Having been restored to her former grandeur and bearing the name of one of the Cambridge ‘founders’ and original hotel owner, Archibald Clements, The Clements Hotel in Duke Street stands as a symbol of local old-world charm and timeless elegance. 

Clements built the original Masonic hotel in 1866, which was later destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1911. 

Now owners, Gerry Westenberg and Jo Pannell, have meticulously restored the heritage building in a true labour of love. Many of the hotel’s original features have been refurbished to their former glory, including the sweeping rimu staircase, the stained-glass windows, to the red brick walls and high ceilings.

“I wanted to get the interior designers to play on the heritage but not be too stuffy. We want people to think of this as an elegant place to come and have a coffee, a glass of wine, beautiful food or a place to stay.”

Westenberg said that he will be excited to see the hotel completed in early 2025 with the opening scheduled for March. On completion, the hotel will be a premium boutique hotel and a landmark that Cambridge locals will be proud of.

Refurbishment many years in the making

Inspired by its Beau-arts architecture, The Clements features 29 elegantly appointed
guest rooms with spacious bathrooms, marble floors, and luxurious amenities. 

Westenberg says The Clements Hotel will offer a refined, soulful boutique experience complemented by five-star service. 

Rooms range from Deluxe to the premium Clements Suite, with options for stays in the new attic floor with leafy Cambridge views, or in the original Edwardian rooms with high ceilings, accessed from the grand staircase. 

The hotel provides premium dining in the Gallery Restaurant overlooking the terrace and gardens, which incorporates global culinary influences with locally sourced, seasonal produce from Cambridge. 

Additionally, The Clements Café & Wine Bar is open throughout the day, serving coffee and pastries in the morning, offering casual daytime meals and snacks, and transforming into a relaxed wine bar in the evening, complete with an aperitivo hour.

The original 150-year-old basement dates to Clements’ original hotel and has been restored
and extended into an authentic underground speakeasy bar named “1866”. Inspired by the iconic speakeasy bars of Chicago, 1866 promises to be a vibrant spot known for its intimate stage, live music, and craft cocktails. 

The Clements Hotel also provides spaces for gatherings, including a conference room, boardroom, an events lawn, and the restaurant and bar areas, ideal for intimate meetings, events and weddings. 

“The rooms of this beautiful hotel have served as a backdrop of the Cambridge’s most iconic moments, and cherished memories since 1912. This hotel, and Clements’ original hotel, have been a gathering place for travellers and locals for over 150 years. With this refurbishment, I’m hoping the community will support the hotel for the next 150 years,”
says Gerry. 

“Let’s meet at The Clements”
Located at 68 Duke Street in Cambridge. The hotel is a short 15-minute drive from Hamilton International Airport and 1.5 hours from Auckland International Airport. 

For more information, visit   www.clements.co.nz 

(At the time of writing this, The Clements Hotel was due to open early 2025)