The Varsity Hotel and Spa stands on Thompsons Lane beside the River Cam, a short walk from Magdalene Bridge and the heart of the colleges. It is a design-led hotel with a rooftop terrace and bar that looks over the spires and rooftops, two restaurants, a spa with an Elemis treatment menu and a hot tub. Guests mention the central location, the friendly staff and the rooftop views as highlights. Rooms are named after university life, with categories called Graduates and Fellows. The hotel offers free bicycle hire, a gym and a concierge, and it suits people who want a stylish base with a spa and a drink on the roof after a day of sightseeing. The river and Jesus and St John's Colleges are a few minutes away.
Location and getting around
The River Cam is about a minute from the door, Jesus College and St John's College are a three-minute walk, and the Corn Exchange is around nine minutes away. The railway station is a longer walk of about half an hour or a short drive, so most visitors take a taxi or ride a bus on arrival. Free bicycles are a useful way to get around, and the concierge can help with local plans.
Rooms and spa
The five room types run from compact Graduate doubles through Fellows rooms and Senior rooms to a Senior Suite, and most sleep up to three. Street-facing rooms and rooms close to the restaurant can pick up noise, so ask for a quieter side if you are a light sleeper. The Glassworks and Elemis spa offers body treatments and massage, and the rooftop terrace is a popular spot for drinks and views. Breakfast is a buffet with an extra charge, and valet parking is offered at an additional nightly cost.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, friends on a short break and spa lovers will find it the best fit, and families can book a room that sleeps three. It is not pet-friendly, apart from service animals. Prices are mid-to-upper range and rise in summer and around regatta and graduation periods. The rooftop and the terrace can be busy on dry evenings, so reserve a table if you want to dine there. It is also a convenient base for a morning punt along the Backs.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace and bar
- ✓Elemis spa and hot tub
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓River Cam a minute away
- ✓Free bicycle hire
- ✓Gym and health club
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Air conditioning
Good questions
Does The Varsity have a rooftop?+
Yes, there is a rooftop terrace with a bar and brasserie that looks across the city. It is popular on dry evenings, so reserve a table if you want to dine.
How far is it from the colleges?+
The river is about a minute away and Jesus and St John's Colleges are around three minutes on foot. Most central sights are within a ten-minute walk.
Is there a spa?+
Yes, the on-site spa offers Elemis treatments and has a hot tub. Book treatments in advance, especially at weekends.
