Cambridge, United KingdomCentral Cambridge
The Varsity
Riverside rooftop hotel
Central Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Social LocalOutside the door
Riverside rooftop hotel
The hotel brings an upbeat social buzz to ancient Cambridge, crowned by open-air drinks high above the spires.
“It's the perfect boutique Cambridge hotel and hard to fault—definitely the rooftop bar is a winner.”
What it’s good at
Notable
A river-facing whirlpool bath watches passing punts beside the brick-walled Glassworks gym.
Notable
An open-air rooftop terrace draws crowds for evening drinks above Cambridge college spires.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The look is contemporary, with a modern English taste in bold accents, patterned wallpapers and antique tubs in modern bathrooms.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Quayside punting station sits steps from the entrance, and Magdalene College waits just across the bridge.
The rooms
Rooms take their names from Oxbridge colleges, finished with bold patterned wallpapers and walk-in monsoon showers.
The whirlpool
A circular hydrotherapy pool sits beneath purple ambient light, with arched windows looking out across the River Cam.
The gym
Cardio machines and weightlifting racks sit beneath vaulted timber rafters and brick walls in the converted warehouse.
The spa
Elemis treatment rooms set against exposed brick host facials and massages, including a candlelit suite for couples.
Restaurant
SIX Panoramic Bar & Brasserie
Red leather banquettes line floor-to-ceiling windows looking toward the spires, and the kitchen serves wood-fired pizzas and roasts.
At the table
The open-air roof terrace pours cocktails beneath a floral canopy, with heated dining domes installed during winter.
How it began
University alumni founded the property in 2010, incorporating an eighteenth-century bonded brewery warehouse along the Cam.
Cambridge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.