The University Arms, Cambridge

Reopened after a 4 year, £80 million refurbishment, The University Arms is Cambridge's oldest - and now most exclusive - hotel to escape the bustle of busy university life. Steeped in history, it started life as a coaching inn back in 1834 for weary travellers making the journey up to London. It now boasts 192 state of the art rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, a library, gym and even its very own ballroom all fronted by a monumental neo-classical porte cochère - the brainchild of Britich architect John Simpson in its latest revamp.

The masterpiece of Simpson's redesign is beautifully complimented by interior designer Martin Brudnizki's contemporary rooms and suites. His design effortlessly merges the luxury expected of the Marriott Autograph Collection with the local and historic allure of a Cambridge college. As such, every room and corridor is rammed with traditional charm and local memorabilia while also upkeeping Brudnizki's passion for contemporary spaces.

The University Arms has 10 suites in total all named after famous female figures in English academia. Our suite was called the Virginia Woolf suite in recognition of a series of lectures she delivered to Cambridge students in the 1920s. With views over Parker's Piece, a sitting area, specially curated library, ensuite bathroom with free standing bath and a dressing room, the suite is both attractive and comfortable. The decor is colourful and contemporary with mismatch bedside lamps, a geometric headboard, bold curtains and a monochrome bathroom brought to life with gold fixtures and fittings.

By day our suite was flooded with autumnal sunshine and offers an uninterrupted vista over Parker' Piece, while by night the golden yellow curtains with green tassel trim that span the length of the room offer a welcome warmth when the evenings draw in. Through the dressing room and in perfect contrast to the bright colours of the room, the black and while tiling of the bathroom allows for genuine relaxation in the bath.

Downstairs the Parker's Tavern serves up locally sourced, beautifully plated dishes bursting with flavour. The nearby Saffron Grange provides a range of wines for the hotel, their partnership being indicative of the wider 'Best of British' attitude across the menu. The bar is timeless in its style, serving cocktails throughout the day and night. And next door, the library offers the perfect location for an afternoon tea on a rainy day. The spread offered by the kitchen is extensive to say the least and every aspect is to be savoured.

The University Arms is not aimed at the student budget and as a result retains an understated charm and exclusivity which combined with its unbeatable location on Regent Street close to the centre makes it the place to stay in Cambridge for anyone wishing to find a haven of luxury from which to explore the delights of one of England's prettiest cities.