The Best Hotels in Oxford

If you’re visiting Oxford for its history, then you can’t get more historical than this. The building, set on 30 acres (12ha) of parkland, has been owned by notable religious figures, lords and even kings throughout the centuries – and its surroundings were originally the headquarters of the Knights Templar. You won’t be sleeping on bails of hay, however. The simple, chic rooms – some with views of the Thames – are housed in a sympathetically restored building which boasts a spa, pool and fitness centre.

A pleasant 15-minute walk from the centre, this modern and stylish hotel offers a buffet breakfast, an in-house restaurant and a cocktail bar. Add to that the pool, spa, gym, Thames views and numerous bells and whistles, and you’ll need to remind yourself to find time to visit the city of Oxford itself. The rooms are reliably bright, comfortable and well-formed, with premium bedding, upscale toiletries and refreshing aerated showers.

It has a two Michelin-star restaurant, just moments from your bedroom. Belmond Le Manoir was conceived by Raymond Blanc, and is situated in picturesque working gardens – offering gardening schools, cookery schools, orchards and mushroom fields. The elegant, indulgent and classical bedrooms are individually designed, drawing inspiration from Monsieur Blanc’s extensive travels. Oxford is only eight miles (13km) away, but if you choose never to leave the hotel grounds, we’ll understand.

If you like your country chic with a bohemian edge, you’ve come to the right place – a beautiful Cotswolds-based boutique hotel for the artistically minded. You’re surrounded by curated art everywhere you turn, and each quirky room has an endearing individual character – from being tucked away in the eaves, to a boujee shepherd’s hut at the end of the garden. The grub is sumptuous, and every bedroom is equipped with coffee-maker, DAB radio and high-end toiletries.

This traditional, indulgent, Cotswold stone house in central Oxford is everything you want if you’re looking for a cosy and romantic English mini-break near the heart of this ancient city. Afternoon teas, Victorian interiors, rooms named after the Oxford colleges, marble bathrooms and a great breakfast are included in the room price. You’re well placed to explore the dreaming spires, being only a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Better than your average prison – that’s the tagline of this most unusual of Malmaison properties. Oxford’s old prison has been given a luxury makeover whilst preserving the architecture of its old incarnation. They’ve really leaned into the theme, with rooms such as the Double House of Correction and the Double Cell Room. No slopping out or lights out for you, though – your tastefully decorated cell boasts all mod cons.

The owners have managed to balance chic accommodation with the preservation of a Baroque building with a fascinating history – and right in the historic centre of Oxford. You’ll feel immersed in the rich past of the city, as each superior room tells a story of a famous Oxford resident or one related to the historic building. The finishing is exceptional and sumptuous, and each room features a Nespresso machine, rain shower, smart TV and a continental breakfast brought to your room. Bliss.

You can’t get much more central than the Royal Oxford Hotel. Moments away from the bars, restaurants, museums and colleges of Oxford’s city centre, this comfortable, friendly hotel provides an excellent base for the urban explorer who wants to get out and see what Oxford has to offer. For the peckish, continental breakfast is included in most room rates, and there’s a convenience store in the building in case you need some Hula Hoops in the middle of the night.