The hype
Guests are obsessed with the views and the location but frequently disappointed by the 'tired' rooms and indifferent service.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
$170-250/ natt
Boka detta om You want to be the main character in a Cambridge drama, sipping cocktails on the only rooftop in town while looking down on the colleges.
Varför människor älskar det
- The only rooftop bar in Cambridge with 360-degree skyline views
- Location is unbeatable—tucked right between Magdalene College and the River Cam
- Elemis Spa and a surprisingly serious gym are attached next door
Snabb Överblick: A flashy boutique hotel that trades heavily on its views and location, often letting service and maintenance slide while charging premium rates.
Recenserat av @the_passionatetraveler: I spent a weekend here and the rooftop terrace completely stole the show—best views in Cambridge, hands down. The spa being right on the river level was such a cool contrast. Perfect spot if you want to feel a bit fancy but still relaxed.
Gäster som bodde här sa
Reality check
The 'Graduate' rooms are tiny (167 sq ft) and feel like upscale dorms, while the rooftop staff can be 'rude' and the carpets are starting to look worn.
- You prioritize Instagrammable views over dead silence
- You want a gym that's actually gym-quality (exposed brick, serious equipment)
- You're visiting for a celebration and want a buzzy atmosphere
Renlighet & Underhåll
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally decent daily service, but recent reports of 'general dust' and missed spots.
- Bathroom hygiene: Usually good, though some grout wear and 'tired' sealant reported in older bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Reports of peeling paint, worn carpets in hallways, and 'greasy' remotes.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, generally fresh but nothing memorable.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells great (floral), but some rooms can smell 'musty' or like cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6.5MÅTTLIG
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- Footsteps and music from the 6th-floor rooftop bar (affects 5th floor)
- Street noise from Thompson's Lane
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- The rooftop terrace uses 'igloo domes' in winter, so views are year-round but require booking.
- The spa is in a separate adjoining building (old brewery), so you have to walk outside briefly.
- Check-in is 3:30 PM, which is strictly enforced.
Vad du ska packa
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Swimsuit (for the jacuzzi/steam room, not swimming)
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- Senior Fellows Superking (Floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, river views)
- Fellows King (Good size, often have freestanding baths)
Rum att undvika
- Graduate Double (Tiny, 167 sq ft, often lower floors with no view)
- 5th Floor rooms directly under the bar kitchen/dance floor
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“I would love a 'Fellows' category room on a high floor (3rd or 4th) facing the River Cam. Please avoid the 5th floor to minimize overhead noise from the rooftop.”
FAQ & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a 'spa pool' (jacuzzi) overlooking the river, but no swimming pool.
How much is parking?
Valet is ~£33-35 per night. Cheaper public parking is available at Castle Hill (10 min walk).
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a £28 fee. Dogs get a bed and bowls, but are restricted to specific rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It costs ~£19.50/person. We recommend walking to Fitzbillies or Stir instead.
Can I access the rooftop if I'm not a guest?
Yes, but it gets very busy. Hotel guests get priority, but booking a table is safer.
Do the rooms have AC?
Yes, most rooms have individual climate control and underfloor heating in bathrooms.
Insider-tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 mins to 'Fitzbillies' for their legendary Chelsea buns.
- ✨
The 'Glassworks' gym is free for guests and is one of the best in the city—take a class if you can.
- ✨
If you're driving, drop bags at the door before parking at Castle Hill to save ~£20/night on valet.
5 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡The 'Graduate' rooms are shockingly small for the price point.
💡The rooftop bar service is frequently described as 'rude' or 'arrogant' by locals.
💡You might find dust on the skirting boards—housekeeping is 'good' but not 'forensic'.
💡The lift is slow and small; you'll likely end up taking the stairs.
💡The 'river view' from the jacuzzi is actually through one-way glass that people can walk right up to outside.
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var The Varsity Hotel & Spa ligger och vad som finns i närheten.