Although living in the city is great, sometimes you need a close escape from the hustle and bustle. Mia L Middleton checks out Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge.
I arrive at Cambridge Station, check Uber (who are on surge pricing due to the rain) so decide to go to the taxi rank. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I was told by the driver that out of London normal taxis are cheaper than uber (one to remember when visiting). We drive past many quaint shops and restaurants when we arrive at the beautiful Varsity Hotel & Spa.
The outside is covered with flowers so you cannot miss it. The spa is next door and I head in to change for my massage. The spa offers treatments, a hair salon and has full spa facilities. I’m offered cucumber water and asked if what type of oil I prefer, I decide on de-stress.
The massage was perfect with just the right amount of pressure. After my 25 minute Elemis back massage, I have a quick sauna and use the free Elemis face mask whilst relaxing in the jacuzzi before dinner.
I enter our Senior Fellows Suite and feel super at home, the room is so cosy and warm yet wonderfully spacious. A great feature of the room is the Super King-size bed and separate lounge area not to mention the private terrace where you can enjoy breath-taking views across the Cambridge Skyline. The walk-in monsoon shower takes up almost an entire wall by itself and is one of the suite’s highlights. I use Elemis products to wash my hair and the smell is amazing.
The hotel kindly booked a reservation at their restaurant, the Six Brassiere with spectacular views of Cambridge and boasts a great roof bar. The restaurant’s ceiling is covered in flowers. This touch of continuity continues the theme from the entrance. We manage to get a great table at the window and order cocktails. My tip? The cosmopolitans here are truly amazing.
I ordered whitebait to start, pork belly for mains and somehow managed to fit in a brownie to finish! The staff were so accommodating and patient with us, we never had to wait more than 5 minutes for someone to check in on us and see if we needed anything else. The atmosphere also was perfect for a Friday evening. If you aren’t looking for food you can enjoy drinks at the bar/rooftop and soak in the views.
In the morning we are offered a continental breakfast, which had meats, eggs and even a pancake machine. You can order a cooked breakfast which you have to pay for. This looked great but the continental breakfast offered so much we didn’t need it to be honest. A range of juices and hot drinks are also included which is great value for money.
We finished our city escape by seeing Cambridge from the roof that has a 360-degree view – a must on a hot day. Thank you to everyone at the Varsity Hotel & Spa for making this the perfect escape from the city. We will definitely come back soon!
