The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Hotels
8.3 (916 reviews)
Thompson's Lane , Cambridge , gb

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Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly Staff
Great Location
Clean Rooms
Cons:
Dated Rooms
Limited Amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
7.94
The hotel was very clean and well-maintained, but some rooms were dated and lacked modern amenities.
Service
8.91
The staff were exceptional, friendly, and very attentive throughout the stay.
Location
8.95
Excellent location, perfect for exploring the city, although initially hard to find.
Room Quality
7.9
Rooms were generally comfortable and clean but some were noted as dated.
Amenities
7.93
Amenities were good, but some guests expected more such as a mini fridge.
Value for Money
7.89
Value is subjective with some complaints regarding pricing compared to facilities.
Food and Beverage
8.44
Food quality was good and there was a great rooftop restaurant, although some amenities were closed.
Overall Experience
8.41
Overall a lovely experience with minor concerns regarding some amenities and room features.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 01:31

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
The Varsity Hotel and Spa, located in the heart of Cambridge, boasts modern rooms named after prestigious colleges, offering top-notch amenities like LCD TVs, monsoon showers, and free Wi-Fi.

Exclusive Rooftop Terrace
Enjoy breathtaking views from the impressive rooftop terrace overlooking the River Cam, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the historic city.

Wellness and Leisure
Indulge in the Glassworks Gym and Spa, featuring a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and fitness classes, providing a relaxing retreat during your stay.

Experience the charm of Cambridge and book your stay at The Varsity Hotel and Spa for a memorable and luxurious getaway.

Important information:

Valet parking is GBP 33.00 per day (24 hours). Guests can arrive at the hotel drop the luggage off and the valet porters will park the car for them.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 33 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 12 years old stay for £30 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 13 years old to 17 years old stay for £50 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 12 years old stay for £30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    People 13 years old and over stay for £50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 916 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.94
Service: 8.91
Location: 8.95
Room Quality: 7.9
Amenities: 7.93
Value for Money: 7.89
Food and Beverage: 8.44
Overall Experience: 8.41
J
john • family_with_children • gb
10
Pros:

Great location
Enjoyed free upgrade
Tasty breakfast good choices and service

2026-02-13 • via Nuitee
A
Abigail • couple • gb
3
Clean and tidy but very overpriced
Pros:

Breakfast was OK but ridiculously overpriced

Cons:

Parking is very strange. Even getting to the hotel is hard work.
Very loud outside
Uncomfortable bed
£40 for a very ordinary breakfast

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
10
New York comes to Cambridge
Pros:

Everything was done to a very high standard, it was like a very classy and stylish New York hotel relocated to Cambridge. Well done to all! It was a very special weekend break for my wife's birthday, and you helped make it special with such high standards. Thank you!

2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
L
lizzy • couple • gb
8
2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
S
Stanley • couple • gb
9
Perfect location for our stay
Pros:

Friendly and helpful staff
Comfy rooo

Cons:

Tad expensive

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
M
MARK • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Valet service , lovely breakfast , very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent views from the breakfast area.

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
J
James • couple • gb
10
2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
G
george • couple • gb
9
Great central location
Pros:

Excellent clean hotel. Great breakfast served on the 6th floor with great views.
Bar was good and had a good selection of local beer and a gret selection of spirits too.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • solo_traveller • gb
10
I enjoyed every minute of my stay at the Varsity Hotel and achieved everything I set out to do.
Pros:

The breakfast was delicious, with a range of food to choose from.
The staff from reception to the restaurant were always on hand to help me.

Cons:

More berries, eg blueberries and blackberries, to add to fruit compote. At breakfast. Warm croissant.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
Malcolm • solo_traveller • gb
6
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
H
Howard • couple • gb
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • couple • gb
4
Very disappointing and not value for money also charge for a breakfast I’ve already paid for
Pros:

Breakfast was disappointing. Cup of tea was served cold beans with serve cold with a full English overall very greasy.

Cons:

Shower in room nearly flooded the room as wasn’t draining properly had to put towels down to prevent going into the hotel room itself

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
JA1234567 • couple • gb
8
Nice hotel, well located, a short walk from the heart of the city by the river.
Pros:

We had a nice room street side. It was spacious and comfortable although some of the furniture was a little dated. The bathrrom had a beautiful roll top bath and a small shower cubicle. The reception staff and concierge were great.

Cons:

Be aware parking in Cambridge is notoriously difficult. The staff park your car for you which is a great service and they take great care. Be sure to allow them time to get it back. This is not a criticism of the hotel, just something to be aware of.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

The rooftop bar was superb and Six Restaurant

Cons:

Shower in room was too low and had to manoeuvre around. I’m 6ft2 to give an idea of height, shower just needed to be 1ft higher

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Joe • couple • gb
7
Nice break
Pros:

Perfect location, comfortable rooms.

Cons:

Shower was very poor, and soaked the entire room. Towels were very harsh.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Adele • couple • gb
7
Great location hotel
Pros:

The location

Cons:

The spa was too small

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sofia • couple • gb
10
Very good place for a short (or long) stay in Cambridge
Pros:

Very good spa area, lovely rooms and good options for room service.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
F
Fatou • couple • fr
8
Bon séjour et hôtel pour séjourner, manque quelques ajustements pour atteindre un niveau 4 étoiles
Pros:

La gentillesse du personnel, flexibilité des horaires, possibilité d’accéder au spa en libre service , la possibilité de consigner ses affaires

Cons:

Le rooftop a des prix a la carte pour les coktails excessifs, manque de couverture et on ne peut pas apporter son the des chambres pour le deguster alors qu’on est client de l’hôtel. Il y a aussi pas de boisson chaudes ni de couvertures pour la fraicheur de fin de journée. Le restaurant utilisent trop de produits surgelés pour les prix et un ascenseur reserve au personnel est necessaire pour eviter les odeurs.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Micheala • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Louise • family_with_children • gb
10
Amazing hotel.
Pros:

Always a pleasure staying at the varsity. Such a wonderful hotel. Always immaculate and very helpful friendly staff

2026-01-18 • via Nuitee