The Varsity Hotel & Spa | Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) ★ Book Spa Rooms, Wellness Deals & Guest Reviews

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Key details

About the Hotel

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ

“The hotel is perfectly situated just a short walk from St John's College and the scenic Cam, making it easy to immerse yourself in the charm of Cambridge.”view full review

The Varsity Hotel & Spa, a 4-star boutique hotel, features spa facilities, a full-size gym, and a unique Roof Terrace that provides exceptional views over the Cambridge skyline and river. It offers boutique-style accommodations with modern amenities and classic elegance.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms and suites at The Varsity Hotel & Spa feature unique designs celebrating the cultural heritage of Cambridge. Amenities include fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, air conditioning, and luxurious Elemis toiletries. Certain rooms offer stunning views of historic landmarks like King's College Chapel and some have private balconies.

Dining Options

Dining options include the SIX Panoramic Brasserie serving dishes from a wood stone oven and the River Bar Steakhouse offering grilled meats and fresh fish, both with scenic views. Guests can enjoy a selection of traditional or luxury champagne afternoon tea. Casual dining options include pizzas, pasta, and more aspirational dishes.

Leisure & Fitness

Leisure amenities consist of the Elemis spa, complete with a whirlpool hot tub overlooking the river, sauna, and steam room. Guests have access to complimentary bicycles for exploring nearby attractions, including punting on the River Cam. The hotel also hosts fitness classes and provides personal trainers for tailored workout plans.

Business & Services

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers business facilities with meeting rooms equipped for up to 60 attendees. Located conveniently in proximity to several colleges, key attractions like the Fitzwilliam Museum and Jesus Green park are within walking distance. Airport transfers and valet parking services are also available for guests.

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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

Max:

2 persons

175 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

room details

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King Room

Max:

2 persons

205 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

room details

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Superior King Room

Max:

2 persons

240 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

room details

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Price and Room Availability

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Getting around

Comprehensive guide to transport options for seamless travel

City Centre

Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) 1.2 mi

Airports

Cambridge (CBG) 2.8 mi

London Stansted (STN) 31.1 mi

Train

Cambridge Train Station 1.4 mi

Bus

Bus stop700 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Ultimate Relaxation

“The spa services were heavenly, with a rejuvenating full-body massage that melted away all my stress.” view full review

Amazing Views

“The rooftop terrace provided stunning panoramic views of the city, making it the perfect spot for an evening cocktail.” view full review

Stress-Free Parking

“Opting for the valet parking was a game-changer; it was seamless and saved us from searching for a parking spot.” view full review

Impressive Amenities

“The room had a tablet for room service and spa bookings, making our stay incredibly convenient and enjoyable.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Barber shop
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Cycling
Tennis
Sports trainer

Services

Valet parking
Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player

Location

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ

Map view

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ

City landmarks

Museum

Fitzwilliam Museum

4100 ft

University

Trinity College

4000 ft

Church

King's College Chapel

2600 ft

Market

Cambridge Market Square

2100 ft

Bridge

Mathematical Bridge

3600 ft

Botanical Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

1.3 mi

Landmark

Castle Mound

2100 ft

University

University of Cambridge

2100 ft

Museum

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

4100 ft

Park

Midsummer Common

3400 ft

Landmark

King's College

2200 ft

Landmark

The River Cam

3400 ft

Park

Parker's Piece

4400 ft

University

Pembroke College

3400 ft

Museum

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

4100 ft

University

Corpus Christi College

3100 ft

University

St Catharine's College

2900 ft

University

Emmanuel College

3000 ft

University

Queen's College

3600 ft

Church

Great St Mary's Church

2100 ft

Museum

University Museum Of Zoology

3000 ft

Park

The Backs

4400 ft

Nearby

Park

Jesus Green

1400 ft

St John's St

St John's College

600 ft

Museum

Museum of Cambridge

1900 ft

University

Magdalene College

800 ft

University

Trinity Hall Cambridge

800 ft

University

Gonville and Caius College

1800 ft

University

Sidney Sussex College

1800 ft

Gallery

Kettle's Yard

1900 ft

Restaurants

River Bar Steakhouse & Grill

200 ft

3 Thompsons Lane Quayside

Las Iguanas

400 ft

Quayside

The Roof Terrace

200 ft

24 Thompsons Lane The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Thaikhun Cambridge

300 ft

3-5 Quayside

The Punt Yard

300 ft

6-8 Quayside

Cote Brasserie

400 ft

21-24 Bridge Street

Wildwood Restaurant

300 ft

27-28 Bridge Street

Cafe Rouge Cambridge

600 ft

24-26 Bridge Street

Prezzo - Cambridge

500 ft

32 Bridge Street

Cambridge Wine Merchants

500 ft

32 Bridge Street

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.

88%

loved their spa retreat and can’t wait to return.

Stunning views

Outstanding service

Limited breakfast options

Cleanliness issues

8.8/10

Great

Rooms

8.5

Location

9.6

Service

10.0

Dining

7.6

Sebastian

United Kingdom, February 2025

8.2/10

I had a wonderful stay at The Varsity Hotel, with stunning views and friendly staff who truly enhanced my experience. The room was beautiful and spacious, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. However, the breakfast options were lacking, especially considering the price, which felt a bit high given the overall experience. Still, the unique design of my room added a special touch to my visit.

Rooms

8.0

The room was beautifully designed with large windows overlooking the area, making it feel both spacious and modern. However, some basic amenities were missing, which was disappointing.

Service

10.0

The staff provided outstanding service, accommodating all my needs with a smile and going above and beyond to ensure I had a pleasant stay.

Location

9.0

The location is fabulous, just a short walk from the city center and attractions while still feeling peaceful, perfectly balancing convenience with tranquility.

Dining

7.0

While the food at Six was beautifully presented and delicious, the breakfast selection was somewhat limited and the additional charges for hot items felt a bit excessive.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel's facilities were generally good, especially the spa, but there were some cleanliness issues in the dining area that could be improved.

Stunning views

Limited breakfast options

Juliet

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.4/10

I had an outstanding experience at this hotel in the heart of the city. The panoramic rooftop bar is a highlight, offering stunning views and delicious drinks. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. The only drawback was that the location can be a bit busy at times. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a luxurious stay.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were beautifully designed and offered a peaceful retreat. Ours featured a massive bath, and we even received a complimentary upgrade, which was a lovely surprise.

Service

10.0

The service throughout my stay was exceptional. The attentive staff made every effort to accommodate our needs, from helping with our luggage to ensuring our car was ready on time.

Location

10.0

Perfectly situated in the central heart of the city, the location was fantastic for exploring and dining options were plentiful. Being close to a park was an added bonus for leisurely walks.

Dining

9.0

Breakfast was exceptional, offering a variety of options, including the best poached eggs I've ever had. The rooftop bar also served delicious drinks with a view.

Facilities

9.0

The spa facilities were a fantastic addition, offering relaxed treatments that perfectly complemented my stay. The rooftop terrace was also a great spot to unwind.

Jade

United Kingdom, September 2024

8.8/10

I had a wonderful stay at the Varsity Hotel & Spa, where the luxurious accommodations and friendly staff truly made my experience memorable. The rooftop terrace offered spectacular views, and the spa services were a delightful indulgence. However, the noise from nearby kitchens was a downside at times, and while the dining options were good, I felt that breakfast could have offered slightly more variety.

Rooms

Service

10.0

The service was top-notch; every staff member I encountered was attentive and made me feel special throughout my stay.

Location

9.0

The location is excellent for those looking to explore Cambridge, situated just minutes from the city center yet peaceful enough for a good night's rest.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was enjoyable; the food delicious and with options to upgrade breakfast for more choices, although it wasn't extensive enough for my taste.

Facilities

9.0

The spa was a fantastic facility, providing relaxing treatments that perfectly complemented the overall hotel experience.

Victoria

United Kingdom, September 2024

9.2/10

This hotel is an absolute gem! The staff goes above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere, and the spa facilities are top-notch. The rooftop terrace with stunning views is a huge highlight, making it perfect for evening drinks. However, some dining options could be improved, particularly the breakfast pricing. Overall, it's a luxurious stay with excellent service in the heart of Cambridge.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are beautifully decorated, featuring high-quality amenities that ensure a comfortable stay.

Service

10.0

Service was outstanding, with staff being attentive and eager to assist, especially during check-in.

Location

10.0

The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the best of Cambridge on foot.

Dining

8.0

Dining in the rooftop restaurant was an unforgettable experience with delicious food, though there's room for improving the breakfast inclusivity.

Facilities

9.0

The spa facilities were exceptional, with a variety of treatments available to help guests unwind.

Mason

United Kingdom, September 2024

8.8/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel with its modern facilities and stunning rooftop views. The service was exceptional, particularly from the staff who went above and beyond. On the downside, parking is limited to hotel guests, which can be a bit inconvenient. The dining experience was delightful but could be improved with more variety at breakfast.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were lovely with unique designs, and I especially appreciated the spacious bathroom. However, our room had a view overlooking an office building, which was a bit disappointing considering the beautiful surroundings outside.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding; the staff was attentive and genuinely friendly, making my stay feel special.

Location

10.0

The location is perfect, just a short walk to the River Cam and the main colleges, making it easy to explore the area.

Dining

7.0

Dining was a pleasant experience with great food quality, but the breakfast options could use a bit more variety for a more fulfilling start to the day.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel features a beautiful rooftop terrace that's perfect for drinks and provides breathtaking views over the city. The spa facilities were also lovely, though I had hoped for a bit more from the experience.