by Oxford, with its centuries-old colleges, cobblestone streets, and air of timeless scholarship, is not just a destination for academic pursuits. It is also a city that invites visitors to live and breathe its cultural heritage. For those who want more than a simple place to sleep, boutique hotels near the University of Oxford offer a blend of history, charm, and comfort. Each property has its own story to tell—whether it’s a former prison transformed into a luxury stay, or a repurposed department store turned into a modern design haven.
Below is a curated list of boutique hotels within easy reach of Oxford University. Each entry includes its address, an idea of pricing, the services you can expect, and how you can reserve a room through third-party booking platforms.
1. Old Bank Hotel
Address: 91–94 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ, England
Price Estimate: Approximately £240 to £350 per night, depending on the season and room type.
Why Stay Here:
The Old Bank Hotel is one of Oxford’s most iconic boutique stays. As its name suggests, it was once a bank, and the historic 18th-century building has been meticulously restored into a luxury property. The hotel’s location on High Street places you within walking distance of several Oxford colleges, the Bodleian Library, and the Radcliffe Camera.
Inside, you’ll find elegantly designed rooms with large windows overlooking Oxford’s “dreaming spires.” Each room includes contemporary art pieces, high-quality linens, and marble bathrooms. Guests enjoy access to two dining options, most notably Quod Restaurant, a stylish brasserie with an outdoor terrace.
Services:
- 24-hour concierge
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- In-room dining
- Private parking (rare in central Oxford)
- Meeting and event spaces
How to Book:
You can book the Old Bank Hotel through platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Agoda. These third-party services allow you to compare prices, select flexible cancellation policies, and confirm availability.
2. Old Parsonage Hotel
Address: 36 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LJ, England
Price Estimate: From around £300 per night for a standard room; suites cost more.
Why Stay Here:
This five-star boutique hotel blends country-house elegance with city convenience. Located near the Ashmolean Museum and University Parks, the Old Parsonage offers a sense of seclusion while remaining close to Oxford’s busiest areas.
The building itself dates back to the 17th century, giving it an atmosphere steeped in history. Inside, however, the design is contemporary and stylish, with carefully curated artwork adorning the walls. Each room is unique, featuring luxurious marble bathrooms, Hypnos beds, and thoughtful touches like Egyptian cotton sheets.
Guests often highlight the beautiful walled courtyard, which is a perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea or a quiet breakfast. For those who want to explore, complimentary bicycles are provided.
Services:
- Elegant library lounge with an open fireplace
- Outdoor courtyard dining
- In-room spa treatments upon request
- Complimentary bicycles for guests
- Fine dining restaurant with seasonal menus
How to Book:
Reservations are available through trusted booking platforms such as Hotels.com or Booking.com. These platforms also list guest reviews to help you choose the right room category.
3. Malmaison Oxford
Address: Oxford Castle, 3 New Road, Oxford OX1 1AY, England
Price Estimate: Rooms typically start at about £165 per night.
Why Stay Here:
Malmaison Oxford is not your typical boutique hotel. Housed in a former Victorian prison, this property combines history with a playful twist on luxury. Many of the rooms are converted prison cells, now fitted with soft bedding, rich textiles, and stylish modern bathrooms.
The location inside the historic Oxford Castle Quarter makes it ideal for exploring both the old and new parts of the city. The central courtyard retains its original prison architecture, giving your stay a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Services:
- Onsite brasserie, Chez Mal, offering British and international dishes
- Stylish cocktail bar
- 24-hour room service
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Meeting and event spaces
How to Book:
Use third-party platforms such as Booking.com or Expedia to secure a room. Many options include free cancellation or pay-at-hotel terms.
4. The Store, Oxford
Address: 240–241 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, England
Price Estimate: From about £280 per night for a standard double room, including breakfast; premium rooms with roof terraces cost closer to £400.
Why Stay Here:
The Store is a newcomer to Oxford’s boutique scene, but it has already gained attention for its unique design and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel occupies the building of a former department store, Boswells, which was a beloved part of the city’s retail history.
The interiors feature a sleek, minimalist design with Scandinavian influences—think neutral tones, natural textures, and understated elegance. A highlight is the rooftop bar, which provides panoramic views of Oxford’s spires and rooftops, especially beautiful at sunset.
Guests also have access to a small spa and gym, offering a chance to relax and recharge after a day of sightseeing.
Services:
- Rooftop terrace bar with city views
- Ground-floor cocktail bar and modern brasserie
- Spa and wellness facilities
- Gym for guests
- 24-hour reception
How to Book:
Look for “The Store, Oxford” on booking platforms such as Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Agoda. Prices vary by room type and season.
5. Oxford University College Rooms
Address: Various colleges across the University of Oxford (e.g., Balliol College, Magdalen College, and others).
Price Estimate: Starting at around £42 per night, available during academic breaks when students are not in residence.
Why Stay Here:
For those who want the most authentic Oxford experience, staying in a university college room is a rare opportunity. These rooms are located within the centuries-old colleges that make Oxford famous. While the accommodations are simpler than boutique hotels, they offer unbeatable atmosphere and proximity to historic sites.
Rooms are typically furnished with a single or double bed, desk, and wardrobe. Some include en-suite bathrooms, while others share facilities. Breakfast is often served in the college dining hall, where you can soak in the Hogwarts-like architecture.
Services:
- Breakfast in grand college halls
- Access to gardens and quadrangles (varies by college)
- Simple, clean rooms with study desks
- Central locations within walking distance of all attractions
How to Book:
UniversityRooms.com is the primary platform for reserving these stays. It lists available colleges and dates, often at very affordable rates compared to hotels.
6. Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Address: Shrivenham Road, A420, Buckland, Oxfordshire OX18 2PF (about a 25-minute drive from Oxford city center).
Price Estimate: From about £70 per night.
Why Stay Here:
Although slightly outside the city, Mollie’s Motel & Diner is worth considering for travelers with a car. Created by the team behind Soho House, it combines retro American motel charm with modern British sensibilities.
Rooms are compact but stylish, featuring wood paneling, velvet upholstery, and smart TVs. Bathrooms include rain showers and luxurious toiletries. Families especially appreciate the bunk-bed options, and tech-savvy guests enjoy app-based check-in and digital room keys.
The diner is a destination in itself, serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, milkshakes, and late-night snacks.
Services:
- 24-hour check-in via app
- Onsite diner with classic American-style dishes
- Free parking
- Family-friendly bunk-bed rooms
- Dyson hairdryers and GHD straighteners in rooms
How to Book:
Search for Mollie’s Motel on third-party platforms such as Booking.com or Expedia. Prices are usually consistent, with occasional deals for early bookings.
Comparing the Options
| Hotel | Address | Estimated Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Bank Hotel | 91–94 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ | £240–£350 | Historic bank, central location, chic restaurant |
| Old Parsonage Hotel | 36 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LJ | £300+ | Country-house feel, courtyard, free bicycles |
| Malmaison Oxford | Oxford Castle, 3 New Road OX1 1AY | £165+ | Converted prison, quirky rooms, brasserie |
| The Store, Oxford | Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG | £280–£400 | Rooftop bar, spa, minimalist design |
| University Rooms | Various Oxford colleges | £42+ | Authentic college stay, breakfast in halls |
| Mollie’s Motel | A420, Buckland, Oxfordshire OX18 2PF | £70+ | Retro diner, family-friendly, tech-forward |
Choosing where to stay in Oxford can shape your entire visit. If you want luxury in the heart of the city, Old Bank Hotel or Old Parsonage Hotel will deliver. For something truly quirky, Malmaison Oxford offers a prison with personality. For design lovers, The Store is the city’s freshest boutique stay. Budget-conscious travelers who still want atmosphere will love the University Rooms, while families or drivers might prefer Mollie’s Motel & Diner just outside the city.
Each option is available through well-known booking platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, or Agoda, which provide price comparisons, flexible cancellation, and user reviews—all without requiring you to book directly through the hotel itself.
Oxford is a city where history meets modern comfort. Staying in one of these boutique accommodations ensures that your trip will not only be educational and inspiring, but also deeply memorable.
