where the WiFi kept dropping out, were frequent. Despite some positive experiences, it's clear that WiFi reliability remains a challenge at Madingley Hall.
Madingley Hall offers a variety of convenient parking options that have generally received positive feedback from guests. There is ample and spacious parking available on-site, which is free and easily accessible. Guests often highlighted the plentiful, safe and sufficient parking spaces, making it easy to park their vehicles. The on-site parking is not only free but also conveniently located, adding to the ease of access for many visitors.
Several reviews pointed out the large parking lot that ensures no significant parking issues with lots of free spaces available. The presence of a nearby park and ride also adds to the parking convenience for those who might find on-site spaces full, although this wasn’t a common problem as ample parking is typically available.
While a few isolated comments mentioned occasional parking difficulties and the removal of disabled parking for tutors, the general consensus indicates that the parking facilities at Madingley Hall are excellent and provide a stress-free experience for most guests. This makes it an attractive option for those traveling by car, thanks to the abundance of free, convenient and safe parking spaces.
Madingley Hall provides convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities for guests. The charging points available add a great value for those traveling with electric cars. Although some visitors noted that the charging stations can be a bit difficult to locate, the overall availability of electric charging is beneficial for eco-conscious travelers. The presence of these charging points makes staying at the hall more accommodating for guests driving electric vehicles.
Madingley Hall offers quintessential charm and elegance reminiscent of a magnificent country estate. Many rooms provide scenic views of the garden topiary and surrounding countryside. The site's historical beauty and lovely parkland create an incredible atmosphere, adding to its appeal as a special place to stay. Guests frequently describe their experiences as amazing and luxurious, highlighted by a stunning visit worthy of five stars.
The service at Madingley Hall consistently receives high praise, often deemed five-star or premium by visitors. Breakfasts are noted to be of excellent quality and freshly cooked, contributing to the overall satisfaction of the stay. Despite some opinions that the facilities and certain aspects of the rooms do not match a traditional five-star hotel standard, many guests believe that the overall experience—marked by the beautifully historic property and superbly classy building—significantly exceeds expectations.
Madingley Hall's splendid location and authenticity make it a highly recommended destination. While some criticism exists regarding the star rating of the rooms, the consensus leans toward a place of exceptional experience.
Madingley Hall exudes historical charm and architectural beauty, making it a standout destination. This majestic Tudor mansion with its exquisite period features, offers a rich and unique experience amidst its historic setting. The hall’s grandeur is complemented by beautifully maintained gardens and a sprawling park area, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Steeping in history, the hall exemplifies historic charm with its stately rooms and impressive interiors, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. The building, once a hunting lodge for the Prince of Wales, provides a unique blend of historic ambiance and modern amenities. Guests appreciate the preservation efforts, which maintain the integrity and historically evolved feel of the place.
Visitors often note the magical sense of stepping back in time, enhanced by the beautiful old structures and authentic historic details. The combination of its Cambridge heritage, prestigious past and the serene rural setting makes Madingley Hall a historically rich and enchanting place to stay. It's a venue filled with character, offering not only a visually stunning experience but also a deep connection to England's historic and cultural fabric. The hotel’s facilities and the high standard of service further enhance the overall memorable experience, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Nestled in an idyllic rural setting, Madingley Hall offers a luxurious escape rooted in historic charm. With superb grounds and gorgeous accommodations, guests frequently describe their stays as luxurious. The imposing grand building provides a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, often making visitors feel as though they are staying in a stately manor.
While not the pinnacle of luxury, the experience at Madingley Hall is undeniably enriched by wonderful surroundings and a tremendous location. The ambiance is superb, spacious and almost worthy of 5 stars, providing a perfect balance of luxury, calm and exceptional price.
Rooms and bathrooms continue the theme of luxury while being clean and comfortable with beautiful views. The property's luxurious settings and luxury surroundings contribute to an experience that, although not always 5-star, exudes a unique charm and affordability that many find remarkable.
Madingley Hall's luxurious grounds and historic setting, coupled with the luxury feel of the accommodation, offer an experience akin to staying in a historic manor, making it a truly extraordinary stay worth revisiting.
Location Show Map
Location
The grounds are particularly highlighted for their beauty, offering a serene and picturesque environment that feels like a retreat into the countryside. Visitors frequently mentioned the impressive Elizabethan architecture and the immaculately kept gardens, which contribute to a truly idyllic setting. The building's historical significance and its connection to the University of Cambridge add to its unique charm, making it more than just a place to stay, but an experience in itself.
Overall, Madingley Hall is highly praised for its serene and beautiful location, magnificent setting and ease of access to both the city of Cambridge and the surrounding countryside. The combination of historical ambiance, natural beauty and convenient modern amenities makes it a favored destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and proximity to academic and cultural attractions.
Breakfast
The breakfast setting itself is often noted for its beauty and historical significance with many enjoying their meals in a grand, Harry Potter-esque hall adorned with oak paneling and stately dining arrangements. This impressive ambiance contributes to a memorable dining experience, making breakfast a high point of many stays.
However, a few guests felt that the breakfast choices were somewhat limited or basic. Some experienced issues with the temperature of the food, noting that it could sometimes be lukewarm. There were also occasional comments about items being unavailable or the breakfast service being understaffed. Despite these minor setbacks, the staff is commonly praised for their helpfulness and effort in maintaining a satisfactory breakfast service.
For those with dietary restrictions, the breakfast at Madingley Hall seems accommodating, offering gluten-free and lactose-free options. The breakfast area encourages social interactions with communal tables allowing guests to mingle if they choose.
Overall, breakfast at Madingley Hall is largely considered a delightful and enriching experience, contributing positively to the overall stay.
Dinner
However, the dining options come with some constraints. The menu is described as limited and the choice of evening meals can be restricted, sometimes resulting in disappointment when certain items are unavailable or served only lukewarm. On occasion, private functions can disrupt meal service in the main dining areas, forcing guests to seek alternatives like the nearby pub, The Three Horseshoes, which is known for its great food and is just a short walk away.
The service quality can vary, particularly in the Terrace Bar where some guests have experienced slow service. Despite these setbacks, the staff at Madingley Hall have been noted for their welcoming nature and the overall food quality is generally high, contributing to what many guests deem a delightful dining experience when the full range of services is available.
Rooms
The views from the rooms, particularly those overlooking the gardens, are a highlight and the peaceful setting ensures a quiet night's sleep for most. However, some rooms suffer from issues such as thin walls that allow noise from neighboring rooms and others are in need of updates and refurbishment, especially the bathrooms. Despite these minor setbacks, the beds are generally reported to be comfortable, ensuring a restful night.
While the furnishings and décor might be considered plain or outdated by some, they serve their purpose adequately. Instances of cleanliness issues were noted, such as visible cobwebs or mould in the bathrooms; nonetheless, many guests found their rooms to be well-maintained and spotlessly clean.
In summary, Madingley Hall provides a comfortable and tranquil retreat with rooms that are functional and clean but could benefit from modernisation and more character. Its beautiful location and reasonable pricing make it a good choice for those seeking practicality over luxury.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, some reviews pointed out shortcomings. Some guests noticed significant dust accumulation on surfaces, spider webs and occasional mold in the bathrooms. A few found the cleanliness inconsistent with complaints about rooms not being serviced until requested and cleanliness of bathroom fixtures disappointing at times. Concerns about outdated and basic bathroom fittings persisted and some travelers noted areas needing refurbishment.
Overall, while many found their rooms clean and comfortable, there were evident issues with thoroughness in cleaning and attention to detail that the management might need to address.
Staff
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of issues such as lack of communication and unhelpfulness, especially in the breakfast room and bar. Some guests encountered unfriendly staff or instances where the service was not consistent throughout their stay. Management has been urged to improve support for housekeeping and address gaps in customer service.
Overall, the pleasant and friendly demeanor of the staff at Madingley Hall significantly enhances the guest experience, making it a memorable visit despite a few areas needing attention.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Several reviews pointed out the large parking lot that ensures no significant parking issues with lots of free spaces available. The presence of a nearby park and ride also adds to the parking convenience for those who might find on-site spaces full, although this wasn’t a common problem as ample parking is typically available.
While a few isolated comments mentioned occasional parking difficulties and the removal of disabled parking for tutors, the general consensus indicates that the parking facilities at Madingley Hall are excellent and provide a stress-free experience for most guests. This makes it an attractive option for those traveling by car, thanks to the abundance of free, convenient and safe parking spaces.
EV charging stations
5 Star
The service at Madingley Hall consistently receives high praise, often deemed five-star or premium by visitors. Breakfasts are noted to be of excellent quality and freshly cooked, contributing to the overall satisfaction of the stay. Despite some opinions that the facilities and certain aspects of the rooms do not match a traditional five-star hotel standard, many guests believe that the overall experience—marked by the beautifully historic property and superbly classy building—significantly exceeds expectations.
Madingley Hall's splendid location and authenticity make it a highly recommended destination. While some criticism exists regarding the star rating of the rooms, the consensus leans toward a place of exceptional experience.
Historic
Steeping in history, the hall exemplifies historic charm with its stately rooms and impressive interiors, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. The building, once a hunting lodge for the Prince of Wales, provides a unique blend of historic ambiance and modern amenities. Guests appreciate the preservation efforts, which maintain the integrity and historically evolved feel of the place.
Visitors often note the magical sense of stepping back in time, enhanced by the beautiful old structures and authentic historic details. The combination of its Cambridge heritage, prestigious past and the serene rural setting makes Madingley Hall a historically rich and enchanting place to stay. It's a venue filled with character, offering not only a visually stunning experience but also a deep connection to England's historic and cultural fabric. The hotel’s facilities and the high standard of service further enhance the overall memorable experience, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Luxury
While not the pinnacle of luxury, the experience at Madingley Hall is undeniably enriched by wonderful surroundings and a tremendous location. The ambiance is superb, spacious and almost worthy of 5 stars, providing a perfect balance of luxury, calm and exceptional price.
Rooms and bathrooms continue the theme of luxury while being clean and comfortable with beautiful views. The property's luxurious settings and luxury surroundings contribute to an experience that, although not always 5-star, exudes a unique charm and affordability that many find remarkable.
Madingley Hall's luxurious grounds and historic setting, coupled with the luxury feel of the accommodation, offer an experience akin to staying in a historic manor, making it a truly extraordinary stay worth revisiting.
No, Madingley Hall doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Madingley Hall.
No, Madingley Hall doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Madingley Hall.
No, Madingley Hall doesn't have a gym.
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