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Sleep, Dine, Relax, Refresh, Celebrate Under One Roof

Rooms & Suites

Super King Room at the Varsity Hotel in Cambridge Read more
Varsity Apr 2017 – PWF – 0435 Read more varsity-PWF-3066 Read more

Elemis Spa & Gym
Spa, Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Studio

Jacuzzi tub with bubbles in The Glassworks Gym & SPA Read more

Meetings & Events

Varsity Apr 2017 – PWF – 0226 Read more

The Roof Terrace

varsity-PWF-2273 Read more

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Press Reviews
Customer Reviews

Press Reviews

The Times, 16th September 2017


"Sweeping views across the college turrets and church spires of Cambridge are to be had from the brilliant rooftop bar at this well-located hotel."

Read Review the-times-sept-2017

Daily Express, 15th July 2017


"Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with the whole works, washed down with a classic summertime cocktail as you take in the superb view over St John's College spires"

Read Review daily-express-july-2017

The Daily Telegraph Online, 7th April 2017


"Located in the heart of Cambridge, overlooking the river Cam and just yards from St. John’s College, The Varsity Hotel's spa underwent a major renovation last year."

Read Review Screen Shot 2018-07-20 at 10.37.45

The Daily Star, 23rd January 2017


"With the bar and kitchen in the centre of Six, all the seating is around the edges, so you can continue to savour the views when you take your seat for dinner."

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American Way Magazine, January 2017


"Right next to the river, across from medieval Magdalene College, this Luxe boutique sleep in UK’s historic university city has classic-chic suites furnished by Liberty and a rooftop terrace with the best views in town"

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Vogue Magazine Online, 2nd December 2016


"It's location is unbeatable being a leisurely 5 minutes stroll away from the Market Square, Kings College Chapel and the River Cam"

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Velocity Magazine, December 2016


"A big draw for this hotel has always been the rooftop terrace"

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Star Magazine, 29th November 2016


"The Varsity Hotel and Spa is a boutique bolthole with a great central location on the edge of the river and a stone’s throw from several of the colleges"

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TV Life Magazine, 13th November 2016


"Treat yourself to a pamper in the heart of historical Cambridge"

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The Guardian, 23rd July 2016


"We have sundowner G&Ts on the roof then stroll down a floor to dinner at a table with a view to King's College"

Read review guardian-july-2016

The Guardian Online, April 2016


"The Varsity Hotel is in the perfect location, both for the start of scenic runs, and for exploring the town more generally…The higher floors have spectacular views – I stayed in a corner room on the fifth floor, with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, and actually uttered a rather stunned “wow!” when I walked in"

Read review the-guardian-online-april-2016

Ok! Magazine, October 2015


"The hotel has welcomed A-listers including David and Victoria Beckham, Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Irons and Ralph Fiennes, and members of the Royal Family"

Read review ok-october-2015

Ok! Magazine, May 2015

Read review ok-may-2015

Reader’s Digest Magazine, September 2014


The Varsity hotel, Cambridge, takes in one of Britain’s most impressive and historic skylines

Read review readers-digest-sept-2014

Harper’s Bazaar Magazine website, 30th May 2014


Harper's Bazaar Magazine Travel Editor, Sasha Slater, informs readers that she enjoyed a "really superb rib-eye steak with Hollandaise sauce at the hotel's Riverbar Steakhouse & Grill overlooking the Cam" before heading to "the very New York-style rooftop bar on top of the hotel" where she "had an expertly mixed Negroni while watching the sun set".

Read review harpers-bazaar-magazine-online-30th-may-2014

Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, 31st March 2014


“Astroturf-green underfoot and scattered with planter boxes, wicker chairs and smart sofas, this truly splendid sixth-floor rooftop terrace has a spectacular panorama of the old colleges further down the River Cam”

Read review traveller-mar-2014

The Sun, 1st February 2014


“The Varsity itself is a wonderfully stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city”

Read review the-sun-feb-2014

Radio Times Magazine, 1st October 2013


“The Varsity is a trendy and welcoming place to eat, sleep, drink and be pampered”

Read review radio-times-8th-october

MSN, 8th July 2013


“Cookery and astronomy come together in Cambridge in August at the Varsity Hotel and Spa”

Read review msn-8th-july

Daily Mail Online, 6th June 2013


“A modern, six-story boutique hotel a stone’s throw from the Magdalene Bridge”

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Daily Star, 18th May 2013


“We marvelled at the 360 degree view of the whole city, including the River Cam and Queen Victoria’s much-loved Bridge of Sighs.”

Read review daily-star-may-2013

Sunday Mirror, 12th May 2013


“Boutique hotel feels like a modern enterprise restored in a historic building” where “everything is designed for maximum space and light.”

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Velvet Magazine, May 2013 issue


“If I could have captured and bottled the glorious feeling we experienced after visiting the spa, I'm sure I would be a millionaire.”

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Condé Nast Traveller Magazine June 2013


"The terrace is 'truly splendid', with a 'spectacular panorama of the old colleges further down the Cam'.”

Read review conde-nast-jun-2013

InStyle Magazine Website, January 2013


"Warm, happy feeling... when I was shown to my room", due to its "spectacular views, a huge comfy bed and a luxurious bathroom... Perfection."

Read review instyle-january-2013

Your London Magazine, January 2013


"A luxury option for a romantic weekend getaway."

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Flybe Uncovered, July/August 2012


"One of the classiest boutique hotels in the city."

Read review flybe

Velocity, in-flight publication for CityJet, July 2012


"A bastion of secret opulence in the heart of Cambridge, the triumph of The Varsity is that it showcases the surrounding city to perfection. With its home-from-home atmosphere, spot-on service and luxurious rooms."

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Easy Jet Magazine, May 2012


"Small-but-perfectly formed example of understated opulence."

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The Daily Mail Weekend, April 2012


"Perfect place to while away a weekend."

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Caterer and Hotelkeeper Magazine, January 2012


"Hotspots 10 Best Designs of the year."

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The Daily Mail Online, 22nd November 2011


"I hit the jackpot with a seafood platter of the tastiest salmon, swordfish and king prawns."

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The Daily Telegraph, 13th June 2011


"Small but perfectly formed The Varsity spa is perfect for city breaks, and in need of a quick fix for pampering."

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Vogue Blog, May 2011


"The terrace of this sweet - and centrally located - hotel gives unparalleled 360-degree view of the city's historic skyline."

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Fabric Magazine, January 2011


"Rarely have we experienced such terrific service."

Read review fabric-2011

Red Online, December 2010


"Why go? For great views, a great spa and great grub."

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The Times, 9th October 2010


"The fabulous view across the rooftops and spires of Cambridge... the tall windows had made it feel like the whole city had opened up."

Read review times-october-2010

Quintessentially Insider, Sept 2010


"This would all count for little were it not for the genuinely helpful and keen staff, whose dedication to making your stay a welcome and happy one is a delight."

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Glamour Magazine Online, Sept 2010


"In a perfect world, we'd spend all of our lives in boutique hotels - but in the real world, they're often beyond our budgets. Until now: enter The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge."

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Company Magazine, Sept 2010


"Easily the nicest staff at any hotel I have ever been to, friendly and helpful during out stay. The location of the hotel is fantastic."

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Customer Reviews

“Ticks all the Boxes! Amazing Roof Top Garden”
To celebrate our 10th anniversary we chose the Varsity. It was a good decision. The Hotel is in a prime location next on the river in the city centre. Attitude of the staff is cordial and helpful. We arrived on a Saturday with queues of people outside trying to get in and wondered what the fuss was about. We had heard Beckham and Daniel Craig had stayed there from the taxi driver.
This was the queue for the roof top garden. Check in was busy. Room was clean with a nice big bathroom. We didn’t use it much other than sleeping as out all day. Did not use the spa or gym but made it to Six restaurant on the top floor and roof garden. Nice touch giving hotel guests priority on tables on the roof. Thoroughly enjoyable stay made to feel extra special and when we checked out the following morning we felt refreshed. Ticks all the boxes.

–pj4792017
London, United Kingdom

“Cool and Quirky with the Best Dressed Stairwells”
This is a boutique hotel with a high standard of decor, service and quirkiness befitting it’s location. Literally on the edge of the main attractions and town, it was in a quiet location with a roof top bar that gave great views over Cambridge combined with an excellent drinks menu. The service was excellent, professional, friendly and helpful (even down to the valet parking as the hotel doesn’t have it’s own car park) and the decor was not just of a high standard but quirky and in -keeping with the Cambridge vibe and yet with a modern twist. Seriously forget the elevators the staircase is the best dressed we’ve ever seen and well worth the hike up or down. The room was very spacious and immaculately clean, the bed extremely comfortable and with all the amenities you would expect from a high standard hotel. We would highly recommend this hotel as it was amazing value for money.

–Samantha_Carl
Swansea, United Kingdom

“Wonderful Afternoon Tea”
Group of us came for afternoon yesterday, blown away by the views and style of the top floor restaurant. Floor to ceiling glass all around. My sister’s 40 birthday and the staff could not do much more. Good selection of pastries , macaroon was delicious and scones were warm. We asked for various dietary sandwiches veggy etc everything taken care off. Will be back to try the cocktails. Thoroughly enjoyable day left stuffed @Six

–Vickyprice419
Cambridge, United Kingdom

“Comfortable Room, Good Spa and Gym in Historic Modern Building”
Just back from a nice stay in Cambridge. This hotel is in a prime position in Cambridge on the river just off the high street.
The Room was comfortable, service levels were high and amenities above and beyond. For a hotel of this size the gym surpassed our expectations. As we stayed for three days we made full use of them.
On a dull grey day we tried out the spa, there is a SPA pool on the river which is a must, the spa is not huge and has a glass sauna and steam room.We were unable to book in for a massage as it was full which was a pity had this been mentioned on booking highly likely we would have booked beforehand.
Both restaurants are sufficiently different and both were extremely busy. We ended up in Six for cocktails and Riverside for dinner. My lobster surf and turf was notably delicious and the espresso martini’s as good as any I’ve had.
The Breakfast buffet was taken on the top floor restaurant that had great views over the historic city. Good quality coffee and selection of meats and cold items. My wife was impressed with her soya milk latte.
There is a red hop on and hop off bus stop nearby and a punting station around the corner which along with shops, restaurants and bars in close proximity make this venue so popular.

–Pmjmoris
Bristol, United Kingdom

“What a Find in the Centre of Cambridge”
We have been visiting Cambridge very regularly for more than 10 years and, in all of this time, managed not to find the Varsity Hotel & Spa! The location is perfect, virtually on the river, overlooking Magdalene College in all its glory.
The hotel is modern and very tastefully decorated. We were taking Afternoon Tea to celebrate my wife’s birthday. I booked a table in the roof-top restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows peering over the Cambridge roof-tops.
The view is fabulous and, if it’s warm enough, you can take cocktails outside as the sun sets. Our tea was served inside in a very attractive restaurant setting. The staff were very welcoming and attentive throughout. Our tea was delicious and the cakes we didn’t manage to finish were boxed-up for us to bring home.
All-in-all, this is a great destination hotel which will impress. We are planning to stay in the hotel on our next visit as we would love to sample the Spa!

–James125
St. Albans, United Kingdom

“Super Overnight Break”
We stayed here for 1 night and I would recommend this hotel. Check in was friendly and we were lucky to be upgraded to a room on the 5th floor with a balcony. Room was beautifully decorated and the bathroom immaculate with a very large shower. We walked 2 minutes from the hotel to many places to eat and drink and the punting is only 5 minutes away.
In the afternoon my husband and I enjoyed an Elemis treatment in the spa (massage and facial) and this was wonderful. My husband also used the small spa area with sauna, steam and the SPA pool overlooking the river.
In the evening we had a few drinks in the local area before heading back to SIX restaurant for supper. Our meal was yummy and the restaurant highly recommended. We sat along the edge with stunning views of the city. The terrace is superb but sadly the weather was grim so we couldn’t use it but I could not think of a nicer place to spend an afternoon/evening with cocktail in hand on a sunny day. I would imagine however that it would get busy as it is a prime spot! W
We would definitely go back to Varsity as it is an excellent location to explore Cambridge, close to main tourists areas as well as good bars and restaurants. Breakfast was plentiful with the option to have additional hot food such as fry up, eggs benedict etc. for a charge but the continental had everything you would need. Don’t hesitate get it booked!

–Hollylouiseb2017
Kings Lynn, United Kingdom

“Wonderful Boutique Hotel”
Really loved this hotel. We used the valet parking which was so easy, drive straight outside the hotel and they deal with the rest (£19.50). We were upgraded to a beautiful room (517) room was bright and airy with a huge balcony. Location you can’t beat, you are literally a stones throw away from where the famous punting starts. Bar was great with a fab atmosphere a real happening place, views are unreal. Breakfast was lovely, front of house staff are very friendly but professional at the same time. The doorman on Saturday morning was very attentive, great person to depart and greet you!
Will be going back to this hotel when the roof terrace is open and to use the spa.
Thank you for making our stay a very enjoyable one, can’t wait to come back!

–Tan019
London, United Kingdom

“Great Spot to Pamper Yourself”
I’ve used the spa a handful of times in the past year and a half. It has great facilities and a relaxing ambience, though the actual spa area with the SPA pool, steam room, and sauna is small and can get crowded depending on the day you go. Comfy bathrobe and massage sandals are provided if you do pay to use the spa, which is nice. The massages and facials are lovely, and I’m always happy with how the hairdresser, Lucy, cuts my hair! It’s taken me AGES to find a great hairdresser and I can say Lucy’s one of the best.

–Michelle L
Cambridge, United Kingdom

“My Favorite Cambridge Hotel”
We have been staying here for about four years and have to say that we have never been disappointed. The hotel is modern, well-furbished and clean. The staff are exceptionally professional and helpful. The 6th floor restaurant and breakfast area is really lovely with views over Cambridge. It is worth the visit, but then is you stay here often, you know that already.

–Bhak36
London, United Kingdom

“Luxury Break in the Centre”
We upgraded to superior rooms and was glad that we did. Good size rooms with feather pillows. Lovely restaurant room next door with view of college gardens. We returned to hotel late morning after some early morning shopping to use the spa. Overall a good no haste experience.

–Tenerifetraveller
Berkshire, United Kingdom