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.
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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 $242Quirky - 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 $362Full of characterRomantic - 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 $201Exclusive offer - Oxford Great EscapeSpaSights 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 $213Lively - 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 $185Quirky - 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 $153Exclusive offerQuirky - Full of junk shop findsCooking classes - Check for timings.Full of characterFour 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 $193Exclusive offerRestaurant - Locally sourced gastropub fareGreat walks - Good for walkers.Birdwatching - Good birding near the hotel.
Fiona Duncan,
posted Friday, 12th February 2010
