A portmanteau is a word created through the combination of two other words: brunch, say, or staycation. Aparthotel is a fairly new one but rapidly growing in popularity. We can do a whole sentence such as: Wilde aparthotel in Cambridge makes a great spot for your next staycation, and also serves a mean brunch.
As you have probably guessed, an aparthotel is a combination of apartment and hotel. What does this mean in practice? Well, you enjoy all the perks of hospitality – restaurant, bar, gym, 24-hour reception – combined with digs that would probably fetch half a million on the property market.
Some history for you. Wilde is part of the Staycity Group, an aparthotel brand founded in 2004 by brothers Tom and Ger Walsh in Temple Bar, Dublin. To make the story even more Irish, the first aparthotel was previously a recording studio used by none other than U2. The concept flourished and Staycity now operated in more than 20 countries around the globe.
Wilde is the premium offering for those wanting that extra touch of luxury. Named after Oscar – a man who appreciated the finer things in life – the first Wilde arrived in London, 2017. More have swiftly emerged in Berlin, Edinburgh, Manchester and now Cambridge, with further openings slated for Lisbon, Vienna, Porto, and Amsterdam. Like its celebrated namesake, Wilde gets around.
The Cambridge branch only opened this summer but already appears to be a popular destination, at least judging from the number of arrivals I saw during breakfast. The main lobby is a beautiful space – indeed, lobby doesn’t really do it justice. The airy, open space somehow incorporates a reception, a shop, a bar, a dining area and a lounge, all flowing together without feeling in the least bit chaotic or crowded. Soft, warm colours are complimented by numerous indoor trees scattered about the place. Design studio Thurston deserves serious kudos.
The apartments themselves are equally swish. I don’t want to go all American Psycho and start listing brands but the names give you an idea of the overall quality here: Smeg fridge, dishwasher, kettle and toaster; Nespresso coffee machine; Phillips smart TVs in the living room and bedroom. There are lots of lovely little touches, such as the miniature Penguin classics, the umbrella hanging on the wall. Factor in a rainfall shower, blackout blinds and an extremely comfy bed, and your actual home may seem a little less sweet.
Every hotel needs a good breakfast; Wilde boasts a beauty, served at the inevitably named Oscar’s. Remember the lobby that encompasses a bit of everything? That’s Oscar’s: all-day café, bar, social space combined. My booking included fresh juice and coffee, a granola, pastry and a choice between the breakfast bap or avocado on toast. How healthy are you feeling? I tried each on consecutive days and both hit the spot. In the evening, there are charcuterie and cheese boards, locally sourced, plus a few more sustaining dishes such as a very nice fish finger brioche.
Cambridge is a small city and Wilde is situated in its heart. You’re bang opposite Jesus College – free to visitors – a few minutes from the River Cam. Shops, museums, and yet more colleges are all within walking distance – hell, the station only takes half an hour by foot. There’s a pub bang next door (unaffiliated) but I’d recommend heading to Byron’s Bear round the corner, a lovely little spot on the edge of the green. Rest assured, no local destination will be far.
The rapid proliferations of Wildes around Europe is proof the brand is doing something very right. Pay a visit to Cambridge and find out for yourself. Good things come in twos.
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For more info, see Wilde Cambridge
