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8.2

848 reviews

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Thompson's Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AQ, United Kingdom

Choose dates to view prices

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Steam room

Free spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa is a 4-star stay in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Located about 0.7mi from the city center, the hotel sits on Thompson's Lane for easy access to the area.

Prices start from $333, and the property has 848 reviews, reflecting a steady stream of traveler impressions and stories from this Cambridge spot.

Amenities on offer include Spa/Wellness packages, Spa (free), Sauna (free), Steam room, Streaming service (like Netflix), Fitness center (free), Wifi (free), Restaurant, Bar, Terrace, 24-hour front desk, Non-smoking rooms, Elevator, Room service, Private Parking (extra charges), and Pet Friendly (extra charges).

On-site dining is a standout, with Restaurant #1 offering a Modern ambience and a menu that spans British, French, Mediterranean, Portuguese, and Russian influences. A sleek Bar complements the dining scene, and a Terrace invites al fresco moments after a day of exploring Cambridge.

Wellness and modern conveniences are well covered: Spa and Wellness packages, Spa (free), Sauna (free), and Steam room, plus a Fitness center (free) and free Wifi. A Streaming service (like Netflix) adds a cozy night in, and a 24-hour front desk, elevator access, and room service cater to convenience. Pets are allowed on request with charges that may apply, and private parking is available for an extra fee.

Accommodations span a range from the Standard Room (Double, 172 sqft) accommodating 4 adults and 3 children, to a King Room (205 sqft) with a King bed accommodating 4 adults and 3 children. Notable options include the Senior Fellows Suite (King bed) and the Suite (Queen bed) that accommodates up to 8 adults and 5 children. Payment methods include Cash, Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Maestro.

Closest airports

London Stansted Airport

23mi

Luton Airport

31.1mi

London City Airport

48.8mi

London Heathrow Airport

56.7mi

Norwich International Airport

58.7mi

Most popular amenities

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Steam room

Free spa

Air conditioning

Sauna

Bar

Sun deck

Terrace

Personal trainer

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Free toiletries

Rooms

Double Room in The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Show 6 photos

Standard Room

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

Wifi

Flat-screen TV

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Tea/Coffee maker

x4

+

x3

More details

These individually designed rooms have a double bed and luxurious Elemis toiletries.

King Room in The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Show 7 photos

King Room

1 King Size Bed

205 sqft

Wifi

Flat-screen TV

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Tea/Coffee maker

x4

+

x3

More details

These rooms have a king-size bed, are individually designed and include luxurious Elemis toiletries.

Senior Fellows Suite in The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Show 6 photos

Senior Fellows Suite

1 King Size Bed

325 sqft

Wifi

Flat-screen TV

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

The suite features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit has 1 bed.

Senior Fellows Twin Room  in The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Show 4 photos

Senior Fellows, 2 Twin Beds

2 Twin Beds

235 sqft

Wifi

Flat-screen TV

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

The twin room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit has 2 beds.

Superior King Room in The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Show 10 photos

Superior, King Size

1 Queen Size Bed

235 sqft

Wifi

Flat-screen TV

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Show 6 photos

Senior Suite

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Show 5 photos

Senior, 2 Twin Beds

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Senior Fellows Super, King Size

1 King Size Bed

More details

Fellows, King Size

1 King Size Bed

More details

Senior Fellows, Queen Size

1 Queen Size Bed

More details

Suite

1 Queen Size Bed

x8

+

x5

More details

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Guest reviews

8.2

848 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Liz

8.2

June 2025

The location is superb. Easy walking distance into town/cafes and restaurants, the river and colleges. Valet parking is another huge advantage. The restaurant and rooftop bar are key features and made our stay very special. Panoramic views and great service. Cocktails and meals delicious. The rooms are comfortable and clean and staff really welcoming and helpful.

The only small criticism is the lack of any lounge/ seating area as you enter. Reception is quite small and whilst there is a comfortable two seater sofa there isn’t a space to relax downstairs before/after heading out for the day.

🇬🇧

Sarah

8.2

April 2025

The room was very comfortable and spacious. It was also nice and quite and we slept well. The hotel was well located to explore the city from. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful.

The showerscreen didn't really cover the shower and so felt near impossible to use it without flooding the bathroom. I was a little disappointed by the spa as it was rather small and felt quite crowded. I was also dissappointed with the restaurant. The food was nice enough, but overpriced for what it was and service felt perfunctory and I expected more for the price we were paying. I think with the restaurant you are really paying for the lovely view, rather than the whole dining experience.

🇬🇧

Sidney

10

April 2025

Me and wife had a fantastic stay at this hotel. The location was perfect, close to everything we needed, with easy access to local attractions and transport links. The hotel itself was spotless and well maintained, and the atmosphere was welcoming from the moment we arrived. The staff were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable throughout our stay. A special thank you for the lovely birthday cake left in the room, such a thoughtful touch that really made the experience feel personal and memorable. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cambridge . Great service, great location, and an all around enjoyable stay. Will definitely be coming back.

🇨🇦

Chris

9.1

January 2025

Room was excellent - lovely panoramic views of the Cambridge Meadows and spires. Lots of room, quality mattress and sheets - quiet and comfortable. Couldn't enjoy breakfast as jet lag took hold and we missed it - and when we did try the restaurant it was closed for 'deep cleaning'. However it did re-open a little later but again the ship had sailed by then and we went to a local pub of which there are many. It's a lovely hotel, boutique style, but we didn't really get to enjoy it for the one night. Great location though!

Parking was non existent unless you paid for valet - so be it. Other than that pleasant and charming downtown location.

🇬🇧

Ellie

8.2

February 2025

The balcony was amazing. The room was lovely. The staff were polite and helpful. The location was OK.

The view had a massive crane outside my window. Also road works started making so much noise about 9am in the morning. Everytime someone shut there room door, it made a loud noise in our room and it made our door shake. So we barely slept as we kept thinking someone was trying to open our door. There was so much noise all night. Between 1am-9am. Was ridiculous. We had a coffee machine that didn't even work. I paid £311 for the night and it definitely wasn't worth the money

🇬🇧

Sellberg

8.2

November 2024

Lovely hotel room. Very spacious, clean and comfortable.

Location very awkward to get to by car. Signs all around the surrounding routes saying only buses and taxis can use road. Very confusing, meaning I drove around for ages trying to figure it out- as did my friend in a different vehicle. Got there and there was no hotel parking unless you pay £33 for valet. This meant the total spend on a double room for 1 night (2 people sharing) was £400. That didn't include breakfast. Rooftop terrace also closed due to bad weather. Overall a lovely little boutique hotel but too pricy in my opinion.

🇬🇧

Carla

9.1

October 2024

Lovely hotel, staff were excellent, was given a free upgrade upon check in which has NEVER happened before so really happy about that! Gorgeous suite with huge bath in room, so clean, so light and airy, slept like babies! Decided not to leave the room as it was so nice, ordered room service from Six, mostly the food was great but the pizza could’ve been better! Overall, throughly enjoyed and would definitely return! Only downside was the access to the spa is outside the hotel so you have to leave through the main entrance to get there which put me off so didn’t use the spa!

Spa access is via the main entrance

🇬🇧

Sarah

9.1

March 2024

It was a gorgeous room. Very clean throughout. Absolutely loved having a nice big bath. The staff were very helpful and friendly.

Only a couple of things. Wouldn't usually even mention them, but for the price, should have been better. Our welcome information mentioned using the tablet provided to find more local information, see a more detailed list of services, food/drink available, play games etc. However, we didn't have a tablet. We did mention it and a lovely lady came to our room and was apologetic that it had mysteriously disappeared! I expected them to provide another one but it seemed to have been forgotten. My daughter was hungry on arrival and homed in on the sweets and crisps. I then noticed that they were priced at £4.95 each. I felt that after paying £360 for a 2 night, room only stay, this was a bit steep.

🇬🇧

Lorna

8.2

July 2024

This hotel is very well situated for visiting Cambridge central, although the room was more basic than expected for the price. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We ate in the Six restaurant and the food and service were good and we enjoyed a drink on the rooftop bar - the views were great, although the drinks were pricey!

For the price paid, the room was smaller and more basic than expected and we were looking straight into an alley with very loud air con engines outside. The pillows were also very uncomfortable and whilst alternatives were provided when we asked at reception, they were of the same quality!

🇬🇧

Morgana

8.2

September 2024

We absolutely loved our room it was spacious and comfortable and we were even left a birthday cake and welcome card for my partner who’s birthday we were celebrating. The location is fantastic and just along the river where the views are stunning and there is everything you could possibly need a short walk away! The rooftop bar is a lovely addition to have drinks on and all the staff in the restaurant and hotel were welcoming.

We thought it was quite expensive to use the valet for one night despite it being extremely useful to us. We didn’t realise the spa is separate to the hotel and is open to the public.

Points of Interest Around The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Attractions

River Cam

0.1mi

Bridge of Sighs

0.2mi

Trinity College

0.2mi

King's College

0.4mi

King's College Chapel

0.4mi

University of Cambridge

0.4mi

Mathematical Bridge

0.6mi

Queens' College

0.6mi

Fitzwilliam Museum

0.7mi

London Stansted Airport (STN)

22.7mi

Fossils Galore

23.3mi

Panacea Museum

25.2mi

London Luton Airport (LTN)

31mi

Restaurants

Restaurant #1

Cuisines

  • British
  • French
  • Mediterranean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian

Ambiances

  • Modern

Amenities of The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Free wifi

Room service

Fitness center

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Steam room

Free spa

Air conditioning

Sauna

Bar

Sun deck

Terrace

Personal trainer

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Free toiletries

Stay rules - The Varsity Hotel & Spa

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Can I bring my pet to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, you can stay with your pet at The Varsity Hotel & Spa. They allow pets on request, although there may be additional charges.

When are the check-in and check-out times for The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

The designated check-in period at The Varsity Hotel & Spa begins at 03:30 PM. As for check-out, it's before 11:00 AM.

Is there parking available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers private parking at a nearby location for £33 per day. You do not need to make a reservation for parking.

How much does a stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa cost?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa has a starting price of $333 for accommodations. Do remember that actual rates might deviate based on the room and date. Insert your dates for a detailed price view.

What types of rooms does The Varsity Hotel & Spa offer?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers a variety of room types including Double Rooms, King Rooms, Twin Rooms, Superior King Rooms, and Senior Fellows Suites. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms. The rooms vary in size, with the smallest being 172 sqft and the largest being 323 sqft. Each room accommodates 2 adults and 1 child, with the bed sizes ranging from Double to King and Queen size.

What is there to do in The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers a variety of leisure amenities to ensure that guests can make the most of their stay. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the spa, which offers wellness packages, a steam room, hot tub/jacuzzi, sauna, spa lounge/relaxation area, and various spa facilities. For those looking to stay active, the hotel has a fully equipped fitness center, fitness classes, and personal trainers available. The sun deck provides a picturesque spot for guests to unwind and enjoy the views. Additionally, guests have the option to rent bicycles and explore the surrounding area through cycling.

When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy the convenience of having Restaurant #1 located on site.

Are there restaurants located within The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

The provided data does not list any facts about the specific on-site restaurants at The Varsity Hotel & Spa.

What methods of payment does The Varsity Hotel & Spa accept?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa accepts multiple methods of payment including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Maestro. Additionally, they also accept cash as a form of payment.