Boutique Hotels in Oxford
Insider Oxford is supported by readers like you. If you buy something through the links on the website, I may earn a small commission. Cheers! Learn More
Looking to stay at a gorgeous boutique hotel in Oxford? It’s safe to say that Oxford is home to some of the best boutique hotels in the country – let’s explore them.
Whether you want to stay in ultra-cool accommodation in the city centre, close to the main landmarks, or if you are after a smaller, laid-back hotel on the outskirts of the city, there is something for everyone.
From traditional boutique hotels to upmarket accommodations that wouldn’t look out of place on a Pinterest board, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets.
Read on to discover the best boutique hotels Oxford has to offer.
Best Boutique Hotels in Oxford: At a Glance
| Best Boutique Hotels in Oxford – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Boutique Hotel in Oxford | Old Parsonage Hotel |
| Best Contemporary Boutique Hotel in Oxford | Museum Hotel Oxford |
| Best Traditional Boutique Hotel in Oxford | Old Bank Hotel |
| Best Victorian Boutique Hotel in Oxford | Cotswold Lodge Hotel |
Best Boutique Hotels Oxford
Old Parsonage Hotel
Set in a building dating back to 1660, the Old Parsonage Hotel is a charming hotel that feels like a luxury countryside retreat but set in the heart of the city.
The rooms are spacious and stylish, decorated with jewel-toned accessories, and filled with personal touches. This hotel oozes style, from the elegant dining room that fits up to 20 people to the Parsonage Bar and Grill, serving classic British dishes late into the evening.
With a spacious outdoor terrace that’s particularly beautiful in the evenings, it’s no wonder that this gorgeous hotel is the location for so many weddings.
Price range: £££
Area: Located in the historic centre of the city, just minutes away from the Oxford University National History Museum.
Museum Hotel Oxford
The Museum Hotel Oxford is renowned for being one of the best boutique hotels in Oxford – and for good reason.
After entering the unassuming black door, you will be greeted by a stunning spiral staircase that stretches up towards the hotel’s comfortable rooms, which are accessorised with black and gold furnishings.
The hotel blends period features like natural sandstone walls with modern velvet decor, and a plush shared lounge offers the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
With all the main sights less than half a mile away from the hotel, there’s a lot to see and do.
Price range: £££
Area: Nestled in the heart of the city, next to the town hall and all major landmarks.
Old Bank Hotel
Looking to stay in a grand Oxford boutique hotel in the centre of the city? Look no further.
The Old Bank Hotel is a stunning accommodation option with plenty of original period features and incredible city views. Each room has marble bathrooms, and modern art is dotted throughout the hotel.
The Quod restaurant serves up classic food, including a traditional Sunday roast, so you can enjoy British comfort food whilst living like a royal.
With useful transport links, just 15 minutes away from the main train station, this is a highly recommended hotel for anyone with a bigger budget.
Price range: £££
Area: In the centre of the city, just steps away from the Botanical Gardens.
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Set in one of the most popular areas of the city on St Michael’s Street, the Vanbrugh House Hotel dates back to the 18th century, where it was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh.
The 22 unique rooms have stunning views of the nearby college buildings and have each been individually designed to blend in with the surrounding architecture – anyone who has ever wanted to go to Oxford University will be able to live out their dreams in this hotel.
The only meal served at this hotel is breakfast, and you can see why. They use the finest local ingredients to create a delicious continental breakfast that leaves you full and raring to explore.
Price range: £££
Area: Next to the Museum of Art and Archaeology, this is a great choice for those wanting a classic boutique hotel in Oxford.
Malmaison Oxford
Now, this is an exciting hotel. Where else can you stay in a former prison, other than the Malmaison Oxford? No need to commit a crime, this hotel provides the ultimate experience.
Located next to the castle, the Malmaison hosts two bars and a brasserie serving up a delicious dinner before you retire to your cell for the evening.
Cells have been converted into luxurious rooms, complete with mood lighting to add to the ambiance. The fun and original interior make this hotel great value for money and one of the most unique hotel experiences in the area.
Price range: ££
Area: The Malmaison is next door to the castle, sitting in the historic centre on the former prison site.
Head of the River
As the name suggests, Head of the River is a quaint riverside hotel with a quirky interior and beautiful views of the River Isis.
One of the main selling points of this hotel is the delicious food and drink they provide – hearty English breakfasts and ales are their specialities. During the evening, Chef Tom Berry and his small team cook up some of the tastiest meat dishes in Oxford.
Just a short walk from the historical heart of Oxford, this quieter boutique hotel is a great option for anyone who would prefer to stay on the outskirts of the city centre.
Price range: ££
Area: On the River Isis, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. This hotel has stunning views of the Oxford landscape.
The George Street Hotel
or anyone wanting a romantic Oxford getaway, The George Street Hotel is perfect. This is a traditional boutique hotel, with glamorous decor and dark wood furnishings throughout.
If you really want to spoil your partner, they even offer a romantic package add-on, supplying bubbly or flowers, chocolates, and a teddy. You also have the option to book a room with a private terrace, giving you incredible views over the city.
This is the perfect location close to the historical and cultural buildings, and with Bicester Village just 10 minutes away on public transport.
Price range: £££
Area: City centre, close to some of the university’s biggest attractions including the Bodleian Library.
The Bear and Ragged Staff
Five miles from the city centre, the Bear and Ragged Staff is a pretty country house that allows guests to escape the buzz of the city.
The hotel is set in a classic Tudor building dating back over 450 years, and its stunning original features can be seen throughout the hotel. Wooden beams and natural fireplaces will leave you feeling charmed by the hotel.
With central Oxford just a 12-minute drive away, this is a quintessentially British hotel that is perfect for those wanting to explore the city at a slower pace.
Price range: ££
Area: On Appleton Road in the Cumnor area of Oxfordshire – just a 12-minute drive, or 30 minutes on public transport, from the city centre.
Ethos Hotel
Boasting some of the largest guest rooms in Oxford, the Ethos Hotel is located in a quiet neighbourhood just minutes from the city centre.
The hotel was once home to a family-run bakery, owned by Charlie Crapper, and specialised in providing dough that residents could take home and make bread from. In keeping with this delicious theme, the hotel also owns the Caffè Ethos Bar and Restaurant that sits across the road.
If you’re a gym lover who likes to keep fit, even on a weekend away, then you’re in luck – this hotel offers its guests use of the local PureGym and Willow’s Health Club and Spa.
Price range: £££
Area: Situated on Western Road, next to the Grandpont neighbourhood.
The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms
The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms is potentially one of the coolest and most Instagrammable Oxford boutique hotels. Just a 2-minute walk from the train station and 5 minutes from the castle, The Porterhouse Grill and Rooms has a great location in a popular area of Oxford.
The property is renowned for its delicious steak dishes. They pride themselves on sourcing the freshest meat from the Smithfield Market and dry-aging the steak in-house for 42 days before serving.
The interior is ultra-stylish with contrasting mustard and blue furnishings throughout. The old-school, hipster theme really sells this hotel and sets it apart from others in the area.
Price range: £££
Area: Located on Mill Street, next to the River Thames. This is a really popular neighbourhood amongst guests.
The Randolph Hotel
The Randolph Hotel is by far the best boutique hotel in Oxford in terms of facilities. With an on-site spa, this is the hotel for ultimate relaxation, right in the historic centre.
After a huge renovation, the new rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated with nods to Oxford University alumni. But, it’s the spa that really sells this hotel. A candle-lit path leads the way into the treatment rooms and sauna, where you can find the latest spa technology and also your inner Zen.
Whether you are after a hotel that pampers or want a place that serves as a great base for your Oxford exploration, this hotel has something for everyone.
Price range: £££
Area: This hotel is located opposite the Ashmolean Museum.
The Buttery
If you are looking for a great value hotel in Oxford, The Buttery is the perfect option. The hotel was refurbished in 2016 and brand-new en-suite facilities were installed.
Set in a traditional townhouse, The Buttery Hotel successfully treads the line of having a classic feel, without being outdated.
The location could not be more perfect, guests staying in deluxe rooms are treated to panoramic views of Broad Street, which is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Oxford, including the university and the Science Museum.
Price range: £
Area: Located on the popular Broad Street, next to the popular attractions – despite this, the hotel is quiet at night, so you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
VOCO Oxford Thames, an IHG Hotel
Nestled amongst gorgeous scenery, voco Oxford Thames is a luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the River Thames.
As an IHG hotel, the voco Oxford Thames oozes sophistication whilst being set in a charming townhouse. The gardens are undeniably the top perk of this hotel, with views stretching out over the lush greenery surrounding you.
Whilst the interior is modern, the oak beams and other features serve as a reminder that this is a period property, with most rooms featuring an iconic four-poster bed.
For dining, there is the River Room Restaurant and Crusaders Bar and Lounge; both serve up tasty meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
Price range: ££
Area: A short drive away from Oxford, this hotel is located in Sandford-on-Thames and offers unparalleled views of the water.
Cotswold Lodge Hotel
In North Oxford, a ten-minute walk from the city centre, you will find the Cotswold Lodge Hotel.
This is a recently refurbished Victorian building, with a stunning Mediterranean-style courtyard for guests to unwind. The hotel’s feature rooms are all named after Oxford colleges, and blend the classic Victorian style with more modern features.
The staff at the hotel are known to be incredibly attentive, and guests can visit 66a for a well-stocked buffet dinner or afternoon tea.
Price range: £££
Area: This country-style manor is located a 10-minute walk from the centre of Oxford, in a quiet neighbourhood.
Artist Residence Oxfordshire
For those after a more unique hotel, look no further than the Artist Residence Oxfordshire.
Rooms have been individually designed, with limited edition artwork and vintage furniture. As a farmhouse-turned-pub, the bedrooms are set on the first floor of the converted outbuildings, offering guests a chance to enjoy country life with a quirky twist.
Downstairs you’ll find The Mason Arms, a reclaimed pub bursting with character. Features like a cosy fireplace and antique furnishings complement the rest of the hotel perfectly.
Price range: ££
Area: This exciting hotel is in South Leigh, east of Oxford.
Practical Tips for Booking Oxford Boutique Hotels
- The best area to stay in Oxford is the stunning city centre filled with historic buildings. Public transport is quick and efficient in Oxford, so if you are on a budget, then staying in the surrounding areas and getting the bus into the centre is a great way to save money.
- Remember to check what your room rate includes, and don’t worry if breakfast is not included – Oxford has plenty of cool breakfast spots and we recommend exploring as many as possible on your trip.
