Oxfordshire

The city of dreaming spires has never been noted for its hotels, though of late the situation has improved and there's an interesting, if small, cross section of places from which to choose, from the landmark Randolph Hotel, where many an undergraduate has taken tea with his parents (now part of the Macdonald group), to the former Oxford prison, recently converted into an atmospheric Malmaison hotel. Plus a bustling city centre hotel, the Old Bank, and a characterful medieval house hotel, The Old Parsonage. Oh, and the Crazy Bear on the outskirts of town, truly funky. Take your pick. Further afield are some lovely Cotswold haunts, including one of our very favourite, the King's Head at Bledington, and its sister establishment, The Swan in the lovely, unspoilt village of Swinbrook. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.


  • Crazy Bear Hotel

    Stadhampton, Oxfordshire

    Padded pink walls and leopard print carpet. Eclectic, eccentric – a one off converted coaching inn just outside Oxford, for wacky weekends away.

    17 rooms from $242
    Quirky  -  An experience!
    Full of character
  • Old Parsonage Hotel

    Oxford

    City centre hotel in a characterful old house - a Hotel Guru favourite in Oxford. Wisteria clad, country house feel, with alot of character and great beds. Bikes and punts for hire.

    30 rooms from $362
    Full of character
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
  • The Randolph

    Oxford

    Oxford's grand hotel, an institution, in an imposing Gothic revival building. Retains old fashioned vibe, with gourmet cooking in collegiate dining hall, and a spa.

    151 rooms from $201
    Exclusive offer  -  Oxford Great Escape
    Spa
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide
  • Old Bank Hotel

    Oxford

    Sophisticated hotel with buzzing brasserie and bar. Tudor interiors updated with chic styling and large beds. Discreet and laid back luxury and perfectly positioned for sights. Good contemporary art on the walls.

    42 rooms from $213
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Full of character
  • Malmaison

    Oxford (3 New Road)

    Spectacular central atrium in this classic Malmaison, a castle and former prison. Sleep in converted cells, ultra modern with some original fittings. Good brasserie food.

    95 rooms from $185
    Quirky  -  An experience!
  • King's Head

    Burford

    Cosy and characterful traditional English Inn, with funky rooms and great gastropub food in the heart of the Cotswolds.

    12 rooms from $153
    Exclusive offer
    Quirky  -  Full of junk shop finds
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Full of character
    Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  • The Swan Inn

    Near Burford

    In a village lost in time, home to the Mitfords, the last of whom owns this charactful inn on a riverbank in the Windrush valley. Gastropub food, boutique elegance in the bedrooms.

    6 rooms from $193
    Exclusive offer
    Restaurant  -  Locally sourced gastropub fare
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.
Written by  Fiona Duncan, posted Friday, 12th February 2010
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