The Best Hotels to Book Near the Bodleian Library, Oxford

You can’t miss the Randolph, a historic hotel opposite the Ashmolean Museum in the centre of Oxford. History fans will love the nods to the rich heritage of Oxford University, from the portraits of Oscar Wilde to the arched doorways echoing the neighbouring college architecture. After a long day pounding the pavements, kick back in the spa, with aroma steam room, hot tub, ice fountain and bio sauna.

Picture a romantic English country house. Add collections of artwork, a garden library, climbing vines and stacked stone walls resembling something from a Jane Austen novel, and you’ve got the Old Parsonage. Inside the building, dating back to 1660, you’ll find 35 individually designed bedrooms with crisp linens, and gleaming marble ensuites stocked with Molton Brown products. Head over to the Parsonage Grill to enjoy a menu of modern British classics.

Cotswold Lodge is a family-run hotel only a 15-minute walk away from the Bodleian Library in a garden suburb of North Oxford. The 49 rooms range from snug singles to feature rooms with four-poster beds and Victorian-style furnishings. Restaurant 66A takes pride in its traditional cuisine; some produce is even locally sourced from the owner’s farm. Free on-site parking is an added perk – a rarity in city hotels.

A night behind bars never seemed so comfortable. This boutique hotel is housed in a former Victorian jail, which was originally built on the site of an ancient medieval castle. While many of the original fixtures remain intact, such as thick cell doors and peephole windows, it’s now beautifully furnished with contemporary bedrooms, a neon-lit cocktail bar overlooking the Oxford spires, and an on-site brasserie.

For a contemporary city centre base, look no further than this Marriott hotel. Rooms are fairly simple and understated – not that you’ll spend much time in them. The Bodleian Library is only 10 minutes away on foot, and there are regular bus services nearby to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. When you need a rest, head to the rooftop terrace for a G&T overlooking Oxford Castle.

Cotswold stone and rustic fireplaces make up the fabric of this 18th-century hotel. Spread across two grand buildings, Vanbrugh House was created by architect Sir John Vanbrugh, famed for his work on Blenheim Palace. The bedrooms are small but stylish, with thoughtful touches such as Nespresso coffee machines, White Company toiletries and umbrellas for rainy days. Take advantage of the free minibar, stuffed with chocolates and soft drinks to keep you fuelled up while exploring.

Trace the River Thames south from central Oxford and you’ll find the voco Oxford Spires hotel, surrounded by leafy parks and nature reserves. It feels a world away from the city centre, despite being only a 25-minute walk from the Bodleian. Make the most of the on-site swimming pool, complete with steam room and sauna, and the gym. When the weather’s warm, enjoy afternoon tea on the outdoor terrace. Parking is a doddle here, too, so ditch the car at your hotel and explore on foot.

In the residential area of Summertown, North Oxford, is the Remont, a family-run B&B. What it lacks in central location it makes up for in quiet, comfortable surroundings and easy parking. Enjoy a good night’s sleep on a comfortable Simba Hybrid mattress before heading down for a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning, packed with bacon, sausages and eggs. Enjoy with a piping hot coffee in the garden during the summer.