Lonely Planet Review

The Cambridge's 70-plus-year history has taken the hotel from grime to glamour. A brilliant renovation a few years ago has brought this handsome heritage hotel back from the brink; it's now right on the radar of the new breed of backpacker and budget traveller.

The swindlers and sea dogs of the past are long gone, although there are rumblings from long-term guests about ghosts in the corridors. Still, once you see the 25 flashpacker doubles upstairs, you'll forget about the spirit world and focus on the Cambridge's exclusive air. These are pub rooms worth writing home about: oak panelling, coffee-coloured ensuites, Sky TV, phones and fridges. Downstairs the revamped pub itself offers local beers and affordable meals. It can get raucous here (particularly during big-ticket rugby or soccer games), so try for an upstairs room at the back if you're a light sleeper. Alternatively, brave the ruckus in a room above Cambridge St with views of the city's green belt. Also downstairs are lovely dorms sleeping four to six, with linen supplied. There's a dashing guest lounge, luxurious shared bathrooms, sky-high ceilings and a boutiquey communal kitchen.