THE NORNA | Cheap Hotel in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) | Book & Save

58 photos

The Norna Hotel Cambridge Macro Details photo

The Norna Hotel Cambridge Facilities photo

Book through our site

—up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

148 Tenison Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), CB1 2DP

Close to the Botanic Garden Cambridge

Very good

7.6

/10

3.6

Loved by The Norna guests

Great location

Modern design

Clean facilities

Comfortable bed

"Clean & tidy room, good WiFi and great location 4 minute walk to train station and bust stop and 10 minutes walk to city centre."

Isidro from Australia

read full review

"Common areas were also well-maintained and clean."

Kumbirai from United Kingdom

read full review

"I loved the decor of the room, it was lovely and clean and in a great location."

Linder from United Kingdom

read full review

4-star riverside hotel in Cambridge

Amenities

The Norna offers a charming riverside terrace for outdoor dining and relaxation. Guests can explore the picturesque grounds or take advantage of the nearby walking paths along the River Cam. The hotel is equipped with an on-site bar, providing a selection of beverages for guests to enjoy.

Rooms

Each room at The Norna includes bespoke furnishings and unique décor reflective of the local area. Guests can choose from various room types, including en-suite rooms with modern bathrooms. Selected accommodations even include views of the River Cam, enhancing the overall experience.

Location

The Norna sits just a short walk from Cambridge city center, providing easy access to numerous historic attractions. Nearby, guests can explore the renowned colleges and libraries that make Cambridge famous. The hotel's location along the river allows for picturesque strolls and engaging outdoor activities.

Dining

Dining at The Norna features a breakfast menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional dishes. The hotel's restaurant emphasizes seasonal produce, offering a fresh dining experience. Additionally, a lounge area is available for guests to unwind, complemented by a selection of drinks.

Entertainment

Guests can enjoy access to numerous local cultural sites, including museums and galleries that showcase Cambridge's rich heritage. The hotel also provides recommendations for tours and excursions. Bicycle rentals nearby encourage guests to explore the scenic landscape.

Highlights

Location: Short walk from Cambridge city center

Rooms: En-suite rooms with views of the River Cam

Dining: Breakfast menu highlighting local ingredients

Entertainment: Access to local cultural sites

“This Cambridge property stands out for its practical location near the rail station, streamlined automated service, and consistently clean rooms. While some guests have noted minor maintenance issues, the responsive staff seems well-equipped to address them. For visitors prioritizing convenience and a quiet stay, it presents a sensible option.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Triple Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
room details
Large Double Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
1 Double bed
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

September 2026 - September 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

August 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Very good

7.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

The Norna Location

148 Tenison Road, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), CB1 2DP

Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)

Explore Cambridge

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

7 minutes' walk

A stunning 40-acre garden featuring diverse plant collections and tranquil landscapes, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Fitzwilliam Museum

19 minutes' walk

Home to an extensive collection of art and antiquities, this museum offers free entry and hosts guided tours.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

19 minutes' walk

Artifacts from around the world highlight human history, with notable exhibits and free admission on special days.

Parker's Piece

14 minutes' walk

An iconic park celebrated for its vast green space and historical significance, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.

Punting on the River Cam

20 minutes' walk

A quintessential Cambridge experience, punting offers scenic views and a chance to admire the university's architecture.

Sheep's Green and Coe Fen

18 minutes' walk

Ideal for a tranquil bike ride or a relaxed walk, this beautiful green space is perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers.

The Pizza Company

3 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere, serving delicious pizzas made from fresh ingredients and local flavors.

Flavour

5 minutes' walk

A cozy spot known for its diverse menu featuring vegetarian dishes and farm-to-table ingredients, perfect for families.

Flying Pig

6 minutes' walk

An inviting pub offering hearty British fare and local ales, with a warm atmosphere ideal for relaxing after a day out.

Cambridge Arts Theatre

20 minutes' walk

A vibrant venue featuring live performances including plays, musicals, and comedy shows, catering to all age groups.

The Cambridge Junction

25 minutes' walk

A lively entertainment hub hosting concerts, comedy nights, and community events, with a diverse program for everyone.

Getting around town

City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Cambridge (CBG) 8 min · 2.9 mi
London Stansted (STN) 69 min · 28.3 mi
Train
Cambridge Train Station 4 min · 1000 ft
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 1000 ft

Looking for early-bird discounts?

Get special discounted rates today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Norna is appreciated for its convenient location, particularly its proximity to the train station and city centre, making it easy to explore Cambridge. Guests often highlight the modern room design and cleanliness, along with the availability of amenities like kettles for tea and coffee. While the single rooms have been described as compact by some, the comfort and available facilities generally provide good value, and some guests appreciated the option to use lockers after check-out.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 97 verified reviews

7.0 /10

Very good

71 %

Recommend

Free WiFi

9.2/10

Location

8.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

3.3/10

Breakfast

5.0/10

Pros

Keyless entry

Luggage storage

Good location

Cons

Small toilet room

Unreachable staff

Broken radiator

Richard from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 30, 2026

6/10

Mixed experience due to some shortcomings

old bedding thin towels

The room and the WC were clean, and the bedding along with the mattresses were acceptable.

The towels were thin and hard. The bedding seemed old. Pillows were not good (they definitely need an upgrade).

0 Helpful

Billy from United States

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 23, 2026

9.5/10

convenient location near station

great location easy access comfortable bed

the location proved excellent , situated very near the railway station. access was quite easy and the provided codes worked seamlessly for both doors. my room was nice and the bed was particularly comfortable , which i appreciated after a long journey.

my room faced the communal kitchen and noise from that area woke me up a few times. the front door and inner front door were often left ajar , which compromised security a bit.

Location

10/10

the hotel boasts a very convenient location , as it is only a short walk to the train station. this proximity to public transport makes it easy to explore the surrounding area and the rest of the city.

Facilities

9/10

the room had a kettle , which i really appreciated for making morning beverages. i also noted that the bathroom facilities were in very good condition , everything looked new and well-kept.

0 Helpful

Lily from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

7/10

tidy room good wifi unavailable staff infrequent linen

The room was tidy, and the WiFi worked good. Location is great. It's just a short walk to the train station and bus stop. I appreciate this. The city centre is about ten minutes walking, and that is very handy.

The room was not what I expected from the pictures I saw. I needed assistance, but there was no staff available on site. I stayed four nights. My bedlinen was changed just once, and the towels weren't changed either.

0 Helpful

Steven from United States

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 01, 2026

7/10

convenient location quick response smooth check-in old towels old bedding flat pillows

The hotel is conveniently located near the train station. I found it very accessible. The host responded quickly to my messages, which I appreciated. The self check-in was smooth and efficient. It was very easy to get into my room.

The towels felt a bit old. The bedding felt similarly aged and a little rough. This affected my sleep. The pillows were also quite flat and not very supportive for me.

0 Helpful

Hubert from Germany

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 05, 2025

6/10

a stay with some snags

cold room infrequent linen change

The room i booked wasn't exactly as pictured. Surprise! during my stay, my bed linen was only changed once, and the towels weren't refreshed at all. to top it off, the room was quite chilly, and the heating was controlled remotely by the landlord via text, talk about hands-off management. it felt a bit impersonal, to say the least.

0 Helpful

jack from united kingdom

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 02, 2025

9.0/10

fantastic stay, i'm already planning my return!

clear instruction working door code perfect room great location

the instructions i got before arriving were super clear. the door codes worked like a charm, and the room? it was just perfect! plus, being so close to the station made getting around a total breeze. seriously, i couldn't have asked for a better location!

The stairs creaked quite a bit, especially late at night. It was a very very minor thing though, and didn't ruin the overall experience.

Service

10/10

Communication with claire was top notch. She responded quickly to all my texts, everything went smoothly! the whatsapp contact was really useful for getting my vat receipts sorted out right away and that's excellent.

Location

9/10

the hotel is a short walk from the train station! the neighborhood is quiet, so i slept well every night, and that means great rest.

Rooms

9/10

My room was clean and big. I especially liked how nice and big it was, made relaxing so easy! the bedding and mattresses were good, so i slept well and felt refreshed in the mornings, for sure.

Dining

8/10

there was a desk with tea and coffee making facilities in my room, so i could enjoy a hot drink whenever i wanted! it was a great way to start the day or unwind in the evening, and that was just great.

0 Helpful

Ella from Ireland

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 01, 2025

8.8/10

a really nice stay!

great location clean room helpful host

this location really works well because its close to the station. i got to the station early so having the place close was great, it made things much easier i think! the place felt so clean and nice. claire was always so lovely and happy to help with everything!

there was a small issue with the bathroom, but it sorted out quickly.

Service

9/10

the staff provided prompt assistance and communication regarding my requests i felt. staff seemed available via messaging for help or information all the time too. instructions for access were really clear.

Rooms

8/10

my room included tea and coffee making facilities which i used every day! bedding felt fresh and clean, ensuring a restful sleep. the double room also has a private bathroom for added convenience.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offered lockers for luggage storage i used upon arrival. i also saw easy access to wifi throughout the building which looked very efficient. they provided complimentary bottles of water.

Location

10/10

the hotel enjoys a fairly quiet street location that i liked. i had no issues with noise disturbances during the evening at all. the train station is near.

Dining

8/10

i saw a communal kitchen with basic appliances available to everyone. there was also a kettle and mugs provided for in-room beverage preparation. it's a basic but useful set up.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews

FAQs

About The Norna

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Norna?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

How far is The Norna from the University of Cambridge?

The Norna is located 4 km from the University of Cambridge.

What dining options are available near The Norna?

Nearby restaurants include West Cornwall Pasty Company (0.5 km), Sahara Restaurant Cafe (0.5 km), and SmokeWorks Station Road (0.5 km).

Does The Norna offer complimentary Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

What room amenities can guests expect at The Norna?

Rooms include a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, electric kettle, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

How far is The Norna from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology?

The Norna is 2 km from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

How far is The Norna from Cambridge city center?

The Norna is located 5 km from Cambridge city center.

What are some nearby attractions to The Norna?

Nearby attractions include the Botanic Garden Cambridge (0.5 km) and Addenbrooke's Hospital (within a 10-minute drive).