The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Hotels
8.3 (1019 reviews)
Thompson's Lane , Cambridge , gb

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Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 1019 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
P
Philip • couple • gb
6
Looking tired and it’s expensive for this type of experience
Pros:

Central to colleges

Cons:

While I have stayed here before, the property appeared tired, a the surrounding building work is also an ugly addition. I will pick somewhere else next time

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
L
Luke • extended_group • gb
8
Great location extremely clean rooms
Pros:

Good location helpful staff and extremely clean

Cons:

Not a dislike but when we went to use the spa facilities the changing room area was messy with used towels and slippers everywhere and they had run out of robes so we had to walk around in a towel

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kate • couple • gb
8
A lovely room and relaxing trip to use the spa facilities.
Pros:

Great location and lovely room.

Cons:

Drinks on roof terrace were expensive and very watered down. Breakfast was underwhelming.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
N
Nigel • couple • gb
9
great place to stay but poor room service
Pros:

the location was terrific the hotel was very nice Valet Parking was very usful

Cons:

We were told room service was available until 10pm we arrive back from a drinks reception at 9.45 and were told the kitchen was closed so we had nothing to eat very disappointing.
Also dirty breakfast dishes were left in the restaurant while the waiter eat his breakfast!

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
P
paul • couple • gb
7
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • extended_group • gb
8
Pleasant stay in a very busy city.
Pros:

The location is excellent for all the city attractions.
The bedroom was fully fitted with large bed and plenty of storage.

Cons:

With only one lift at times one had to wait more than one would have expected.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
B
BERNIE • couple • gb
5
Some good, some not so good.
Pros:

The location and cleanliness

Cons:

The first room we were allocated was noisy with AC extractors on an exterior wall, which would have interfered with our sleep. However, they changed the room immediately to a quiet one, which was good, but feigned to know nothing about the noise, which is simply not plausible. If another room had not been available, we would rate this hotel a Big Zero. We were also misled by a waiter about the availability of room service when we tried to order some food after 10pm in the Terrace Bar, and a hot breakfast took 30 minutes to arrive after ordering.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jonathan • family_with_children • au
9
A luxurious stay in a centrally located boutique spa hotel.
Pros:

The room was spacious and clean with a very comfortable and large bed. There were good facilities for drinks and coffee within the room. The bathroom was a very good size for 2. The Aircon / heating system worked very well.
The staff were excellent with a friendly welcome and they gave us all the information we needed on arrival. The location is superb, especially as we were keen to be close to the Magdalene College end of town.

Cons:

We had an issue with one shower that was sorted by the hotel management.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
A
Ayesha • solo_traveller • gb
5
2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
L
lisa • couple • gb
10
Very good reasonably priced hotel in good location
Pros:

Very nice room, Excellent bed. Good air con. Helpful staff. Good location. We did not eat in the restaurant but used it in the day for a good location to do calls and work

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
M
Mahdi • solo_traveller • ae
9
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • family_with_children • gb
10
Very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent strong air con.
2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
R
Ruud • solo_traveller • nl
10
2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
D
Dr John • couple • gb
10
Brilliant, pretty but judgy
Pros:

Location, building and room are fantastic. Roof terrace is mega and restaurant does great food

Cons:

The staff in the terrace and restaurant can feel judgemental. Yes I’m in shorts and T-shirt, it’s 30 degree c and I’m paying your prices! Don’t judge me

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
C
Cliff • couple • gb
7
Great location. Great staff.
Pros:

Fantastic location. Staff were excellent and made the stay.

Cons:

Bedroom walls aren’t the best soundproofing. Heard someone’s alarm constantly at 6am and their tv.

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jeevan • couple • in
9
2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
R
Richard and Tiziana • couple • ch
7
Overpriced Rooms In Great Location
Pros:

The Location is first rate - 2 minutes walk from the river. Nice view from the bar - reflected in the pricing 11£ for a Guinness Zero - including a room charge??

Cons:

Fairly dated - LAN cables if you are old enough to remember them. My room had a shower over the bath. It was adjacent to a bank of air conditioning compressors - impossible to sleep with the window open.

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
8
enjoyable but "6" for lunch wasnt worth the cost - you have very helpful reception staff
Pros:

Reception staff delightful and very helpful nothing was too much trouble Thank you.Room was fine ,Very good breakfast thank you

Cons:

Breakfast was great, Lunch was not good-cold minute steak ,cold creamed spinach
We were fine but a non slip bath would be sensible and might prevent injury
wifi not obvious in our room

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
S
Scully • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee