Which of us with vaguely academic interests hasn’t imagined ourselves strolling, begowned, the hallowed halls, and cobbled lanes, of Oxford? Dreaming amongst the ‘dreaming spires’, and Gothic architecture rendered in stone the colour of biscuits. But don't just dream...it's far better in person! The majority our recommendations for the best places to stay in Oxford are centrally located (some even boast private parking), so very convenient for seeing the sights, but there’s a good variation between luxury stays; romantic, boutique boltholes; great value options; and family friendly properties. We have also recently discovered a couple of excellent pubs-with-rooms, an option that’s very much keeping with the atmosphere of Oxford.

If you’re looking for artsy haunts, you might head to the Jericho area, with its 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. Many of the sites you’re probably here to see are Oxford’s colleges. Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the architecture of its colleges and buildings straddles all periods from the late Anglo Saxon period, when the university was founded. The university’s buildings are scattered around the city — which is why Oxford is best explored on foot, or by bike. Some colleges are open to the public during term time, but more are open in the vacations.

Oxford also has a number of impressive museums, the Ashmolean being the best known, followed closely by The Bodleian Library and Radcliff Camera. Other notables are 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. If the weather allows, we also can’t recommend punting enough!

With its easy access from London, the city is an extremely popular year-round destination. So if you're planning a visit and want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Oxford, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Oxford

For a City Break

• Malmaison Oxford, a 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.
• If you're happy with a traditional exterior, but prefer something a bit more contemporary inside, book a room at the Old Bank Hotel. This old bank has Georgian and Elizabethan heritage with 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.
• The Randolph Hotel by Graduate is an Oxford landmark transformed into a chic, boutique-style hotel. It’s still elegant and grand on the outside, with 150+ rooms and suites, but now its interiors have had a glossy and glamorous makeover. There’s also an upgraded spa and wellness menu, two restaurants and two rather grand hotel bars: The Snug, which reimagines a university library, and The Morse Bar.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Porterhouse is a restaurant-with-rooms rather than a pub, but it still has a bar, so you could argue either way! What you can’t argue with it that this is a restaurant for carnivores and their friends — you will see meat on display, with cuts to choose from, and there’s a lot of meat on the menu! There are just seven rooms, upstairs, painted in dark, moody colours, with velvet accents, sultry lighting, and black and white photographs on the walls. Adults only, and ideal for a mini-break.

For Romantics

• The Old Parsonage Hotel is undoubtedly 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 super-comfy 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.
• The Vanbrugh House Hotel is another property that effortlessly merges the old and new. Behind the Georgian facade in the heart of Oxford are 22 rooms and suites, which riff on the building’s original features. Expect contemporary style fireplaces, plenty of wood panelling, and luxurious fabrics in plain neutrals. The bar and restaurant follow a similar theme.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Oxford’s closest airport is Heathrow, from where you’re about an hour away by car, or an hour and a half by bus or train. If you’re coming via London, the easiest way to travel is by train from Paddington — the journey takes about an hour.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer is probably the busiest time to visit Oxford, that’s partly due to summer being the most popular time for visiting the UK, and because Oxford is on many people’s bucket list. June, July and August are obviously ideal for going punting, but they're not the best months for seeing Oxford’s student community in action — it is a good time for touring the colleges, though. Autumn is perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot, and spring is the time for wildflowers, and for jaunts into the Cotswolds. Winter is lovely, with the Christmas market lights twinkling off the cobblestoned streets, and everyone wrapped up warmly.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Oxfordshire
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for and consider only Oxfordshire's best pubs-with-rooms or Oxfordshire’s most romantic hotels
• Consider some of Oxford’s neighbours: Woodstock, the Cotswolds or Aylesbury
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.