Welcome to The Varsity Hotel & Spa – Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)

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From192US$ /night
Check-in
10Mar2026Select date
Check-out
11Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
-
Close to King's College
Great
8.4
8.3
/10
4.8
3.9
/5

Location

The Varsity Hotel & Spa is centrally located, being the closest Cambridge hotel to St John's, Trinity, Jesus, and Magdalene College. Guests can view King's, Christ's, Queens', Gonville and Caius, Clare, and Corpus Christi Colleges during a leisurely walk from the hotel. The proximity to local attractions also includes easy access to punting on the River Cam.

Dining

Dining options include the SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie and River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, offering a wide range of dishes. The SIX, located on the 6th floor, serves delicious meals from a wood stone oven and grill while offering panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy traditional afternoon tea with a selection of hand-made cakes and fresh sandwiches, all complemented by a special tea selection.

Wellness

The hotel features an Elemis Spa that includes a sauna, steam room, and a whirlpool hot tub with views overlooking the River Cam. A fully equipped gym and a variety of daily fitness classes are available for guests. Customized spa days or half days can be arranged, including massages, manicures, and other body treatments.

Accommodations

The hotel has 48 uniquely designed rooms, celebrating the cultural heritage of Cambridge. Senior Fellows Suites include a private terrace and stunning views of St John's College Chapel, with some rooms featuring Victorian free-standing bathtubs. All accommodations come with modern amenities such as smart TVs and complimentary bicycles.

Amenities

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers complimentary bike rentals, making it easy for guests to explore the historic city. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views and is available for private events, offering a memorable space for gatherings. Valet parking is available for guests to simplify their arrival and departure.

Highlights

Location: closest Cambridge hotel to St John's .

Dining: SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie .

Wellness: Elemis Spa .

Accommodations: Senior Fellows Suites .

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the historic King's College Chapel for stunning architecture.
  • Explore the botanical gardens for a peaceful natural retreat.
  • Savor a traditional cream tea at the Cambridge Blue pub.
  • Wander through the picturesque Backs for gorgeous river views.
  • Check out the Fitzwilliam Museum for exquisite art collections.
View all

Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
King Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Senior Fellows Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
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Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review 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

The Varsity Hotel & Spa presents a delightful culinary landscape that embraces British, French, and Mediterranean influences, perfect for any occasion. Guests can savor exquisite dishes while enjoying stunning views of the historic Cambridge skyline, making each meal an enchanting experience.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo

SIX Panoramic Brasserie

Casual British, French, Mediterranean
Ambiance
Modern brasserie with panoramic views of Cambridge
Key Offerings
A casual menu featuring pizzas, lasagne, and gourmet options like chargrilled leg of saltmarsh lamb. Afternoon tea includes sandwiches, warm scones, and homemade cakes, complemented by specialty teas.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, High Tea, Cocktail Hour

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)
Explore Cambridge
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
King's College Chapel
King's College Chapel
10 minutes' walk
Iconic chapel known for stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, a must-see in Cambridge.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
15 minutes' walk
Home to extensive art collections and historical artifacts, featuring free admission and guided tours available.
Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market Square
8 minutes' walk
Vibrant market with local produce, crafts, and street food stalls, perfect for an authentic taste of Cambridge.
Jesus Green
Jesus Green
5 minutes' walk
A picturesque park along the River Cam, ideal for picnics, walks, or simply relaxing amidst greenery.
Punting on the River Cam
10 minutes' walk
Punting offers a thrilling experience, rowing along scenic routes with charming views of historic colleges.
Yoga Classes at The Hive
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions available in various styles, accessible by walking and perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
1 minutes' walk
Steakhouse with a cozy atmosphere, known for expertly cooked meats and a great selection of wines.
Thaikhun Cambridge
Thaikhun Cambridge
1 minutes' walk
Authentic Thai cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere, famous for its curries and savory street food dishes.
The Cambridge Corn Exchange
12 minutes' walk
Venue hosting live music and theater performances; offers a mix of family-friendly shows and late-night gigs.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
15 minutes' walk
Popular theater featuring a variety of productions, from major plays to local performances, suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)23 min  ·  1.2 mi
Airports
Cambridge Airport (CBG)7 min  ·  2.8 mi
London Stansted Airport (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
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
44

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Review score
Based on 373 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
81%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.2/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.6/10
Pros
Room upgrade
Helpful staff
Amazing food
Comfortable bed
Rooftop terrace views
Cons
Slippery bath
Poor soundproofing
Guest reviews
based on 771 reviews
8.4/10
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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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 amenities does The Varsity Hotel & Spa offer for fitness enthusiasts?
The hotel features a fully equipped gym, daily fitness classes, personal training, 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 hotel has an on-site restaurant and a lounge bar, both offering a variety of dining and drink options.
How far is The Varsity Hotel & Spa from major attractions?
The hotel is just a few minutes' walk from King's College Chapel and Trinity College.
What room amenities can guests expect at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, tea/coffee making facilities, and in some cases, underfloor heating and balconies with views.
Is breakfast included in the stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £15.
What additional services does The Varsity Hotel & Spa provide?
Guests have access to luggage storage, 24-hour reception and security, as well as concierge services.
Are there any recreational facilities at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy access to a spa and wellness centre, including a hot tub, sauna, and steam room.

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Check-in
10Mar2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room