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.