From top hotels, to a college room, we’ve sourced out interesting and unique accommodation options for you in Oxford, UK.
Sometimes you want a holiday that has a unique feel to it. We’ve all been on the standard holidays where you buy a room with standard amenities at a standard price and for many occasions that suits us all just fine. But what about those times when you really want something special?
Read on for a list of the top places to stay in Oxford, UK that’ll guarantee an unique experience.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 16, 2024.
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1. Brenda and Manuels beautiful garden cabin (from USD 95)
In the center of Cowley, Oxford you’ll find this hidden gem. This comfortable chalet sleeps two people and comes with full cooking facilities, shower room and even internet, although we’d expect you to be out exploring rather than surfing the web. This cool place to stay in Oxford is located at the end of a large garden with its own access, pinewood exterior and porch you can sit outside and watch a peaceful sunset over the city.
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely lovely cabin built by the host himselfwonderful hospitality with lovely hostsour hosts were very helpful and welcomingthank you for being great hoststhey were very kind and welcoming and gave us nice suggestions about visiting oxfordLocation:
very good location toogreat location just out of towneasy to get to town by taxi or by bus a five minute walk awaythe location is very good being cathis cabin is a in a perfect location close to a bus stop and shopsCleanliness:
it was spotlessly clean and had everything you would need for your staythe accommodation is small but perfectly adequate clean and well appointedthe bathroom is tiny but clean with everything we neededeverything is very clean everything works etca great place to stay a clean and well stocked cottage set in a beautiful gardenRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
everything you could want for amenities-wise and great breakfast supplieswifi signal was good helping us to keep in touchlots of lovely extra touches like breakfast itemsand i already miss their absolutely gorgeous garden cozy cottage and splendid hospitalitythe cabin was quiet warm and bed was comfortable
2. Siddo's lovely room (and free breakfast) (from USD 38)
A cozy single bedroom on the first floor of a stylishly and bookishly decorated house, This house feels like a treasure trove of hidden gems, there is as much to explore on the bookshelves as there is to explore on the streets of Oxford! The location is excellent with easy access to the city center. You can enjoy a free breakfast of toast with freshly laid eggs, coffee, tea or juice whilst sitting in the secluded garden.
Top guest reviews
Host:
siddo was an amazing hostsiddo is an amazing hostsiddo is an amazing hostsiddo is a wonderful hostsiddo is a perfect hostLocation:
the location is also very good not far from the north is hinskey parksiddo's place is great it's very close to the bus stop and it's also close to the city centeraldates (right by christchurch gates) and you can walk or get a bus down easilythe bed is super comfy and breakfast is really good very close to bus stop toolocation is great for visiting all attractions in oxfordCleanliness:
clean warm welcome excellent breakfastthe whole house is as warm as spring clean and comfortablesiddo’s place is richly decorated clean and very comfythe room was quite comfortable and clean and the breakfast was delicioushis home is sparkling clean and richly decorated with tasteRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we spent hours chatting over coffee and fruitcake and the breakfast was excellentand the room is very comfortable with a garden viewbreakfast included coffee scrambled eggs and toast and plum jam and was very nicethe room is cozy and very comfortable with a beautiful garden viewthe room i was put in was small but cozy beautifully decorated with south asian artefacts
3. De Vere Oxford Thames (from USD 206)
One of the best places to stay in Oxford is De Vere Oxford Thames. Mixing historical architecture with luxurious designs make this hotel special. Set in 30 acres of parkland with spa, gym and exquisite food made on site you’ll have the most relaxing break in Oxford you could ever wish for. Just 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Oxford city center this location is ideal for exploring both central oxford and the surrounding areas of beauty.
voco Oxford Thames, an IHG Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Henley Road, Sandford-on-Thames
5.33 km (3.4 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
4. Vaughan's Traditional Narrowboat (from USD 96)
Oxford is famous for its waterworks and so what better way to experience the true Oxford than by staying on a traditional narrowboat. We think that this one is beautiful, it even comes with hot water and a working kitchen. The narrowboat is moored just a 10 to 15 minute walk from Oxford city center so you are close enough to be in easy reach of restaurants and bars. For a really unique experience we would suggest Vaughan’s Narrowboat!
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host vaughan was very helpfulvaughan was the perfect hostour host was very friendly and helpfulthe host was polite and would go out of his way to helpvaughan was very kind and very helpfulLocation:
perfectly located just 10 minutes walk from the city centrelovely unique place to stay in a beautiful locationcity location but 5 minutes form open countryside and the river thames in these parts is stunninggreat location just outside oxford on the thamesthe boat was great and in a perfect location for the cityRead more reviewsCleanliness:
there is everything on the boat you might need and everything was very clean and tidy
5. Malmaison Hotel (from USD 200)
We guarantee that this is the only time you’ll be saying that you want to go to prison. This unique boutique hotel is situated in an old Victorian prison, but be rest assured that the service is 100 percent better. Be sure to request a ‘cell room’ for the full experience, as the hotel also offers rooms in its modern extension, but hey, where would be the fun it that? Amenities are as to be expected; power shower, mood lighting (which we love), CD and DVD players and satellite TV, but as always, we recommend heading down to one of the two bars available onsite and meeting some of your fellow 'inmates.’
Malmaison Oxford
Address: 3, Oxford Castle, New Road
929 meters (0.6 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
6. Esther's Beautiful Barge (from USD 152)
Another boat to add to the list is this refurbished widebeam eco-barge that is moored in Wallingford. Okay, so we know we’re cheating slightly as this isn’t technically Oxford itself but it is still Oxfordshire and you can reach central Oxford in 30 minutes. Plus, we like it so much that we felt it deserved a spot on our list. The barge is open plan and has two decks from which you can enjoy either your morning cup of tea or evening glass of wine completely surrounded by nature.
Top guest reviews
Host:
esther was also a fantastic hostesther and tobie are great hostsesther our host was incredibly helpfulesther and tobie are great hosts and quick to respond to any message you sendprompt helpful response to all queriesLocation:
wonderful boat located in a very special locationthe location is perfectmoored in a lovely location quiet and prettylovely trip in a beautiful location would stay againeverything you need in a perfect location for a relaxing kicking back breakCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and great communication from the hostslovely setting great communication prior to arrival and very clean and spaciouscomfortable bed on a very clean and quite spacious bargegorgeous boat with a clean and stylish interiorfantastic get away very clean and organisedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the croissants and jam were a nice touch for breakfastbed is amongst the most comfortable we have found in an airbnbvery well appointed space - double bed was really comfortable great shower (good water pressure) and relaxing sofasone of the most comfortable beds i have ever slept in
7. The Vanbrugh House Hotel (from USD 214)
The Vanbrugh House Hotel is in a charming location in Oxford’s city center. This spic and span accommodation is particularly ideal for couples or solo travelers who are looking to go on an adventure and find the best hangout spots and hidden gems downtown. Its close proximity to some of the famous landmarks and attractions makes it a top choice among travelers. An on-site bar and restaurant are also a go-to for the guests. If you fancy a stay-in, order room service!
The Vanbrugh House Hotel
Address: Saint Michael's Street 20-24, Oxford City Center, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 2EB
668 meters (0.5 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
8. Quirky converted church (from 107 USD)
The Two Temple Cloisters are part of a 1997 converted church in the Temple Cowley Conservation Area, close proximity to local amenities and public transport links. This accommodation in Oxford, UK is a unique place to stay and is fantastic for those who want to enjoy something ‘a bit different.’ The conversion was a huge success and incorporates both the modern detailing with the Gothic history. A great place to stay in East Oxford.
Matt's Quirky Converted Church
Price: from 107 USD
Number of Guests: 2
9. Michael's College Room (from 54 USD)
Ever thought about staying in someone’s student bedroom? No, neither had we to be honest until we saw this and it dawned on us that it is a great idea. A cozy suite room in Oxford College right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Oxford with half the price tag of a hotel room. Worth noting that there is a two night minimum stay. Basic but suitable accommodation for any lone traveler, it certainly gives you a unique perspective of Oxford.
Michael's College Room
Price: from 54 USD
Number of Guests: Advert states 2 but with a single bed we recommend 1 only
10. The Old Parsonage (from USD 529)
A beautiful boutique hotel dating back to 1600, with an impressive art collection and first-floor library. which is open for guests to put their feet up and enjoy a good book. After waking up in the fresh white rooms, you can enjoy a nine star reviewed coffee in the library before walking five minutes into central Oxford for some sightseeing. Whilst you’re in the library be sure to grab an Oscar Wilde book, it is rumored that he once lived here. If you don’t know where to stay in Oxford, try this charming hotel.
Old Parsonage Hotel
Address: 1 Banbury Road
357 meters (0.3 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
11. The Old Bank (from USD 504)
Sitting pretty in the middle of historical Oxford is the Old Bank Hotel. The stylish suites at this property feature marble en-suite bathrooms and contemporary art and comes with a television, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests are welcome to dine or go for an afternoon tea at the on-site Quod Restaurant & Bar. The Old Bank Hotel is ideal for small families with children, and guests may even take up the babysitting services should the adults need some quality alone time around the city!
Old Bank Hotel
Address: 91-94 High Street
702 meters (0.5 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
12. Julia's Central Oxford Ensuite Single
Lavish? Yes. Ornate? Yes. Traditional? Yes. If these three things are what is on your tick list for accommodation then look no further because Julia’s single room is the place for you. The room itself may be small but just look at the beautiful decor and fantastic location which makes this accommodation a ‘must do’ in our eyes.
1.68 km (1.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Experience the unique
There you have it. Once you’ve found the best things to do and places to eat in Oxford, it’s time for a good night’s rest at these unique stays. Whether you choose to stay in a narrowboat, a treasure trove house, or indeed you decide to research your own unique location that is perfect just for you we hope that maybe, just maybe, we’ve inspired you to break away from the standard holidays at the standard hotels for the standard price and try something that is not standard. We look forward to hearing about your experiences!
Frequently asked questions about places to stay in Oxford, UK
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