The Varsity Hotel & Spa

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Indoor spa tub
Creator video
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, and dinner served
Terrace/patio
Senior Suite (Fellows) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
24 Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, England, CB5 8AQ
  • Place, University of Cambridge
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, River Cam
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, St. John's College
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

Double Room (Graduates)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)
  • 167 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed (Fellows)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 199 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Senior Suite (Fellows)

  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Senior Room, 1 Queen Bed (Fellows)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Senior Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds (Fellows)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Cambridge

Located in Cambridge City Centre, The Varsity Hotel & Spa is next to University of Cambridge and River Cam. This 44-room, 4-star hotel has a full-service spa along with free in-room WiFi and a gym.

What's nearby

  • University of Cambridge - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • River Cam - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Jesus College - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • St. John's College - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cambridge Corn Exchange - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Cambridge Station - 12 min drive
  • Stansted Airport (STN) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Byron's Bear - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Pickerel Inn - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Mitre - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Maypole - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Guests staying at The Varsity Hotel & Spa enjoy access to a full-service spa, a gym, and a sauna. Valet parking is available for GBP 35.00 per night. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with concierge services, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub.
32-inch Smart TVs come with digital channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Tablet computers, coffee makers, and safes are other standard amenities.
A health club and complimentary bicycles are featured at the hotel. Other recreational amenities include a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center.
Glassworks & Elemis Spa has 6 treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, and reflexology. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Valet parking on site (GBP 35 per night)

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends; GBP 25 for adults and GBP 25 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Roof Terrace
  • SIX Bar & Brasserie
  • The River Bar and Grill

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 614 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Rooftop terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • Elevator

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 6 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2010
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • DVD player
  • Streaming services
  • Tablet computer

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 50.0 per night
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 25 for adults and GBP 25 for children
  • Valet parking fee: GBP 35.00 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 50.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:30 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers valet parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Hotel Varsity
Varsity Cambridge
Varsity Hotel
Varsity Hotel Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel And Spa
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Hotel
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Hotel Cambridge

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

The Varsity Hotel & Spa provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

As of Jun 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Varsity Hotel & Spa on Jun 29, 2026 start from $185, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do close to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

This hotel is situated in Cambridge City Centre, just steps from River Cam and Kettle's Yard, and within a short walk of Cambridge Market Square. You'll also find Cambridge Corn Exchange and Bridge of Sighs less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, valet parking is offered for GBP 35 per night.

Is there a spa available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Glassworks & Elemis Spa is the hotel's spa and services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa have luxury amenities?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as a hot tub, 2 restaurants, and deep-tissue massages at this hotel.

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa have a casino on the premises?

No, The Varsity Hotel & Spa doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Is The Varsity Hotel & Spa a good place to stay for couples?

This boutique hotel offers many amenities for couples such as 2 restaurants and a full-service spa with some guestrooms featuring in-room massages.

Are there hot tubs at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

No, but this hotel does have a steam room.

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Varsity Hotel & Spa has 2 restaurants, and serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Varsity Hotel & Spa though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

The closest major airport to The Varsity Hotel & Spa is Cambridge (CBG), which is 3.7 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is Stansted Airport (STN), which is around 23 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, some guestrooms at The Varsity Hotel & Spa offer a furnished balcony.

The Varsity Hotel & Spa Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 507 out of 908 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 908 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 908 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 908 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 908 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to celebrate my birthday a wonderful couple of days to explore Cambridge, this was an excellent base.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We throughly enjoyed our stay , lovely comfortable bed ,staff were very friendly and helpful, we loved the spa and the gym ,will definitely visit again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Lovely hotel, great position
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
When I got my electric car back from valet parking, they had fully charged it! Also the location is great and everyone was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, huge room, great dining.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel itself is lovely. The reception staff were really welcoming and helpful. The room itself was nice. The bed and pillows however were really uncomfortable. We were also on the 5th floor and there was a lot of banging from the restaurant above until late. We would stay again but in a different room/floor.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Chrysanthi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, very friendly staff, elemis toiletries and well equipped coffee/tea station. Only issue is the poor reception in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was lovely, bed very comfy, but room was at front of hotel and very noisy, even for a city hotel. Staff were good and helpful. Spa treatment was amazing but spa needs some refurbishment as was a little tired. But we did love our little stay in Cambridge
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sanchay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place to stay in Cambridge city.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great, the room was clean. Location was perfect and views for breakfast were great! Would definitely comes back. Only a couple of minor gripes. The room pictured on the site was not the panoramic penthouse i was expecting, which was misleading. The other thing was driving to the hotel, there is a bus lane camera on the way unless you take a very curcuitous route, and the hotel could have provided a map and made it very clear to not go down that road, unless you want a ticket. Which I got. Having said that, we loved our stay and the spa really made it! thank you
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Our stay was pleasant overall. The room was decent, though it would have been nice to have a fridge bar. The bed could have been more comfortable, and the pillows were a bit too soft for our liking. Breakfast was enjoyable—I had the egg royale, and my partner opted for the smashed avocado, both of which we really liked. The spa was nice, but it was quite busy when we went, so we couldn’t fully relax as we had hoped. However, the treatment we received was wonderful and very relaxing. All in all, we had a lovely weekend, and the staff were welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, staff and location
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Feargal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient. Helpful staff. Great views.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SIMON

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel

Ideal place in Cambridge, really central with incredible views from the terrace with coctails in hand! Really quiet and comfy. Loved it
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The roof terrace and dining options offer fantastic views that make it hard to beat. The location is a short walk from the city centre.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ollie

Will Stay again

Amazing hotel, great spot for exploring Cambridge on foot. Lovely facilities, Spa and Restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pranavan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Thanks to the team for having us. Great stay with great staff who gave us a complimentary upgrade for our anniversary. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed for the Half Marathon was super close and the start, great location and the staff were brilliant, especially Dave who was super helpful with the amount of luggage we had!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Improve the pillows and it’s perfect

Great hotel, great staff and great location. Only downside was the pillows, everything else was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Roof bar shut , don’t have many beers available from menu and burger overcooked and dry. Great location Parking extremely expensive
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Located very near Magdalene College.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
staff was helpful, great location
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023