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The Varsity Hotel & Spa

4.0 star property
Luxury hotel with 2 restaurants, near University of Cambridge

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Overlooking Cambridge City Centre, The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers a haven of relaxation. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage at Glassworks & Elemis Spa or unwind with free WiFi and breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace. With two on-site restaurants, a bar, and health club nearby University of Cambridge.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • 2 restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Breakfast available
  • Health club
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Free use of bicycles
  • Valet parking
  • Hot tub
  • 24-hour room service

Feel at home (6)

  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Private bathroom
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Coffee/tea maker
The current price is R2 878
R3 453 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov

Why we love this property

Spa sanctuary
A full-service spa offers aromatherapy, body treatments, and reflexology daily. Guests can unwind in the sauna or hot tub after workouts.
City centre style sanctuary
Designer touches define this luxury boutique hotel in the historic district. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city centre.
Dining options galore
This hotel boasts 2 restaurants and a bar for culinary adventure. Guests can start their day with a hearty buffet breakfast to fuel explorations.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Double Room (Graduates)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Double Room (Graduates)

9,0 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed (Fellows)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 1 King Bed (Fellows)

8,0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Senior Suite (Fellows)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Senior Suite (Fellows)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Senior Room, 1 Queen Bed (Fellows)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Senior Room, 1 Queen Bed (Fellows)

9,2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Senior Twin Room, 2 Single Beds (Fellows)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Senior Twin Room, 2 Single Beds (Fellows)

8,0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

Similar properties

Lobby
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 745 reviews
The price is R2 862
R3 434 total
includes taxes & fees
07 Dec - 08 Dec
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
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About the area

Map
24 Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, England, CB5 8AQ

What's nearby

  • University of Cambridge - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • The River Cam - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jesus College - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cambridge Corn Exchange - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • King's College - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Cambridge (CBG) - 15 min drive
  • Stansted Airport (STN) - 41 min drive
  • Cambridge North Station - 14 min drive
  • Foxton Station - 19 min drive
  • Cambridge Station - 29 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪The Maypole - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Byron's Bear - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fitzbillies - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Pickerel Inn - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Punter - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa features a rooftop terrace and puts you just steps from University of Cambridge. Guests can visit the spa to be pampered with deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or facials, and The River Bar and Grill, one of 2 restaurants, serves dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a bar/lounge, a health club, and a fitness center. The helpful staff and overall property condition get good marks from fellow travelers.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 44 rooms
    • Arranged over 6 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; check-in end time: anytime
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • On-site valet parking (GBP 33.00 per night)
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekends
  • 2 restaurants
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • 24-hour room service

What to do

  • Golfing nearby

Working away

  • Meeting room
  • Conference space (614 square feet)

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Free bicycle rentals

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2010
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Health club
  • Full-service spa
  • Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Steam room
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Elevator

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Tablet computer
  • DVD player
  • 32-inch Smart TV
  • Digital TV channels
  • Streaming services

Home comfort

  • Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding
  • Free crib/infant bed

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Local maps
  • Restaurant dining guide

Special features

Spa

Glassworks & Elemis Spa has 6 treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, and reflexology. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision.

Dining

The River Bar and Grill - This steakhouse serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Roof Terrace - Onsite bar.
SIX Bar & Brasserie - This brasserie serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately GBP 19.50 for adults and GBP 19.50 for children

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for GBP 50.0 per night

Parking

  • Valet parking costs GBP 33.00 per night

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, and window guards on site.
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, Eurocard, Barclaycard
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Guests who may encounter issues with stairs should contact this property in advance. Elevators are not available.

Also known as

Hotel Varsity
Varsity Cambridge
Varsity Hotel
Varsity Hotel Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel And Spa
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Hotel
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Hotel Cambridge

Frequently asked questions

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Varsity Hotel & Spa does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes. Valet parking costs GBP 33.00 per night.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at The Varsity Hotel & Spa and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as cycling. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and soothe your senses in the hot tub. The Varsity Hotel & Spa also has a sauna and a steam room.

Are there restaurants at or near The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants.

What's the area around The Varsity Hotel & Spa like?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa is in Cambridge City Centre, a short 1-minute walk from University of Cambridge and 3 minutes' walk from St. John's College.

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Reviews

The Varsity Hotel & Spa Reviews

8,8

Excellent

9,2

Cleanliness

9,2

Location

9,0

Staff & service

8,2

Eco-friendliness

8,8

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • The spa offered excellent massages and a range of facilities including a jacuzzi with a river view. (7 reviews)
  • Breakfast was consistently described as excellent, delicious, and with a wide choice. (6 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Service staff
Room
Location
Breakfast
Restaurant
View
Rooftop bar
Spa
Parking
Cities

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect place to stay in Cambridge city.
Sanchay, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely hotel

Ideal place in Cambridge, really central with incredible views from the terrace with coctails in hand! Really quiet and comfy. Loved it
SIMON, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel, staff and location
Robert, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location and friendly staff
Christopher, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great couple of nights in a perfect location to explore Cambridge. Staff excellent and nothing was too much trouble. Very quaint and charismatic hotel with good facilities. Spotlessly clean, couldn’t fault it
Susie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay in the centre of Cambridge not far from river and shopping. Brilliant views from the roof top bar and restaurant.
stephen, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Loved our stay there.. staff were polite and friendly customer service was brilliant z would highly recommend the varsity to anyone .
dawn, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Restaurant views lovely
Peter, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

all good - great city centre location
Jim, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place in Cambridge!

Outstanding location, facilities, staff. Very clean and spacious room. Lovely rooftop restaurant. Nice buffet breakfast.
Etta, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely Stay at The Varsity

I had an excellent stay at The Varsity. Clean and comfortable room with good facilities. Complimentary access to the spa was also nice to have.
Laura, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice hotel in a good location. Comfortable
Matthew, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Easy to get to
Emily, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely place with character

Lovely
Shauna, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice room with lovely Furniture. Helpful and friendly staff
Steve, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Close to the Punting. The attached steak Restaurant was amazing
Daryl, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic - The Varsity is an experience, not merely a place. Apart from all the comforts of a 5 star hotel, the atmosphere - generated by the artwork and well-crafted design themes of Cambridge academia and Grand Britannia - gives the visitor a sparkle to their stay. Traveling from my foreign field, I will return to this corner that is forever England.
Terry, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Maybe it was just had bad luck, could be a great hotel but was seriously lacking. Aircon and hot water stopped working in my room, but didn’t seem like an urgent matter to resolve, moved room after a protracted process. Six was a disappointment, service was seriously lacking with both food and drinks, staff seemed fair more interested in talking to one another.
richard, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Excellent stay. The room itself was good but the fixed shower head was rather high which allowed shower water to go over the shower screen. We informed the staff os this as an observation but it in no way spoiled our stay.

8/10 Very good

Meh

This is a pleasant hotel, and the staff were lovely but the decor and fittings are really quite tired. It was fine, I have no complaints; but I really didn't think it was the outstanding luxury hotel which other reviews seem to suggest.
Mark, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Room small for price paid, breakfast poor quality, heating didn't work, just one pack of biscuits and poor selection of tea and coffee in room
Simon, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

We were not informed when we checked in that there would be a £29 charge for valet parking. As there was a very high cost for the basic room you would think it would be included. Not staying there again.
Rashpal, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Lovely place very central. No parking available at property unless you pay £29 for additional parking. That is a a little hefty to be honest, and if you park in a residential bay outside, Phone is only £35.. breakfast is an additional cost after an already hefty room rate… £247.12 for one night.. without breakfast and without parking.. Nice central hotel- but circa £300 for a night away- is taking a liberty.. even if it did have a roll top bath 🛁
John, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

Wouldn’t bother

Travelled for a friends birthday. We paid over £260 for our room for the night, this did not include breakfast. The room was ok nothing great, the bed was so hard we slept terribly, the air con didn’t work, we opened the window and on the Sunday at 7am the rubbish collectors spent over 10 minutes collecting bottles and rubbish right below our window. We booked a pod on the roof for dinner at 8 and couldn’t get our table until 8.40 as the previous customers were still there. We didn’t get our mains until nearly 10.30 way to late for us to eat we were past being hungry at that point and we all barely ate. Such a shame. Breakfast service was just as bad, waited nearly 45 minutes for our breakfast, had to go up and ask to order coffees and teas. Wouldn’t be returning.
Nicola, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Hotel in need of some moderisation, simple things would improve the look and feel such as upgraded lighting in the room / bathroom and some usb sockets. Bed extremely noisy, and bottles being emptied into a skip at midnight and again at 0700 resulted in limited sleep. Only one biscuit and one set of toiletries provided despite a booking for two, all added to the annoyance and disappointment when spending £250 for a single night stay. Poor value for money, there are better options in Cambridge.
Paul, 1-night trip