Everything within arm's reach

The Cambridge Hotel Gatwick, Horley has the feel of a family-run hotel. It is not so big that you have a sense of being anonymous and it's not one of those hotels where you are confronted with a bewildering succession of long corridors. The building is Grade II-listed and although it has been restored, it still offers bundles of Victorian character, which makes it unique from all of the larger hotels at Gatwick.

The hotel has 35 guests rooms, which are all en-suite. It’s more than large enough to find space to relax, have a drink, find a quiet corner, and get your breath back after a long journey or on return from your destination.

It’s the friendliness of those who work there that strikes you – the members of staff, from the owner down, take a real interest in your comfort, just like you’d imagine in a smaller family-run hotel.

Its historical connection with the Duke of Cambridge – that’s the 2nd Duke (1819-1904) not the present holder of the title, Prince William – sets it apart from other Gatwick hotels. Interestingly, it was the home of the Duke’s wife, whom he had married without Royal consent, and their children. The lobby area evokes the time when the Cambridge was a Victorian mansion frequented by nobility and royal personages. Its most distinguishing original features are a fine staircase and chandelier, which give the reception area a special charm.

It’s a calm, well-ordered hotel with the co-owner ‘Chef-Patron’ Kemal very much in evidence. His name is on the hotel’s restaurant, which shows the importance he attaches to the hotel’s cuisine, and when not in the kitchen overseeing the food, he is buzzing about the hotel alongside his friendly team of staff, who pay close attention to the needs of the guests.

We recommend the Cambridge Hotel Gatwick for:

A sense of history - not many Gatwick Hotels can boast such prestigious connections. The Cambridge hotel in Horley was originally a grand mansion, built by the 2nd Duke of Cambridge in 1852 for his wife Sarah Fairbrother and their children. He had married her, a commoner, for love, against his cousin Queen Victoria’s wishes, and stayed at the house whenever he could to be with his family. It’s a romantic story, and the house still retains a special charm.

Personal attention - The Cambridge is jointly owned and managed by Kemal, who has a very friendly and hands-on approach. He has been in the hotel trade for over 30 years and is not the type of man to lock himself away in his office. You feel he knows his staff well, and many of them have worked for him for years. So the hotel is well run and as Kemal is also the head chef, the restaurant is similarly well managed.

Food - Kemal, as the ‘Chef-Patron’, takes pride in his food, and his menu offers a wide range of international dishes, a full wine list, and a number of Turkish dishes, which are his speciality. His three personally trained chefs keep up a consistent standard, and the dining room has a quiet elegance, without being stuffy and formal. The eating experience is relaxed, but the service is speedy and efficient.

Convenience - The Cambridge is only one and a half miles away from Gatwick airport, easy to find just off the M23 between London and Brighton, and has plenty of space for parking. You can leave your car in the hotel compound with peace of mind, and find it waiting ready for you next to the hotel on your return. There is a 24-hour minibus service that is easily arranged, so you’ll have no problems catching your flight on time.

Park, Sleep and Fly deals - Save money as well as hassle when you combine your airport parking and hotel stay in one convenient package. Park up for the duration of your holiday and enjoy peace of mind that your vehicle is securely parked, and waiting for you upon your return.

Top