12 Unique & Best Places To Stay In Oxford, England - Updated 2024

places to stay in oxford uk
Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

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 April 04, 2024.

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.

Stayed at this property?
Oxford, United Kingdom
4.51 km (2.8 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
318 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
everything you could want for amenities-wise and great breakfast supplies
wifi signal was good helping us to keep in touch
lots of lovely extra touches like breakfast items
and i already miss their absolutely gorgeous garden cozy cottage and splendid hospitality
the cabin was really cosy and warm and the bed was extremely comfortable
Cleanliness:
it was spotlessly clean and had everything you would need for your stay
the accommodation is small but perfectly adequate clean and well appointed
the bathroom is tiny but clean with everything we needed
the cabin is beautiful clean warm cosy and has everything you could need
everything is very clean everything works etc
Host:
wonderful hospitality with lovely hosts
lovely lovely cabin built by the host himself
thank you for being great hosts
our hosts were very helpful and welcoming
brenda and manolo are the perfect hosts
Location:
very good location too
great location just out of town
the location is very good being ca
easy to get to town by taxi or by bus a five minute walk away
this cabin is a in a perfect location close to a bus stop and shops
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Oxford, United Kingdom
2.68 km (1.7 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
222 reviews   Wifi Available
Private room in bed and breakfast 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we spent hours chatting over coffee and fruitcake and the breakfast was excellent
and the room is very comfortable with a garden view
the room i was put in was small but cozy beautifully decorated with south asian artefacts
breakfast included coffee scrambled eggs and toast and plum jam and was very nice
the room is cozy and very comfortable with a beautiful garden view
Cleanliness:
clean warm welcome excellent breakfast
the whole house is as warm as spring clean and comfortable
siddo’s place is richly decorated clean and very comfy
the room was quite comfortable and clean and the breakfast was delicious
his home is sparkling clean and richly decorated with taste
Host:
siddo is an exceptionally good host
siddo is an erudite kind host
siddo was a fantastic host
siddo is a perfect host
siddo is a wonderful host
Location:
the location is also very good not far from the north is hinskey park
siddo's place is great it's very close to the bus stop and it's also close to the city center
aldates (right by christchurch gates) and you can walk or get a bus down easily
the bed is super comfy and breakfast is really good very close to bus stop too
it's in a quiet area in easy distance from the centre of the city
Read more reviews

3. De Vere Oxford Thames (from USD 278)

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.

Stayed at this property?

voco - Oxford Thames, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: Henley Road,
5.33 km (3.4 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

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!

Stayed at this property?
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
1.35 km (0.9 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
25 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 1 Bed 2 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
there is everything on the boat you might need and everything was very clean and tidy
Host:
the host vaughan was very helpful
vaughan was the perfect host
our host was very friendly and helpful
the host was polite and would go out of his way to help
vaughan was very kind and very helpful
Location:
perfectly located just 10 minutes walk from the city centre
lovely unique place to stay in a beautiful location
city location but 5 minutes form open countryside and the river thames in these parts is stunning
great location just outside oxford on the thames
the boat was great and in a perfect location for the city
Read more reviews

Oxford City Centre Tour Guide

Sophie Duncan

Sophie Duncan

5. Malmaison Hotel (from USD 213)

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.’

Stayed at this property?

Malmaison Oxford

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 3, Oxford Castle, New Road
929 meters (0.6 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden

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.

Stayed at this property?
Shillingford, England, United Kingdom
17.04 km (10.6 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
271 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the croissants and jam were a nice touch for breakfast
bed is amongst the most comfortable we have found in an airbnb
very well appointed space - double bed was really comfortable great shower (good water pressure) and relaxing sofas
one of the most comfortable beds i have ever slept in
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean and great communication from the hosts
lovely setting great communication prior to arrival and very clean and spacious
comfortable bed on a very clean and quite spacious barge
gorgeous boat with a clean and stylish interior
fantastic get away very clean and organised
Host:
esther our host was incredibly helpful
esther was also a fantastic host
esther and tobie are great hosts
esther and tobie are great hosts and quick to respond to any message you send
prompt helpful response to all queries
Location:
wonderful boat located in a very special location
the location is perfect
moored in a lovely location quiet and pretty
lovely trip in a beautiful location would stay again
everything you need in a perfect location for a relaxing kicking back break
Read more reviews

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!

Stayed at this property?

The Vanbrugh House Hotel

Wheelchair accessible

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

24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Breakfast in the room Internet services Safety deposit box Heating Fax/photocopying

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

Stayed at this property?

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

Stayed at this property?

10. The Old Parsonage (from USD 353)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Old Parsonage Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 1 Banbury Road
358 meters (0.3 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

11. The Old Bank (from USD 624)

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!

Stayed at this property?

Old Bank Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 91-94 High Street
701 meters (0.5 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms

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.

Stayed at this property?

1.68 km (1.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
228 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 1 Guests

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


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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