The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge , Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

Book on our site

Up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

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

The Varsity Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel in the heart of Cambridge, notable for its full-service gym and a luxurious spa featuring Elemis treatments. It offers unmatched views from its iconic Roof Terrace overlooking the historic skyline and the River Cam. Situated close to several renowned colleges, the hotel stands out as a sophisticated option for both relaxation and exploration.

Location

Located just 3 miles from Cambridge city center, the hotel is within walking distance of major attractions, including several university colleges. Guests can easily reach nearby tranquil spots like Jesus Green, while a valet parking service and complimentary bikes enhance transportation ease. The hotel’s proximity to the River Cam also provides opportunities for punting, a popular local activity.

Rooms

The hotel features 48 uniquely designed rooms, flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Many rooms also include private balconies that provide stunning views of the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and luxurious Elemis toiletries in unfussy bathrooms with monsoon showers or free-standing baths.

Eat & Drink

SIX Panoramic Bar and Brasserie serves a premium selection of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a varied cocktails menu. The River Bar Steakhouse specializes in high-quality steaks and fresh seafood, along with a casual dining option featuring pizzas and burgers. Guests can indulge in traditional or luxury Champagne afternoon tea, complete with freshly made cakes and sandwiches.

Leisure & Business

The hotel boasts a full gym and spa facilities, offering daily fitness classes and a range of bespoke spa services. Guests are encouraged to use the sauna, steam room, and SPA pool, all with views of the river. Event spaces are available for corporate gatherings or special occasions, enhanced by the sophisticated ambiance and panoramic views.

View all

Select your room type

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

Senior King Suite

Max:

2 persons

30 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

room details

Check Prices

Superior King Room

Max:

2 persons

22 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

room details

Check Prices

Double Room

Max:

2 persons

16 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

room details

Check Prices

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

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

Spacious Upgrade!

“We were pleasantly surprised with a generous room upgrade that provided us with ample space to relax and enjoy our stay.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast!

“Breakfast at the SIX restaurant was a delight, with a variety of tasty options that fueled our day perfectly.” view full review

Relaxing Spa Access

“The connection to the spa next door allowed us to unwind completely, making our stay incredibly refreshing and enjoyable.” view full review

Great In-Room Tech

“The large iMac in the room was a fun addition, even though the WiFi on my iPad was faster, it was still a unique feature to have.” 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
Baggage storage
Elevator
Barber shop
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
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

Cribs
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Spa & wellness center
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

street view

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

City landmarks

Museums

Fitzwilliam Museum

4100 ft

University

Trinity College

4000 ft

Church

King's College Chapel

2600 ft

Market

Cambridge Market Square

2100 ft

Bridges

Mathematical Bridge

3600 ft

Botanical Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

1.3 mi

Cambridge CB3 0RG

Castle Mound

2100 ft

University

University of Cambridge

2100 ft

Museums

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

4100 ft

Parks

Midsummer Common

3400 ft

King's Parade

King's College

2200 ft

CambridgeEngland

The River Cam

3400 ft

Parks

Parker's Piece

4400 ft

University

Pembroke College

3400 ft

Museums

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

Museums

University Museum Of Zoology

3000 ft

Parks

The Backs

4400 ft

Nearby

Parks

Jesus Green

1400 ft

St John's St

St John's College

600 ft

Museums

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 Cambridge

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

600 ft

24-26 Bridge Street

Prezzo - Cambridge

500 ft

32 Bridge Street

Cambridge Wine Merchants

500 ft

32 Bridge Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

76%

liked the hotel and would stay again

7.6/10

Very good

Rooms

7.8

Location

8.5

Service

8.7

Dining

7.5

Richard

United States of America, January 2024

8.2/10

The hotel was perfect for our one-night stay, although the view wasn't the best, it didn't bother us as we were out exploring during the day. The room was very small by any standard for £315 a night, but it was a lovely surprise.

Rooms

7.0

The room was small, but it was a lovely surprise. The view wasn't the best, but it didn't affect our overall experience.

Service

9.0

The staff were incredibly helpful, polite, and genuine in their desire to serve. They were attentive and quick to assist with any requests.

Location

8.0

The hotel is ideally placed for exploring Cambridge. It was a perfect base for us and we would definitely come back if we return to the area.

Dining

8.0

After spending north of £500 for one night's stay with dinner and Breakfast, the dining experience was lovely. The view from the restaurant was great, and the service was spotless.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were well-equipped and comfortable, providing everything we needed for a pleasant stay.

Mary

United Kingdom, December 2023

8.2/10

Although the street noise was disruptive early in the morning, the room itself was spacious and clean, offering necessary amenities. The service was exceptional, with friendly and helpful staff. The hotel's location in Cambridge was ideal for exploring the city's attractions, aided by a friendly team. The dining experience was satisfactory, though more meal options would enhance it. The facilities were well-maintained and convenient.

Rooms

7.0

The room was spacious and clean, but noise from the street in the morning was bothersome. I wished there was a bath due to the empty space.

Service

9.0

The staff, from reception to valet parking, were particularly pleasant and helpful. They made my stay enjoyable and stress-free.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location in Cambridge is perfect for exploring the city, offering wonderful views and easy access to various attractions.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was pleasant, but more meal choices would have been appreciated to enhance the overall experience.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were convenient and well-maintained, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.

Mary

United States of America, September 2023

8.0/10

My stay at the hotel was delightful. The rooms were incredibly intimate and cosy with beautiful decor, featuring a huge, comfortable bed with lovely cotton linen. The full tea and coffee making facilities were a nice touch. However, the views from the rooms didn't match the expectations set by the website. Overall, the rooms were spacious, well-equipped, and offered a good glimpse of the rooftops and surrounding area.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms certainly had the wow factor, especially with the large, extremely comfy bed and roll top bath.

Service

9.0

The service was top-notch. The staff catered well to my gluten and dairy intolerance, were attentive, and even loaded our car promptly.

Location

7.0

The location of the hotel was perfect for sightseeing in the city center. However, the noise from the glass recycling bin below some guest windows on Saturday night was a bit disruptive.

Dining

7.0

Dining options were good, and I especially enjoyed the Smashed Avocado on toast with Poached Eggs and the full English breakfast. Just a few minor observations for potential improvement.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel facilities were excellent, offering various services such as room service, dry cleaning, and valet parking.

Margaret

United Kingdom, July 2023

9.0/10

The hotel provided a large and comfortable room with a stunning view, including a complimentary bottle of Prosecco for our anniversary. The decor throughout the hotel was impressive. The location was central, offering easy access to various attractions, along with a peaceful ambiance away from the city's hustle and bustle. The dining experience offered a delicious variety of continental options, although some improvements could be made in the variety of choices. Overall, a great stay with a few minor drawbacks.

Rooms

9.0

The room was large, comfortable, and had a stunning view.

Service

9.0

The staff were brilliant, attentive to our requests and extremely helpful throughout our stay.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location was very centrally situated, making it convenient to explore the city's attractions and near the river for punting.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was delicious, offering a great choice of continental options.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel's facilities were top-notch, adding to the overall comfort of our stay.

Michael

United States of America, July 2023

8.2/10

I had an incredible stay at this hotel. The rooms lacked nothing and the unique bath in the middle added a special touch. The views over Cambridge were simply breathtaking. The room had the wow factor, being extremely intimate and cozy with beautiful decor, a huge bed with lovely cotton linen, and an extremely comfortable mattress and pillows. However, the experience was slightly dampened by noisy air-conditioning units.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were extremely intimate and cozy with beautiful decor. The huge bed, lovely cotton linen, and comfortable mattress and pillows made for a restful stay.

Service

7.0

The service was top-notch right from the moment we arrived. The staff even parked our car promptly and with a charming touch, wearing a bowler hat. However, some staff members could be a bit rude and uninterested, especially when it came to providing a positive exit experience.

Location

8.0

The location of the hotel is perfect, just a few minutes' walk from the main colleges and the shopping center. It offers a beautiful view and the dinner experience was truly wonderful. However, the parking situation can be awkward, and the hotel charges £19.50 per night for parking, which could be a downside.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was delightful with a continental breakfast option. The staff was very attentive and accommodating, providing a nice variety of choices. It would have been even better if there were more breakfast options, especially a full English breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were great, especially the spa where I enjoyed a wonderful massage and facial by Faye. Additionally, the hotel surprised me with a lovely hand-written birthday message from the manager.

Jack

United Kingdom, May 2023

7.6/10

The hotel had its ups and downs. The rooms were comfortable but a bit noisy due to the location overlooking the bins. The service was outstanding, with a friendly and lovely staff. The location was top-notch, allowing easy access to all of Cambridge's main attractions. The dining experience was a mix of disappointment and satisfaction. Overall, the stay was pleasant with a few minor hiccups.

Rooms

7.0

The room, once we got in, was comfortable though a tad noisy due to the bin area outside. The upgrade to the superior king room didn't seem justified for the £195 paid.

Service

9.0

The service, especially as a couple with my girlfriend, was absolutely amazing. The staff were friendly, very clean, and the location was great.

Location

9.0

The location was excellent, close to all major attractions. Punting on the Cam just around the corner added to the charm of being in the center of Cambridge.

Dining

6.0

The breakfast was a mix of disappointment and satisfaction. Limited choices led us to opt for a la carte, and service took longer than expected. However, there were some good options available.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel facilities need a bit of work but overall were satisfactory.