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Check-in
23Jan2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
-
Close to the colleges
Great
8.4
8.4
/10
4.8
3.9
/5

Location

Strategically located at 24 Thompson's Lane, The Varsity Hotel & Spa is the closest hotel to multiple prestigious colleges, including St John's, Trinity, and Jesus College. Guests can easily explore the city's attractions, with sites like the Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge Arts Theatre only a short stroll away. Additionally, punting on the River Cam begins right next to the hotel, offering a scenic way to absorb the beauty of Cambridge.

Wellness

The hotel hosts an Elemis Spa, a restored bonded warehouse featuring a SPA Pool with river views, sauna, and steam room. A fully equipped gym welcomes guests with modern cardiovascular and weights machines, complemented by daily fitness classes. Guests can enjoy leisurely spa days tailored to their preferences, with treatments including massages and facials.

Dining

Dining options include SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie, which serves delicious dishes and offers a range of cocktails against a backdrop of stunning city views. Guests can also indulge in culinary delights at the River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, known for its 28-day aged steak and fresh fish. Afternoon tea is served with locally sourced ingredients, making each experience noteworthy.

Rooms

The hotel offers 48 uniquely designed rooms that celebrate the cultural heritage of Cambridge, each equipped with smart TVs and complimentary tablets. Senior Fellows Suites provide spacious living with stunning views of St John's College Chapel, along with luxury features like four-poster beds and Victorian baths. Guests enjoy priority access to the iconic Roof Terrace, enhancing their stay experience.

Highlights

Location: The closest Cambridge hotel to St John's, Trinity, Jesus and Magdalene College.

Wellness: Elemis Spa & SPA Pool with river views.

Dining: SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie offers scenic views.

Rooms: Senior Fellows Suites with private terrace.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum for stunning art and free admission.
  • Enjoy a traditional Cambridge cream tea at The Orchard Tea Garden.
  • Stroll through the historic Grantchester Meadows for picturesque views.
  • Discover hidden treasures at the Cambridge Science Centre nearby.
  • Taste local cheeses at the Cambridge Cheese Co. for a delightful treat.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
King Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Senior Fellows Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Barber shop
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Cycling
  • Tennis
  • Sports trainer

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • CD player
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Dining Onsite

The Varsity Hotel & Spa offers a delightful array of onsite dining options that celebrate an eclectic mix of British, French, Mediterranean, and Portuguese cuisines. Guests can savor the vibrant culinary creations while basking in breathtaking views of the historic Cambridge skyline, making each meal a relaxing and indulgent experience.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo
The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Modern Brasserie with British, French, Mediterranean, Portuguese, and Scottish influences
Ambiance
Chic and contemporary environment, just steps from Jesus Green park and the lively Quayside
Key Offerings
A casual yet refined menu featuring options like pizzas, lasagne, and aspirational dishes such as chargrilled leg of saltmarsh lamb. Guests can also enjoy a lavish Champagne afternoon tea or cocktails like lychee martinis and blushing Russians, all paired with spectacular views.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday: 5 PM - Midnight; Tuesday to Sunday: 12 PM - Midnight

Location

Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
Map view
Thompson'S Lane, Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, CB5 8AQ
Nearby
Park
Jesus Green
1400 ft
St John's St
St John's College
600 ft
Museum
Museum of Cambridge
1900 ft
University
Magdalene College
800 ft
University
Trinity Hall Cambridge
800 ft
University
Gonville and Caius College
1800 ft
University
Sidney Sussex College
1800 ft
Gallery
Kettle's Yard
1900 ft
Restaurants
River Bar Steakhouse & Grill
200 ft
3 Thompsons Lane Quayside
The Roof Terrace
200 ft
24 Thompsons Lane The Varsity Hotel & Spa
Thaikhun Cambridge
300 ft
3-5 Quayside
The Punt Yard
300 ft
6-8 Quayside
Wildwood Restaurant
300 ft
27-28 Bridge Street
Cafe Rouge Cambridge
600 ft
24-26 Bridge Street
Costa Coffee
500 ft
1-2 Market Hill Grand Arcade
Prezzo - Cambridge
500 ft
32 Bridge Street
Cambridge Wine Merchants
500 ft
32 Bridge Street
Explore Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Explore Cambridge
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
King's College Chapel
King's College Chapel
10 minutes' walk
Iconic Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. A popular site for guided tours.
Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market Square
8 minutes' walk
Vibrant market with local produce and goods. Offers occasional free events and live music.
Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
15 minutes' walk
Home to art and antiquities. Free admission and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Jesus Green
Jesus Green
5 minutes' walk
A beautiful park with green spaces and the River Cam nearby. Great for picnics and outdoor activities.
Punting on the River Cam
10 minutes' walk
Experience traditional punting. Available for hire at various spots along the river.
Yoga at The Old Fire Station
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes available. Check their schedule for seasonal classes and booking details.
Biking in Midsummer Common
13 minutes' walk
Scenic biking trails along the river. Bike rentals are available nearby for ease of access.
The Roof Terrace
The Roof Terrace
1 minute' walk
Stylish rooftop dining with stunning views. Seasonal dishes focus on local ingredients.
Thaikhun Cambridge
Thaikhun Cambridge
1 minute' walk
Authentic Thai street food in a vibrant setting. Offers vegetarian options and a casual atmosphere.
Wildwood Restaurant
Wildwood Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Italian cuisine with a family-friendly vibe. Known for pizzas and pasta. Reservations recommended.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
15 minutes' walk
A lively venue for plays and performances. Check the schedule for family-friendly events and shows.
The Corn Exchange
12 minutes' walk
Live music and events in a historic building. Known for hosting popular bands and cultural events.
Getting around
City Centre
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)23 min  ·  1.2 mi
Airports
Cambridge Airport (CBG)7 min  ·  2.8 mi
London Stansted Airport (STN)75 min  ·  31.1 mi
Train
Cambridge Train Station28 min  ·  1.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:30-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby at GBP 33 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP15 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
44
FAQs
About The Varsity Hotel & Spa
What is the policy for arriving and departing at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Check-in is from 15:30 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Private parking is available nearby for 33 GBP per day, and reservation is not required.
What leisure facilities can guests access at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy a spa with a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and SPA pool, as well as a fully equipped gym and fitness classes.
What are the nearest attractions to The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Kings College Chapel is 1 km away, Trinity College is 1 km away, and Cambridge Castle is 2 km away.
What dining options are available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The hotel features on-site dining options including a bar and restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and some have monsoon showers and underfloor heating.
How far is The Varsity Hotel & Spa from Cambridge train station?
The hotel is 2 km from Cambridge train station.
Is breakfast available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
What unique features does The Varsity Hotel & Spa offer?
The hotel boasts a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Cambridge and is set in a restored bonded warehouse.
What languages are spoken by the staff at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
The staff speaks English and Portuguese.
Are there any special events or entertainment options available at The Varsity Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy evening drinks and canape functions on the Roof Terrace overlooking the skyline.
What type of experience does The Varsity Hotel & Spa provide?
The property offers a luxury and historic boutique experience with a high standard of decor and service.

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Check-in
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Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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The Varsity Hotel & Spa Cambridge  Restaurant photo

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

8.4
Great775 reviews
1.2 mi from center
173 US$
192 US$
per night
Mobile-only price