The Varsity

Hotel · Cambridge

The Varsity

Hotel · Cambridge

Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ, United Kingdom

Highlights

Nestled by the River Cam, this chic boutique hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with stunning views, and a complimentary spa, making it a perfect Cambridge escape.

Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ, United Kingdom Get directions

thevarsityhotel.co.uk

@thevarsityhotel

@michelinguide

"A hotel founded by former Cambridge graduates, featuring college-themed rooms." - Aashna Gajra

The University of Cambridge: Things to See, Do and Eat at This Iconic Institution

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@cntraveler

"How did it strike you on arrival?A slick, fashionable Soho House-type of a hotel in Cambridge. What's not to love? Varsity oozes modern cool in an otherwise archaic city. What’s the crowd like?It's all Champagne Socialists here. No really! The gorgeous rooftop bar is full of smartly dressed types drinking fizz and G&Ts and gazing out over the spires and rooftops of Cambridge. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.They're modern, clean and light filled. The Graduate Room is a basic double and it's pretty decent overall. The Senior Fellow room I was in is bigger and brighter, with patterned wallpaper behind a King sized wooden bed, and fabulous tablet with free newspapers and magazines loaded up on it. There's plenty of wardrobe space and a decent mini-bar. Plus the bedside lighting is perfect for reading. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?No complaints about the bed—bouncy, and lots of soft pillows to throw around. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Complimentary bottled water and strong in room Wi-Fi are always winners, and the funky jars of jellybeans and cashews tell me that I am in the right hotel. I eat all of them and buzz down for replacements. The LCD TV is also in just the right position to watch from bed, and they'll give you DVDs if you need them. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.One of the best hotel bathrooms I've used at this price range—there's underfloor heating, the walk-in monsoon shower is surrounded by perfect bevelled edge black tiles and the products are by Elemis, who manage the spa downstairs and to which guests get free entry. Room service: Anything worth ordering?The room service menu is unfussy, comfort food. Think cheeseburgers that will fill you up after a night at the pub. Under a tenner was worth it. Any other tips?Book a window table at the main hotel restaurant Six so you can eat with a view. Hang out on the grassy rooftop and drink. Spend some time in the Elemis spa especially in the starry jacuzzi room which looks onto the River Cam. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's the perfect boutique Cambridge hotel and hard to fault—definitely the rooftop bar is a winner." - Ramsay Short

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

View Postcard for The Varsity

Paradise47734884437

Google

1 night stay in early January. Fantastic hotel. Easy to find and the valet parking was a real bonus. Not too bad a price for overnight parking in Cambridge as well. Staff were very friendly and helpful and we enjoyed an upgraded room with fantastic views overlooking the river, Magdalene college and North Cambridge. The room was large with excellent facilities and the bed super comfy. Lovely big bathroom as well with a massive walk in shower. If I had any criticism it would be the breakfast was pretty standard fare considering the cost but it is in the amazing restaurant with great views across Cambridge. If and when we come back to Cambridge this will be our first port of call for a room. Highly recommended.

Peter C

Google

A lovely hotel right in the centre of Cambridge. Utilised the valet parking which was exceedingly efficient and in a city with limited parking, much appreciated. Check in was so straightforward and the warm welcome appreciated. Our room, a well appointed double (Very comfy, super sleep) was very clean and had a nice selection of tea's coffee and biscuits. The bathroom was a nice size and included both bath and shower options and had some very nice complimentary toiletries. The Glassworks gym next door was used a couple of times and had everything that you needed to blow away the previous nights excesses. A really lovely place to stay when visiting Cambridge.

Robin S

Google

We've been to the Varsity many times over the years.|One of the things we love most about the hotel is its location. Great for walks by the river or punting on it. The nearby historic centre is a stroll away. Kettle's Yard (a gallery and an art filled house, well worth a visit) is just around the corner and the Fitzwilliam (the Cambridge University museum and gallery - highly recommended) a pleasant 15 minute meander away. |The reception staff are always super friendly and helpful.|Rooms are spacious, have character and some have excellent views.|The beds are very comfy, bathroom well appointed, great showers, loads of hot water. |The room service is quick you can order off the restaurant menu when it is open. |The public areas are thoughtfully decorated with well chosen artworks. |On the top floor, the sixth, is the SIX Brasserie and bar. The views of Cambridge are stunning. There's a roof terrace which is delightful when the weather allows its use - not the case during our last stay in early December!|SIX is an excellent restaurant in its own right. Good food and drink, lively atmosphere, those views. I find their steaks exceptional. It's clear SIX and its bar are very popular with non-guests. And us!

Ollie P

Google

Me and my girlfriend came to stay for just one night and were blown away by all the facilities the hotel had to offer and how high quality they were. the rooms were incredibly stylish with a nice TV that you could sign into. We had the superior king room which had a lovely view from the balcony of cambridge and a super comfortable bed. The spa was incredible and a lovely place to relax after a day of travelling and the brasserie at the top of the hotel had the most amazing food and service.

Patti M

Google

The hotel was nicely decorated, in a great location, was very clean, had great control of room temperature, a spotless bathtub, efficient cleaning service, decent breakfast in a lovely setting. We didn’t use the spa. The hotel is near many restaurants and within walking distance of the usual university tours. Front desk staff were very kind and helpful.

Claire R

Google

We had a great overnight stay at The Varsity. It was a really lovely little hotel, tucked right in the heart of Cambridge. The views from the roof top restaurant were fabulous. We loved the food and the service was outstanding, it couldn't have been better.

Dorota S

Google

I would like to thank Ana for helping with booking the most amazing room and making my husband’s birthday truly special. The hotel was absolutely superb, and the service was exceptional. The room, with its breathtaking view, was simply out of this world. We had an unforgettable time, thank you! We will definitely be visiting the hotel again.

Andrew A

Google

We had a most enjoyable stay at the Varsity Hotel. The hotel is located about a 5 - 10 minutes walk from the city centre at a lovely location next to the River Cam. The staff members were super friendly and helpful. Even though this was our first time in Cambridge, the staff upgraded our room which was roomy and, most importantly, clean. During our stay, we made use of the gym facilities at the Spa - taking a number of HIIT and yoga classes as well as using the sauna. We also had a delicious dinner at the hotel's River Bar Steakhouse & Grill during our stay. We would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for accommodation in Cambridge.