The Varsity Hotel & Spa

4.0 star property
Luxury hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from University of Cambridge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Senior Suite (Fellows) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Creator video
Terrace/patio
Senior Suite (Fellows) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
2 restaurants, breakfast served

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

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, Jesus College
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

Double Room (Graduates)

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

Room, 1 King Bed (Fellows)

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

Senior Suite (Fellows)

  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Senior Room, 1 Queen Bed (Fellows)

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

Senior Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds (Fellows)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

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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

  • ‪The Maypole - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Byron's Bear - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Knoops - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Pickerel Inn - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Luxury hotel with 2 restaurants, steps from University of Cambridge
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 33.00 per night. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, 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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Valet parking on site (GBP 33 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 19.50 for adults and GBP 19.50 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 19.50 for adults and GBP 19.50 for children
  • Valet parking fee: GBP 33.00 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 major credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, 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 major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, 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 Feb 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Varsity Hotel & Spa on Feb 10, 2026 start from $153.49, excluding 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 King's College Chapel less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, valet parking is offered for GBP 33.00 per night.

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

Glassworks & Elemis Spa is the hotel's spa and services include sports massages, Swedish massages, body wraps, and reflexology.

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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

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.

Does The Varsity Hotel & Spa have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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.

Can I book a room with a balcony 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. 492 out of 885 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 244 out of 885 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 99 out of 885 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 885 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 885 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jayant

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Barri

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel, great location, Room upgrades foc which was a bonus, disappointed that the hot tub jets wasn’t working and was also disappointed that on advice by the hotel told to use park street car park, I was parked for less than 24hrs and charged £58!! I nearly fainted.. absolutely extortionate.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Simon

Business traveler
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

10/10 Excellent

N

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chloe

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Ilya

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Lovely venue and room

The rooms are lovely, views amazing and I used to stay here frequently a few years ago, so was an easy go to when visiting Cambridge after being away for several years. My challenge was the level of noise that disturbed me overnight, I am a light sleeper so used to being disturbed, however it was several times during the night and early hours. Usually a small lie in keeps me going however again the noise disturbance prevented that too … I wasn’t asked how my stay was to provide feedback as I checked out … or I would have done and may have just been the room I booked which was beautifully decorated, comfy bed, great temp control and spacious … I should take ear plugs with me and be able to give a glowing report as everything else was great
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Feargal

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

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

James

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is a nice hotel, the staff were very friendly and efficient, it’s a great location for everything in Cambridge. The room was excellent. The food in “Six” was not very good. We ordered 4 different starters, as a snack - Tapas style, however they were all poor, and you could buy better at M&S. sorry, the rest of the stay was very good, the food let it down a bit.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Poor service and poky rooms

Very expensive and not worth the money. Rooms are small for the price you pay. Rooftop cocktail bar had very unhelpful staff - disappointing that all the cocktails were from premixed bags and you could only order from the limited drinks menu. Took a month for my £50 holding deposit to be returned. Avoid.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mrs Gillian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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

8/10 Good

True Refrigeration

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

Good

Good location, premium hotel. Tv not great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Julia

Traveled with group
Not great for the price - no room cleaning for two night stay and breakfast options were lacking. Hotel is tired and a little disappointing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

A bit disappointing

A bit disappointing. We have stayed here before and it was much better then. For the amount of money that we spent it could have been better. Communication sub-optimal regarding check out.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fareha

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025