Hotels in Oxford, the United Kingdom

Best time to visit Oxford

Located in South East England, Oxford has warm summers and cool to cold winters. Spring months from March – May and autumn months from September – November, are good times to enjoy the mild weather and lesser crowds. Average temperature ranges between 10 – 17 degrees Celsius. The city also hosts several festivals around spring time, including the Oxford Jazz Festival, The Chocolate Festival, and The English Music Festival. Summer months from June – August see the maximum tourist crowd. Hotel rates also tend to be higher during this period. From December – February, the days are shorter, and there is a possibility of snowfall. Average day time temperatures hover around 6 – 8 degrees Celsius. If you do not mind the cooler temperatures, winter is a good time to visit, especially to soak in the festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year. The city hosts a number of fairs and Christmas markets at this time.

Getting around Oxford

Most of Oxford’s tourist attractions are located north of the river, and are within walking distance of each other. The city also has an excellent bus service operated by the Oxford Bus Company. Fares start as low as £1.10 GBP for a single trip, and vary based on the bus routes and zones travelled. Biking is another very popular way to get around the city. There are several bike rental agencies in the city, or you can also take advantage of Oxford’s bike-share program called OXONBIKE. Pick up a pedal bike for £1.00 GBP per hour or an electric bike for £2.00 GBP per hour for as many hours as you wish. There are several taxi operators in the city, and taxis are easily available at all times. Avoid driving around Oxford if you can, since parking is expensive and hard to find.

Best places to stay in Oxford

Attracting bright young minds and tourists alike, the university city of Oxford blends old world charm with everything hip and modern. Featuring cobbled alleyways, awe-inspiring university buildings, and architecture of all styles and eras, Oxford is just an hour away from London. You will find that it is a perfect short-stay destination.

City Centre

The city centre is home to almost all the Oxford colleges and historic architecture that makes up the ‘Dreaming Spires’. It also features several interesting museums, libraries, book shops, and hip bars and restaurants. Many of the city centre hotels are housed in handsome period buildings, but inside you will find modern amenities like sleek spas and chic rooms with modern amenities. Stay in luxurious, boutique accommodation at the Vanbrugh House Hotel, which boasts a bold architectural style, and charming rooms and suites. On the historic Broad Street, you have The Buttery, a family-run hotel in a traditional townhouse, just a 2-minute walk from the Sheldonian Theatre. You can also look at The Old Bank Hotel on High Street, which features cosy rooms with cushioned window seats that look out at the ‘Dreaming Spires’. A little further north, consider the slick and stylish rooms of the Old Parsonage Hotel, perfectly located amidst quaint old pubs on Banbury Road.

Abingdon Road

Heading south from the city centre, the Abingdon Road area features lush green fields and leafy suburbs. If this is not your first time in Oxford, you can look at a more relaxed experience in this area. You have the Oxford Spires Hotel set in a Cotswold stone building, surrounded by beautiful parkland along the Thames River. Or consider staying at The Oxford Townhouse, which offers relaxed bed and breakfast accommodation spread over 2 Victorian townhouses, and just a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

Cowley Road

This is a cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse neighbourhood that features quirky vintage shops and cafés, and vibrant street art. It is also home to the annual Cowley Road Carnival which includes street performances, parades, food, and a celebration of the neighbourhood’s diversity. Enjoy comfortable rooms with modern amenities at the family-run Athena Guest House. It is, set in a Victorian brick home, close to the live music venue of O2 Academy Oxford. Or consider The Old Black Horse, a 17th century Coaching Inn which is just a 5-minute walk to the city centre.

Jericho

Jericho is a hip neighbourhood with a Bohemian vibe. It has plenty of independent shops, fantastic Georgian and Victorian architecture, and rows of pretty, colourful houses. The area is also known for a vibrant night life with several bars and live music venues that entertain tourists and the large student community of the city. Enjoy a luxurious stay in the charming and elegant rooms of the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, set in a landmark building on Beaumont Street. You also have The Richmond, a small private hotel on Walton Crescent, surrounded by a host of restaurants and interesting shops.

Cheap hotels in Oxford

With a huge student population across its 42 colleges, Oxford has several options for affordable hotels and hostels, cheap food, and a thriving nightlife. Book a stay at the award-winning hostel Central Backpackers, which provides comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi at Park End Street, in the heart of Oxford City Centre. You also have colourful dorm rooms, free breakfast, and a hip pub with pool tables, at the Oxford Backpackers hostel on Hythe Bridge Street. On Abingdon Road, you can stay at Victoria Hotel Oxford which offers simple, affordable rooms. Or enjoy unique rooms with antique and retro furnishing at Browns, a quirky and interesting Bed and Breakfast accommodation set in a Victorian house at Iffley Road.

As soon as you hear Oxford, you can picture a beautiful city with the architecturally grand golden-stone college buildings. You will see large groups of hip youngsters walking around charming medieval streets. You will notice the impressive libraries and museums, and eclectic restaurants, cafés and clubs. The vibrant and energetic city of Oxford promises all of the above, and more.

• Admire the medieval architecture of elegant domes, attractive stained glass art, and beautiful stone carvings that rise high up to form Oxford’s famous skyline, known as the ‘Dreaming Spires’.
• Enjoy the museum circuit when you visit the Modern Art Oxford museum, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Museum of the History of Science, and the Ashmolean Museum which features art, architecture, and antiques.
• Go college-hopping across some of the most famous and historic college campuses in the city. Magdalen College is known for a beautiful campus set amid 40 hectares of private lawns and woodlands. Exeter College is known for its elaborate 17th century dining hall and ornate Victorian Gothic chapel. Christ Church is the largest Oxford college with the most grand quadrangle, and several magnificent buildings.
• Click pictures in front of Radcliffe Camera, a beautiful bright circular columned library, and a quintessential Oxford landmark.
• Browse through the scores of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, gifts, and baked goods, at the Oxford Covered Market. Indulge in the warm and delicious cookies at Ben’s Cookies in the market.
• Climb atop the landmark Carfax Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Oxford from the tallest medieval structure in the city.
• Enjoy sailing down The Isis (name of the Thames River within Oxford city boundaries) in a row boat or the classic punt (a long, narrow, flat-bottomed boat).
• Watch a live performance at the open air theatre run by the Oxford Shakespeare Co.
• Get a drink at Lamb & Flag, a traditional Georgian pub on St. Giles Street which sends its profits to needy students at St. John’s University.
• Indulge in a luxurious Afternoon Tea tradition in The Drawing Room at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel.
• Watch an old classic or a new Hollywood film at the Ultimate Picture Palace, which boasts a beautiful Art Deco auditorium.
• Book lovers should not miss a visit to Blackwell’s Bookshop to see The Norrington Room, a 10,000-sq. ft. room which is the largest room of books available for sale in Europe, with over 3 miles worth of book space.