What vaguely academic type hasn't imagined themselves strolling the hallowed - and cobbled - lanes of Oxford, between the 'dreaming spires' and Gothic architecture the colour of biscuits? And in person it's even better than what you can imagine. All of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Oxford are ideally located to make the most of this city and cover all bases from luxury stays and boutique boltholes to great value B&Bs and family friendly properties.

Things not to miss:

• Oxford's oldest colleges are around 700 years old - a spectacular age for a university building to remain so unchanged and it is the colleges, scattered around the city, that make up many of the main sights of Oxford.
• On a short break visit to Oxford it's also worth trying to fit in at least one museum, the Ashmolean being the obvious one, a stroll around the outside of the Radcliffe Camera and see something of the Bodleian Library.
• If the weather allows for it, go for a punt on the Isis.
• You may also want to visit the Museum of Oxford, which tells the tale of the city, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, home to the Oxford Dodo, and the Pitt Rivers Museum, an ethnology museum still arranged in the Victorian style.
• As well as visiting as many colleges as are open to the public - out of term time is the time when the largest number of colleges are open to visitors - those interested in Oxford's history should try and see All Souls, which supposedly has the world's hardest entrance exam, and New College, which straddles Oxford's ancient city walls.
• Jericho is the trendy, artsy end of Oxford where you can find the art house cinema, fringe style theatres and plenty of hipster bars and restaurants.
• Or if you're after something more upmarket try Summertown to the north.

Oxford has a notoriously challenging one way system, and limited parking, but many of the main sights in Oxford are within walking distance of the centre of town. And remember, much of Oxford's traffic is of the two-wheeled, self-propelled variety, so if you want to explore further then maybe consider hiring a bike? Many of the best places to stay in Oxford will be able to help you with this.

The Best Places to Stay in Oxford

The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Oxford

• Recently completely renovated, wisteria clad country house, the Old Parsonage Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Oxford for couples. They have a wedding license, so are well geared up for special occasions with their superb new beds, excellent brasserie, romantic log fires and pretty roof terrace. They can also provide you with the perfect transport for hopping between Oxford's most romantic spots with bikes and punts for the River Cherwell.

If you're looking for a romantic hotel near Oxford you might find it useful for consult our Guru's list of Oxfordshire's 7 Most Romantic Hotels.

The Best Places to Stay in Oxford for History Buffs

• Malmaison Oxford has become well known for the previous inhabitants of the building - prisoners. Yes, this now quirky and contemporary hotel was once a castle and a prison and still has the heavy doors, with their telltale dents, and barred windows to prove it. It's surprisingly light and airy - the vast, three storey central atrium is spectacular and you can sit outside in the Exercise Yard or sip cocktails in the Visitor's Room.

The Best Places to Stay in Oxford for Oxford Chic

• If you're happy with your spires and traditional sandstone outside but prefer something a bit more contemporary inside, book a room at the Old Bank Hotel. This was an old bank and the Georgian facade makes that very clear Parts of the building are Elizabethan and in the Tudor dection there are some spectacular exposed beams and latticed windows. But even the most traditional features are finished with a stylish, contemporary edge. There's modern art on the walls and the brasserie is always packed.

For a private apartment or flat

• For those looking for somewhere to themselves, visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• For those flying to Oxford, the best option is to go to Heathrow (46 miles).
• Trains from London and Birmingham run regularly through Oxford train station.
• For those interested in hiring car, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The summer is Oxford is beautiful, with average temperatures from June to September sitting in the low 20s.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Oxford?
• or Oxfordshire's 7 Most Romantic Hotels?
• Alternatively call or email one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Oxford