Cambria is an upscale hotel brand owned by Choice Hotels International

Cambria Hotels is a chain of mid-to-upper-range hotels operated by Choice Hotels International, one of the largest hotel companies in North America. The brand focuses on independent design, local art, and regional character — each property looks and feels different rather than following a cookie-cutter template. Cambria properties are typically found in major cities, resort areas, and business travel hubs across the United States and a few international locations.

If you are considering a Cambria stay, you are booking through a major hospitality company with established policies around reservations, cancellations, and guest services. Understanding how the brand operates, what amenities come standard, and how to get the best rate will help you decide whether it fits your travel needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Cambria Hotels are independently designed properties owned by Choice Hotels, positioned between budget chains and luxury brands in price and service level.
  • You can book directly through Cambria's website, through Choice Hotels' loyalty program (Choice Privileges), or through third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com.
  • Standard amenities typically include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a restaurant or bar, though specific offerings vary by location.
  • Cancellation policies and room rates depend on which rate type you book — non-refundable rates are cheaper but cannot be changed, while flexible rates cost more but allow cancellation.

How to book a Cambria Hotel room

You have three main routes to reserve a Cambria room. The first is the Cambria Hotels website directly (cambriahotels.com), where you enter your travel dates, location, and number of guests. The second is through Choice Privileges, the loyalty program run by Choice Hotels, which tracks your stays and lets you earn points toward free nights. The third is a third-party booking site like Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Google Hotels, which often show rates from multiple sources in one search.

Booking direct through Cambria's website sometimes offers a "best rate may provide" — if you find the same room cheaper elsewhere within 24 hours of booking, Cambria will match it. Third-party sites may show lower advertised rates, but those rates often come with fewer perks (no late checkout, no room upgrades, fewer loyalty points). If you stay at Cambria properties regularly, joining Choice Privileges costs nothing and accumulates points faster than booking through other sites.

When you search, you will see different rate types. A non-refundable rate is the cheapest option but cannot be cancelled or changed — you pay even if your plans change. A flexible rate costs more but allows you to cancel up to a certain date (usually 24 to 48 hours before arrival) without penalty. Read the cancellation terms before you book, because the difference between rate types is significant.

What amenities and services come with your stay

Cambria properties include certain amenities as standard across the brand. Free Wi-Fi is included in all rooms. Every property has a fitness center. Most Cambria hotels have an on-site restaurant or bar, though the specific food and beverage options vary by location. Many properties also offer a business center, meeting rooms, and parking (though parking may be paid at some urban locations).

Guest rooms typically feature a work desk, flat-screen television, and a bathroom with premium toiletries. Some properties have suites with separate living areas. Pet policies vary by location — some Cambria hotels allow pets for a fee, while others do not, so confirm this when you book if you are traveling with an animal.

Cambria's positioning means you get more design detail and local character than you would at a budget chain, but you are not paying for the full-service amenities of a luxury hotel (like concierge, room service, or turndown service). The brand appeals to travelers who want a step up in aesthetics and comfort without the luxury price tag.

Understanding cancellation and change policies

Cambria's cancellation policy depends on which rate you booked. If you purchased a flexible rate, you can usually cancel or modify your reservation up to 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date without losing your money (the exact window is shown when you book). If you cancel within that window, you receive a refund to your original payment method, though it may take several business days to process.

If you booked a non-refundable rate, you cannot cancel or change your reservation. You will be charged the full room rate even if you do not show up. Some non-refundable rates allow you to change your travel dates to a different time at the same property, but this varies — check your confirmation email for the specific terms of your booking.

If your plans change after you have booked, contact the hotel directly or log into your reservation on Cambria's website to see your options. Calling the specific property (not the central reservations line) sometimes reveals flexibility that the website does not advertise, especially if you are a Choice Privileges member or if your stay is far enough in the future.

How Choice Privileges loyalty program works with Cambria

Choice Privileges is the free rewards program for all Choice Hotels brands, including Cambria. When you join (at choicehotels.com), you receive a membership number. Every time you stay at a Cambria hotel and provide your membership number at check-in, you earn points based on the room rate you paid. You can also earn points by booking through the Choice Privileges website or app.

Points accumulate toward free night certificates, which you can redeem at any Choice Hotels property, including Cambria. The number of points needed for a free night depends on the hotel's category — a budget property requires fewer points than an upscale Cambria location. You also earn elite status (Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on the number of nights you stay in a calendar year, which unlocks perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points.

If you book through a third-party site like Expedia, you typically earn fewer Choice Privileges points (or none at all) than if you book direct. This is one reason frequent Cambria guests prefer booking through the Cambria website or the Choice Privileges app — the points add up faster and can offset the slightly higher rate.

What to know about room rates and pricing

Cambria room rates vary widely based on location, season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. A Cambria in a major city during peak season can cost significantly more than one in a smaller market during the off-season. Rates also fluctuate based on local events, conferences, and holidays.

Booking further in advance often yields lower rates, though this is not may provide. Rates can drop closer to your arrival date if the hotel has unsold inventory, so there is no single "best time" to book — it depends on the specific property and market. Using a price-tracking tool (available on most booking sites) lets you monitor a specific room and get an alert if the rate drops.

The advertised rate is the room price only. Taxes and resort fees (if applicable) are added at checkout and are not included in the initial quote. Some Cambria properties charge a resort fee of $10 to $25 per night for amenities like fitness center access, Wi-Fi, or parking — this is disclosed during booking but straightforward to miss. Read the full price breakdown before you confirm your reservation.

Checking in, staying, and checking out

Check-in at Cambria hotels is typically 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., and checkout is 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., though these times vary by property. If you need early check-in or late checkout, call the hotel directly in advance — availability depends on occupancy, but the staff can often accommodate requests at no extra charge, especially for loyalty members.

At check-in, provide your reservation confirmation and a valid photo ID. If you are a Choice Privileges member, provide your membership number so your stay is recorded in your account. The front desk will ask for a credit card to cover incidentals (room service, minibar, damage), though you are not charged unless you use these services.

If you have questions or issues during your stay, contact the front desk. For problems that are not resolved to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with Choice Hotels through their website or by calling their corporate line — this is separate from complaining to the individual property and sometimes results in compensation (points, a discount on a future stay, or a refund).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my reservation after I book?

It depends on your rate type. Flexible rates allow changes up to 24 or 48 hours before arrival. Non-refundable rates cannot be changed or cancelled. Log into your reservation on Cambria's website to see your options, or call the hotel directly — sometimes staff can make exceptions, especially for loyalty members or if your stay is weeks away.

Do I have to pay for parking at Cambria Hotels?

Parking policies vary by location. Many Cambria properties offer free parking, but urban locations may charge a daily fee. The parking cost (if any) is shown during booking. Call the specific hotel if you are unsure, because some properties offer free parking to loyalty members even when it is paid for other guests.

What is the difference between booking on Cambria's website and booking on Expedia?

Booking direct through Cambria usually earns more Choice Privileges points and sometimes includes perks like a best-rate may provide or a small discount. Booking through Expedia may show a lower advertised rate, but you earn fewer or no loyalty points, and you may not receive the same upgrades or flexibility. The actual room and service are the same.

Can I get a refund if I am unhappy with my stay?

Refunds are not automatic. If you have a legitimate complaint (the room was not as described, there was a maintenance issue, or service was poor), contact the hotel manager during your stay or call Choice Hotels after checkout. They will evaluate your complaint and may offer points, a discount on a future stay, or a partial refund, but this is at their discretion.

Are pets allowed at Cambria Hotels?

Pet policies vary by property. Some Cambria hotels allow pets for a daily fee (typically $25 to $50), while others do not allow pets at all. Check the pet policy for your specific location when you book, or call the hotel directly to confirm before you arrive with an animal.