The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Hotels
8.3 (928 reviews)
Thompson's Lane , Cambridge , gb

listing image 1
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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 928 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
M
Meredith • couple • ch
10
Highly recommends the rooftop bar- gorgeous fairy lights, views and ambiance!
Pros:

Location was brilliant- steps away from shops, cafes, restaurants. Staff were friendly and room was charming!

Cons:

Lighting in room was a bit dim.

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
Y
Yvonne • extended_group • gb
8
Comfortable stay
Pros:

Good helpful reception

Cons:

Bar closed 11pm

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
R
Ron • couple • il
10
2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
A
Ali • extended_group • gb
10
Absolutely beautiful!
Pros:

It was all really lovely!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
S
SAMECAITE • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
J
jamieson • couple • gb
8
Good stay
Pros:

Breakfast was good as were the facilities .

Cons:

Parking was not good.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • gb
10
Excellent hotel made even better by great service from the staff.
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
T
Tanya • couple • gb
4
Underwhelming
Pros:

Breakfast was nice.
Bed comfy
Clean

Cons:

Bedroom dated, furniture dated, no make up table, poor ubstandard air con, curtains dated, wallpaper gave me a headache, bathroom not worth the money, shower head needed cleaning.
Bath robes scratchy and broken.
Despite email saying hotel has parking, followed directions no parking. Hotel when asked said leave and valet park felt like bo other option and charge 35 for the pleasure
In all not worth 300!!!

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
S
Sophie • couple • au
10
Pros:

Best place to stay in Cambridge

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
P
Piera • solo_traveller • it
8
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
I
Ian Dsouza • couple • gb
10
Excellent stay highly recommend!!
Pros:

Excellent room, staff and valet service. Also, the rooftop bar is a must-visit! Highly recommend

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
H
Hayley • couple • gb
9
Great location and lovely hotel!
Pros:

The location was very central and location was perfect for walking around Cambridge.

Cons:

The windows weren’t completely blacked out so there was some light coming in throughout the night.

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
R
Riccardo • solo_traveller • it
10
2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
R
Rizwan • family_with_children • gb
7
Pleasant
Pros:

Location was excellent but difficult to find as the sat navigation takes you to another location

Cons:

It was not made clear that parking would be charged and off-site

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
D
Dewie • couple • gb
8
Comfortable and enjoyable.
Pros:

Views were great and location too.

Cons:

Spa facilities not as good as photos.

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
J
James • couple • gb
10
2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • gb
5
Pros:

The hotel is lovely and the staff are incredible - very friendly and helpful. Facilities are great - spa, gym, room service etc.

Cons:

The rooms do need a good clean for example, the grout is mucky in the bathroom, a little dusty throughout, dirty finger marks on walls, doors and architrave, unclean lift, the kettle was grim, mucky windows and railing. The bath plug wouldn't open to drain the water. It's a lovely hotel it just didn't feel as clean and luxurious as the first time I stayed in it many years ago.

2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • solo_traveller • gb
9
Marvellous
Pros:

Great location. Sunny, helpful staff. Attractive, quiet room with great view and comfortable bed. Amazing roof top terrace.

Cons:

I'm not a fan of rainfall showers (especially when the holes have begun to fir up, sending the water on tangents, and the towel is stored within range. (A bath hat is provided.) The shower is also only part enclosed, so a floor puddle is inevitable.

2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
9
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee