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
04Jun2026Select date
Check-out
05Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Featuring a restaurant and a barber shop, the 4-star The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge lies within 5 minutes' walk of the roomy park "Jesus Green". This Cambridge hotel is within reach of the Midsummer Common and provides guests with a steam room, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.

Location

The all-women Murray Edwards College is about 1 km from the hotel, while the King's College Chapel is only 0.8 km from the location. The nearby cultural sights are the University - run Kettle's Yard Art Gallery (600 metres) and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science (1.2 km).

The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge also gives quick access to the constituent Magdalene College, located just 10 minutes' walk away.

The accommodation is only a few steps from Bridge Street bus stop.

Rooms

The hotel features 44 rooms with high-speed internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.

Eat & Drink

Guests can enjoy the rooftop bar on premises. Nearby restaurants, including Six is a few moments from The Varsity Hotel & Spa.

Leisure & Business

The property’s pool area has a hot tub. While staying at this accommodation, make sure you visit a wellness centre or indulge in a head massage, a couples' massage, and a foot massage.

“In my opinion, the hotel's central location is a genuine advantage, placing guests within easy reach of Cambridge's highlights. I appreciate that the bespoke spa day experiences, including lunch or afternoon tea, add a layer of indulgence to any stay. From what I gathered, the rooftop terrace offers unparalleled views, making it a standout feature.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Double Room
2 persons
16 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
King Room
2 persons
19 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Superior King Room
2 persons
22 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Senior Fellows Twin Room
2 persons
22 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • 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
  • 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, dining options create an inviting selection that brings together British, French, and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy meals crafted for every palate, complemented by stunning views of the historic Cambridge skyline, all in a modern and stylish setting.
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 captivating views of the historic Cambridge skyline, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Highlights include a casual menu featuring pizzas, lasagne, and burgers, alongside more refined dishes like chargrilled saltmarsh lamb. Guests can indulge in traditional or luxury Champagne afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, warm scones, homemade cakes, and a selection of specialty teas.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktail hour; hours vary by day.

Hotel 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
410 m
St John's St
St John's College
160 m
Museum
Museum of Cambridge
560 m
University
Magdalene College
240 m
University
Trinity Hall Cambridge
220 m
University
Gonville and Caius College
530 m
University
Sidney Sussex College
540 m
Gallery
Kettle's Yard
560 m
Restaurants
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
60 m
3 Thompsons Lane Quayside
The Roof Terrace
40 m
24 Thompsons Lane The Varsity Hotel & Spa
Thaikhun Cambridge
80 m
3-5 Quayside
The Punt Yard
70 m
6-8 Quayside
Wildwood Restaurant
80 m
27-28 Bridge Street
Cafe Rouge Cambridge
160 m
24-26 Bridge Street
Costa Coffee
150 m
1-2 Market Hill Grand Arcade
Prezzo - Cambridge
130 m
32 Bridge Street
Cambridge Wine Merchants
150 m
32 Bridge Street
Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Explore Cambridge
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
King's College Chapel
King's College Chapel
10-minute walk
An iconic Gothic chapel featuring stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
15-minute walk
Home to a rich collection of art and antiquities, offering free admission and guided tours.
Trinity College
Trinity College
15-minute walk
One of Cambridge's most prestigious colleges, recognized for its historical significance and stunning grounds.
Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market Square
8-minute walk
A vibrant hub with local stalls and shops, perfect for experiencing coffee and fresh produce.
Punting on the River Cam
13-minute walk
A scenic activity suitable for thrill-seekers, providing views of local landmarks from the river.
Jesus Green Park
5-minute walk
A serene park ideal for relaxation or leisurely strolls, featuring beautiful greenery and open spaces.
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
1-minute walk
Welcoming atmosphere featuring grilled specialties; great for a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
Thaikhun Cambridge
Thaikhun Cambridge
1-minute walk
Authentic Thai cuisine in vibrant surroundings, known for its street food-style dishes and vegetarian options.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
15-minute walk
A popular venue for theatrical performances and comedy shows, appealing to all ages.
The Boathouse
15-minute walk
A lively bar with scenic riverside views, known for its vibrant atmosphere and occasional live music.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)23 min  ·  1.9 km
Airports
Cambridge (CBG)7 min  ·  4.5 km
London Stansted (STN)76 min  ·  50.1 km
Train
Cambridge Train Station28 min  ·  2.3 km
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m
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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 enjoys a fabulous location, right in the center of Cambridge and near the river Cam, making it easy to walk to many sights. Many guests appreciate the spacious, clean rooms with modern bathrooms, some even enjoying lovely views from their balconies. The Six bar is frequently mentioned for its amazing food, great cocktails, and fabulous city views, though a few guests have noted that drinks can be pricey. The hotel's spa facilities also get high marks as a lovely place to relax.
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Review score
Based on 609 verified reviews
8.5/10
Great
84%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Breakfast
7.4/10
Pros
Good location
Clean room
Excellent breakfast
Cons
Uncomfortable pillows
Guest reviews
based on 609 reviews
8.5/10
based on 763 reviews
8.5/10
Jackson from United States
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 08, 2026
9/10
super clean bathtubcleaning service
the double room was lovely and super clean the bathtub was also super clean i liked the efficient cleaning service. breakfast choices were varied and ample it was also delicious in a lovely setting
i noticed the gym lacked certain amenities
0 Helpful
Liam from United Kingdom
Couple
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 05, 2026
7/10
elemis productscomfortable beddry porridgesausage sandwich
i booked a king room it was spacious the beautiful views of the rooftops amazed me the bed was really comfortable there were extra amenities like robes and loads of elemis products
breakfast was not perfect i wanted a sausage sandwich but they could not do that the porridge was very dry it seemed like it had been sitting a long time
0 Helpful
Cameron from United Kingdom
Single
king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 25, 2025
9/10

really good stay!

river locationfriendly staffupgraded room
I really liked the location next to the river cam. it was a short walk to the city center. the staff was super friendly and even upgraded my room. It was roomy and clean. i will recommend this hotel to anyone.
0 Helpful
Sawyer from United States
Couple
King Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 24, 2025
9/10

Satisfied stay

warm welcomecomfortable bed
The reception provided a warm welcome. The valet parking service was convenient for GBP 30 per day.. I found the room to be well-designed with a comfortable bed.
0 Helpful
John from United States
Couple
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 23, 2025
6/10
great locationexpensive breakfast
The location was great, the staff were cute, and food was nice.
The view from my room was not good considering THE amount of money i paid. Breakfast was also too expensive. I ended up going to a cheaper place instead.
0 Helpful
Neil from Australia
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 17, 2025
6/10

Underwhelming stay. Needs improvement

easy accessoutdated decorlimited toiletries
The location was good. It provided easy access to the city center.
The room felt quite basic and outdated. The decor seemed tired, and the promised Elemis toiletries were very limited. There was only hand soap. The noise from outside early in the morning disrupted any chance of a peaceful rest.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Varsity Hotel & Spa
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Check-in is from 15:30 and check-out is by 11:00.
What fitness facilities are offered at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel features a full-sized gym, fitness classes, and a spa with a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool hot tub overlooking the River Cam.
What dining options are available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The on-site SIX Panoramic Brasserie and The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill offer a range of locally sourced dishes.
Which landmarks are close to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Kings College Chapel, Trinity College, and Cambridge Castle are within a 1 km radius.
What room amenities can guests expect at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, LCD TVs, and coffee/tea making facilities.
How far is The Varsity Hotel & Spa from Cambridge train station?
The hotel is located 2 km from Cambridge train station.
What is the unique feature of the roof terrace at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The roof terrace provides spectacular views of the Cambridge skyline and is available for hosting events.
Is breakfast available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
What are the spa services available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments including massages and facials, as well as access to spa facilities.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room