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.
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The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
192US$
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Key details
About the Hotel
Thompson'S Lane,
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire),
United Kingdom,
CB5 8AQ,
Cambridgeshire
- Close to the colleges
Great
8.5
8.4
4.6
3.9
Loved by The Varsity Hotel & Spa guests
"The rooftop bar is a lovely addition to have drinks on and all the staff in the restaurant and hotel were welcoming."
"The room was impeccable, very quiet, (no noise from the street or air conditioner system) had avery comfortable bed, and had a wonderful view of the rooftops of Cambridge."
"We had drinks on the rooftop terrace which had 360 views of Cambridge, it was gorgeous."
Rooms and suites
The Varsity Hotel & Spa has 48 rooms with unique designs. Upper-story rooms feature plate glass windows, some opening to wooden decked balconies. All rooms include fast Wi-Fi, gym membership, access to fitness classes, sauna, steam room, SPA Pool, tablets with internet, smart TV, air conditioning, complimentary bicycles, priority access to the Roof Terrace, tea/coffee facilities, in-room safe, bathrobes, slippers, and Elemis toiletries. Senior Fellows Superking Rooms provide super king-size beds and bathrooms with underfloor heating, walk-in showers, or Victorian free-standing bathtubs. The Senior Fellows Suite offers 80sqm corner suite with private terrace and free-standing bath with views of St John's College Chapel, and a separate lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Dining options
SIX Panoramic Brasserie, on the 6th floor, features views of the Cambridge skyline, serving dishes from a Wood Stone oven, grill, and rotisserie. It also has over 30 gins paired with 8 tonics. The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill serves 28-day aged steak, fish, burgers, chargrilled chicken, and vegetarian dishes with cocktails. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, and teas. The Drinks Menu includes cocktails, spirits, and wines. The Roof Terrace serves a BBQ from 12-8 pm at weekends. Classic Bar & Brasserie serves dishes and cocktails and can cater for private parties of up to 140. River Bar Steakhouse & Grill can cater for private parties of up to 75, and afternoon tea for up to 120.
Leisure and wellness
Hotel guests have access to a gym, daily fitness classes, Elemis Spa treatments, SPA Pool, sauna, and steam room. The Elemis Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, nail, eye, and hair care. Spa packages include use of the gym and spa facilities, with a robe, towel, and sandals. The gym has cardiovascular and weights machines, Cybex resistance training equipment, and a stretching zone. Fitness classes include Zumba, Spinning, Box Fit, Tabata, Yoga, Pilates, and Body Conditioning.
Location and transport
The Varsity Hotel & Spa is located 2 km from Cambridge Central train station, and 5 km from Cambridge. It is near St John's, Trinity, Jesus, and Magdalene College. King's, Christ's, Queens', Gonville and Caius, Clare, and Corpus Christi Colleges are within walking distance. The hotel is near Jesus Green park and the Quayside punt station. Stansted is the nearest airport. The hotel provides valet parking for £33 overnight, and the nearest public parking is Park Street Multi-Storey Car Park. The hotel provides bicycles for hotel guests free of charge.
Services and amenities
The Varsity Hotel & Spa provides concierge services and 24-hour room service. The hotel offers valet parking, priced at £33 per night. For events, the Roof Terrace can accommodate up to 140 people, with catering for corporate gatherings and birthday parties. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles. The hotel is dog-friendly, providing a dog bed, water and food bowls, a welcome box, and free cuddles at reception. The hotel offers a wireless internet connection.
“The Varsity Hotel & Spa places you perfectly for exploring Cambridge's historic core. I'm particularly drawn to the rooftop terrace, imagining the city views during private events. Its city-center location, combined with the rarity of a full-size gym and spa, makes it a serious contender for stays in the city.”
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Select your room type
Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
King Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Senior Fellows Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
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Price and room availability calendar
Check availability and rates for your selected dates!
Facilities
Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
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
- 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 transcends the ordinary with an exquisite blend of cuisines offering both comfort and sophistication. With stunning views over the historic Cambridge skyline and a diverse menu, guests can indulge in vibrant culinary experiences tailored for every palate.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Location
Thompson'S Lane,
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire),
United Kingdom,
CB5 8AQ,
Cambridgeshire
Map view
Thompson'S Lane,
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire),
United Kingdom,
CB5 8AQ,
Cambridgeshire
City landmarks
Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
4100 ft
University
Trinity College
4000 ft
Church
King's College Chapel
2600 ft
Market
Cambridge Market Square
2100 ft
Bridge
Mathematical Bridge
3600 ft
Botanical Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
1.3
mi
Landmark
Castle Mound
2100 ft
University
University of Cambridge
2100 ft
Museum
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
4100 ft
Park
Midsummer Common
3400 ft
Landmark
King's College
2200 ft
Landmark
The River Cam
3400 ft
Park
Parker's Piece
4400 ft
University
Pembroke College
3400 ft
Museum
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
Museum
University Museum Of Zoology
3000 ft
Park
The Backs
4400 ft
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)
Your Cambridge Experience
King's College Chapel
10-minute walk
Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass define this iconic chapel, a must-see for its historical significance and beauty.
Fitzwilliam Museum
15-minute walk
Home to a rich collection of art and antiquities, this museum offers free admission and features regular guided tours.
Cambridge Market Square
8-minute walk
A bustling hub full of local vendors and unique crafts, perfect for experiencing the city's vibrant culture and sampling local foods.
Jesus Green
5-minute walk
This scenic park along the River Cam offers lovely walking paths and picnic areas, ideal for a family outing or a quiet retreat.
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
1-minute walk
A casual steakhouse with fresh meats and a warm ambiance; famous for their delicious grilled cuts and river views.
Thaikhun Cambridge
1-minute walk
Authentic Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting, known for flavorful curries and noodles; vegetarian options are available.
Getting around
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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.
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Pros
Spacious rooms
Excellent staff
Free upgrade
Well-equipped gym
Cons
Missing tablet
Expensive snacks
Non-working lift
Booking issues
Guest reviewsbased on 609 reviews
Elijah from United States
Couple
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 14, 2025
9.0/10
a good escape
friendly staffspacious bathroomquiet atmosphereconvenient location
I found the staff friendly. They swiftly brought extra pillows upon my request. the bathroom was spacious. It featured high-end elemis products that enhanced my bathing experience. i loved the quiet atmosphere. It allowed me peaceful relaxation. the hotel's location proved ideal. It was easy to access the town center.
the lobby seemed rather small.
Service
9/10
The team was cute. They promptly took care of luggage upon early arrival allowing time for exploring. requests were handled efficiently! the staff displayed excellent professionalism, addressing any needs with dedication.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast offered good variety. It included beautifully cooked options. the restaurant's rooftop setting provided great views. The food service were excellent. i found the cocktails well-made, served in an elegant atmosphere.
Facilities
9/10
The spa treatments were particularly relaxing. I enjoyed the jacuzzi overlooking the river. the rooftop bar gave wonderful panoramic views. valet parking added a convenient touch. It simplified arrival and departure.
Location
10/10
The hotel's central situation allowed easy exploration. riverside location was wonderful. It offered picturesque strolls. the surrounding area felt safe. It allowed comfortable evening walks.
Rooms
9/10
The room was spacious. It was spotlessly clean with comfortable bedding. floor-to-ceiling windows provided beautiful views of the surroundings. i appreciated the modern decor. It added a touch of sophistication.
0 Helpful
|
Alex from United Kingdom
king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 10, 2025
6/10
valet parkingmediocre quality
The valet parking was a real issue. due to road closures, i had a long walk to my car parked opposite a pub. They should not charge when valet service isn't fully provided. the rooftop terrace was quite a disappointment because the drinks were overpriced considering the mediocre quality (i expected more from it).
0 Helpful
grayson from united states
Single
double room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 07, 2025
6/10
cramped roomtricky address
i was expecting a bit more from this place, but i must say, i left feeling rather let down. the room was quite small, it felt cramped. trying to open suitcases was a challenge, only really doable on the bed, which wasn't ideal at all. the gps address was also a bit tricky to find. i was suggested valet parking for peace of mind, especially given the cost, but it still didn't quite make up for the other issues.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Varsity Hotel & Spa
How far is The Varsity Hotel & Spa from Cambridge city center?
The hotel is located approximately 5 km from the city center.
What nearby attractions can be visited from The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Popular nearby attractions include King's College Chapel (0.5 km), Trinity College (0.5 km), and Cambridge Castle (1 km).
What dining options are available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel offers on-site dining at SIX Panoramic Brasserie and The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, both located in the adjacent building.
Are fitness facilities available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Guests have access to a fully equipped gym, daily fitness classes, a sauna, steam room, and a whirlpool hot tub.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, and Elemis toiletries.
Is breakfast offered at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa provide any spa services?
The hotel offers a spa with a range of Elemis treatments, including massages, facials, and wellness packages.
What is the nearest airport to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel is approximately 2 km from Cambridge train station.
What languages do the staff at The Varsity Hotel & Spa speak?
The staff primarily speaks English.
What unique views can guests expect from The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel features a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the historic Cambridge skyline and the River Cam.
Are there opportunities for punting near The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel is the only Cambridge hotel directly on the river, allowing guests easy access to punting.
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