The Clements Hotel Cambridge: History, Location & Ownership

Few hotels can claim to have been the first building in their town, but The Clements Hotel in Cambridge, New Zealand, holds that distinction. Built in 1866 by Irish immigrant Archibald Clements, the hotel has weathered fires, changes of ownership, and a complete architectural rebirth.

Year established: 1866 · Original founder: Archibald Clements · Location: Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand · Style: Luxury heritage boutique suites · On-site dining: Restaurant and bar · Michelin guide listing: Yes (2026)

Seven facts capture the essence of The Clements Hotel, from its founding year to its Michelin listing.

Who Owns the Clements Hotel in Cambridge?

Current ownership details

• Current owner not publicly listed on official hotel website or major travel platforms (The Clements Hotel official website)
• Historical records show Victor Cornaga owned the hotel after the 1911 fire (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• No documentation of ownership transfers after Archibald Clements is easily accessible in top search results

Archibald Clements originally built and operated the hotel from 1866. After his death, the property passed through several hands. The most documented transfer occurred in 1911, when Victor Cornaga purchased the fire‑damaged site and commissioned the rebuild that stands today. Beyond that, ownership records become sparse.

The ownership gap underscores the hotel’s private management structure.

Where Is the Clements Hotel?

Address and location details

• Street address: Duke Street, Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand (The Clements Hotel contact page)
• Approximately 13 km southeast of Hamilton city centre
• 20 km drive to Mystery Creek Events Centre
• Within walking distance of Cambridge’s main shopping and dining precinct

The hotel sits on the original one‑acre section purchased by Archibald Clements in the 1860s (Cambridge Museum). Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Waikato wine region and the Hobbiton movie set, both about a 30‑minute drive away.

What Is the History of the Clements Hotel?

Origins in 1866

• Archibald Clements, a draper from Ireland, immigrated to New Zealand and built the first hotel in Cambridge (Cambridge Museum)
• Originally named the Masonic Hotel because it housed the town’s Masonic Lodge for two years (Cambridge Museum)
• Offered travellers accommodation, dining, and stables (Cambridge Museum)

By 1882 the Masonic Hotel had expanded to 40 bedrooms, a billiard room, and a striking two‑storey verandah (Cambridge Museum).

Fires and rebuilding

• 1889: a major fire destroyed 13 buildings around the hotel, but the hotel itself survived (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• 13 November 1911: the original hotel was destroyed by fire (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• Victor Cornaga commissioned a rebuild designed by renowned architect John Currie in Beaux‑Arts style (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• Rebuilt hotel featured large proportions, a sweeping timber staircase, stained glass windows, multiple fireplaces, and arched latticed doorways (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• Re‑opened on 30 October 1912 (The Clements Hotel – official history)

Modern renovation and luxury rebranding

• Converted into a luxury boutique hotel with modern amenities, restaurant, and bar (The Clements Hotel official website)
• Listed in the Michelin guide for hotels in 2026 (Michelin Guide)

Archibald Clements himself served as Justice of the Peace and was the first Chairman of the town board in 1877 (Cambridge Museum), cementing his role as a founder not just of the hotel but of Cambridge’s civic life.

This architectural legacy makes the hotel a unique destination.

Does the Clements Hotel Offer On‑Site Dining?

Restaurant and bar

• Yes, the hotel has a restaurant and bar on‑site (The Clements Hotel – dining)
• Cooked‑to‑order breakfast is served daily (The Clements Hotel – dining)
• The bar offers a terrace area for outdoor seating (The Clements Hotel – dining)

Menu details and prices are available on the hotel’s official website and booking platforms.

Timeline of The Clements Hotel

• 1866 – Archibald Clements opens the first hotel in Cambridge on Duke Street (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• Late 1800s–early 1900s – Hotel experiences multiple fires; rebuilt each time (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• 13 November 1911 – Original hotel destroyed by fire (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• 30 October 1912 – Rebuilt Beaux‑Arts style hotel opens (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• 20th century – Hotel continues operating, undergoes renovations and ownership changes (The Clements Hotel – official history)
• Pre‑2026 – Renovated into luxury boutique hotel with restaurant and bar (The Clements Hotel official website)
• 2026 – Listed in Michelin guide for hotels (Michelin Guide)

The pattern: each fire and rebuild added a new layer to the hotel’s character, transforming it from a modest lodging into a landmark.

Why this matters: the lack of public ownership information makes it difficult for potential buyers or investors to assess the hotel’s corporate structure, but for guests, the experience is well‑documented.

“The original hotel offered travellers and settlers accommodation, dining and stables.”

Cambridge Museum (local history authority)

“The Clements Hotel is a luxury heritage boutique with modern comforts, listed in the 2026 Michelin guide for hotels.”

Michelin Guide New Zealand (international travel authority)

For more on New Zealand attractions, see our coverage of Kennedy Good Bridge Lower Hutt and Nga Manu Nature Reserve.

For anyone considering a stay at The Clements Hotel, the choice is clear: if you value heritage architecture and a central location in Cambridge, this hotel delivers. But if you prefer modern chain amenities and transparent corporate ownership, you may need to look elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the most common queries about the hotel’s policies and amenities.