The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photoThe Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Amenities photoThe Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Interior photo
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From192US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
-
Close to Cambridge Market Square
Great
8.5
8.4
/10
4.6
3.9
/5

Location

The Varsity Hotel & Spa is the only hotel in Cambridge situated along the River Cam, providing immediate access to punting tours through the historic Colleges. It is within walking distance of St John's, Trinity, Jesus, and Magdalene College, making it convenient for exploring Cambridge's renowned educational sites. Guests can enjoy easy access to King's, Christ's, and Gonville and Caius Colleges, all just a leisurely stroll away.

Dining

Dining options include the SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie, serving locally sourced dishes and crafted cocktails, along with striking views of the city skyline. Guests can also dine at the River Bar Steakhouse, featuring 28-day aged steak and seafood from its riverside terrace. Traditional Afternoon Tea is available, complete with fresh scones and a selection of gourmet teas, suitable for up to 120 guests.

Wellness

The hotel hosts an Elemis Spa that features a sauna, steam room, and a whirlpool hot tub overlooking the River Cam. Guests can partake in a variety of treatments, including massage and facials, tailored to ensure relaxation and rejuvenation. A fully equipped gym is available, providing the latest cardio and weights machines along with fitness classes for all ability levels.

Rooms

The Varsity Hotel consists of 48 uniquely designed rooms, each highlighting Cambridge's cultural heritage with distinctive artwork. Some rooms include amenities such as super king-size beds, underfloor heating, and free-standing bathtubs. The Senior Fellows Suite boasts a private terrace with views of St John's College Chapel, providing a luxurious experience.

Highlights

Location: Overlooking the River Cam, with easy punting access

Dining: Afternoon Tea and Steakhouse with river views

Wellness: Luxury Elemis Spa and fully equipped gym

Rooms: Boutique hotel with 48 unique cultural-themed rooms

“What stands out is the prime location, placing guests within easy reach of Cambridge's attractions. The rooftop bar and restaurant offer panoramic views that genuinely elevate the experience. Valet parking and a full-size gym and spa, unique in the city center, underscore the commitment to convenience and well-being.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Senior Fellows Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
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Facilities

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

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

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • CD player
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Dining Onsite

At The Varsity Hotel & Spa, a delightful tapestry of flavors awaits, combining British, French, Mediterranean, and Portuguese influences. With a chic modern ambiance and panoramic views of Cambridge, dining beckons both casual and elegant moments, from sumptuous breakfasts to intimate evening cocktails.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British, French, Mediterranean, Portuguese, Scottish
Ambiance
Modern setting with breathtaking views of the historic Cambridge skyline, just minutes from the tranquil Jesus Green.
Key Offerings
Indulge in a casual menu featuring pizzas and burgers alongside more aspirational options like chargrilled leg of saltmarsh lamb. High tea offers a charming selection of sandwiches, warm scones, homemade cakes, and specialty teas.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday: 5 PM - Midnight; Tuesday to Sunday: 12 PM - Midnight.

The Varsity Hotel & Spa Location

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
Map view
Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
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
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
Wildwood Restaurant
300 ft
27-28 Bridge Street
Cafe Rouge Cambridge
600 ft
24-26 Bridge Street
Costa Coffee
500 ft
1-2 Market Hill Grand Arcade
Prezzo - Cambridge
500 ft
32 Bridge Street
Cambridge Wine Merchants
500 ft
32 Bridge Street
Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
King's College Chapel
King's College Chapel
10-minute walk
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate fan vaulting.
Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market Square
8-minute walk
A vibrant hub filled with local vendors, selling fresh produce, crafts, and delicious street food.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
15-minute walk
Home to an impressive art and antiquities collection, offers free admission and occasional guided tours.
Trinity College
Trinity College
15-minute walk
One of the most famous colleges, featuring beautiful architecture and historical significance with stunning gardens.
Punting on the River Cam
10-minute walk
Guided punting tours available along scenic routes; perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Yoga Classes
15-minute walk
Relaxing yoga sessions offered at nearby studios; suitable for all skill levels with varying class times.
The Roof Terrace
The Roof Terrace
1-minute walk
Charming rooftop dining featuring modern British cuisine with lovely views, ideal for romantic dinners.
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
1-minute walk
Casual yet stylish atmosphere, specializing in steaks and grilled dishes; booking recommended.
Thaikhun Cambridge
Thaikhun Cambridge
1-minute walk
Authentic Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting, renowned for its street food-inspired dishes; vegetarian options available.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
15-minute walk
Offers a range of performances including plays, musicals, and comedy shows; family-friendly options available.
The Corner House
12-minute walk
A lively bar hosting quiz nights and live music; great for a casual night out with friends.
Getting around
City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)23 min  ·  1.2 mi
Airports
Cambridge (CBG)7 min  ·  2.8 mi
London Stansted (STN)76 min  ·  31.1 mi
Train
Cambridge Train Station28 min  ·  1.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:30-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby at GBP 33 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Polish
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
44

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Varsity Hotel & Spa from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Varsity Hotel & Spa is often praised for its beautiful location in central Cambridge, offering an ideal base for exploring the city and university. Many guests appreciate the spacious and comfortable rooms, with some noting great views, and others the modern bathrooms. The rooftop terrace, where guests enjoy dinner and breakfast, is a highlight for many, offering spectacular views; however, a few guests mentioned the lack of a proper lounge area. Dining at The River Bar Steakhouse is a popular experience, with recommendations for the mussels and steaks.
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Review score
Based on 528 verified reviews
8.5/10
Great
85%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Breakfast
7.4/10
Pros
Great location
Amazing food
Spa access
Cool views
Ideal location
Cons
Unpleasant staff
Guest reviews
based on 765 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The Varsity Hotel & Spa
Is air conditioning available in all rooms at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
15 November 2024
Yes, every room is equipped with air conditioning as a standard feature.
Can guests request twin bed configurations for their stay?
22 December 2024
Twin rooms are available under the Senior Fellow's Double or Twin Room category.
What are the parking options for guests visiting the hotel?
10 January 2025
While on-site parking is not offered, a valet parking service is available for £29 per car, covering from arrival until 5 PM the next day.
Are there any fees for using the gym and spa facilities if room booking is made?
05 February 2025
Access to the gym and spa facilities is included in all room rates, but treatments must be booked and paid for separately.
Can treatments at the spa be scheduled for Sundays?
20 March 2025
Yes, spa treatments are offered seven days a week, and current prices and availability can be checked on the website.
Is it possible to guarantee parking in advance when booking online?
14 April 2025
Valet parking can be arranged upon check-in, but advance reservations are not currently possible.
Can luggage be dropped off prior to checking into a room?
28 May 2025
Yes, luggage can be stored at reception if the room is not yet ready for check-in.
Are there rooms available that are near the hotel lift for accessibility?
09 June 2025
Accessible rooms are available and located near the lift, subject to availability.
Is there a gluten-free menu available at the on-site restaurants?
17 July 2025
Yes, numerous options are available to cater to gluten-free dietary needs across both restaurant menus.
What amenities are included for dog-friendly stays?
30 August 2025
Small dogs are accepted with an additional charge of £20 per night, and rooms for pets are allocated on the first floor.
What does the breakfast option include when booked with a room?
12 September 2025
Breakfast includes unlimited continental options along with one cooked item per person from the menu, such as a full English breakfast.
What is the arrangement for guests interested in using the valet parking service before check-in?
21 October 2025
Valet parking can be utilized before check-in, allowing guests to park their car early while they explore the area.

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