Where to Stay in Oxford, England

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Where to Stay in Oxford, England

Are you wondering where to stay in Oxford, England?

Oxford is a small city of 150,000 people that is less than 1.5 hours by train from London. It’s best known for being home to Oxford University, which was founded in 1096 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Oxford is also not far from the beautiful Cotswolds region of England.

Although Oxford is a popular day trip from London, you may be considering spending a night or two in Oxford — and that is an excellent choice! Oxford is perfect for an overnight trip or weekend getaway from London. There is plenty to do and see, and it’s considerably more affordable than the capital city.

⏰ Short on time? This day trip from London includes Oxford, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle.

To book your train tickets from London to Oxford, I recommend using Omio.

Keep reading for my top recommendations on where to stay in Oxford, England.

Best Places to Stay in Oxford

Oxford is a small city that is very walkable.

The best place to stay in Oxford is the City Centre because of its proximity to all that Oxford has to offer. You can stroll around admiring the incredible architecture of Oxford University, check out the excellent local museums, visit the Bodleian Library, or even take a Harry Potter filming locations tour.

Two other good areas to stay in are Osney (which is close to the train station and just a short walk from the City Centre) and Park Town (which is a nice residential neighborhood just north of the City Centre.)

Here are my top three picks for where to stay in Oxford, England:

Best luxury: Old Bank Hotel
Best mid-range: The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms
Best budget: Central Backpackers

And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Oxford.

Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!

Old Bank Hotel

If you are wondering where to stay in Oxford, you can’t go wrong with Old Bank Hotel. This luxury hotel is one of the top-rated hotels in Oxford with a perfect location in the historic heart of the city.

This elegant hotel is just a short walk away from the campus of Oxford University and popular attractions like the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum. Many rooms have scenic university views.

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The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel, part of Graduate Hotels, is another one of the best places to stay in Oxford. It’s located directly opposite the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and has an “eclectic academia” vibe.

Guests staying at this luxury hotel will enjoy its convenient location to everything Oxford has to offer. It also features stylish guest rooms and a wellness center with spa treatments available.

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Malmaison Oxford

Malmaison Oxford is by far one of the most unique hotels in Oxford. It’s not every day that you can say you slept in a former Victorian prison! But don’t worry, there’s nothing prison-like about this luxury hotel.

Although you’ll be staying in a converted prison cell, you can enjoy luxurious touches and modern amenities that Victorian prisoners definitely didn’t enjoy, like power showers, free WiFi, and satellite TV. This hotel features unique original architecture and has a great location in Oxford’s City Centre.

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Old Parsonage Hotel

Old Parsonage Hotel is another one of the best luxury hotels in Oxford. Located in a historic building that dates back to 1660, this hotel is located in the historic heart of Oxford’s City Centre.

It’s just a short walk to many of the university buildings at Oxford, and the rest of what the city has to offer. The hotel features a garden, a library, and free breakfast is included with your stay.

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Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre

The Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre is the perfect place to stay in Oxford if you are looking for a modern hotel that is surrounded by historic charm and located centrally in the heart of the city.

This excellent hotel is situated right on the riverfront directly across from Oxford Castle, which dates back to 1073. The hotel also offers modern, spacious rooms and a sunny rooftop terrace with great views.

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Head of the River

Head of the River is a great hotel in a scenic location along the River Thames. It’s located just south of Oxford’s City Centre, but still within easy walking distance to the university, museums, and more.

A delicious free breakfast is included in your stay at this hotel. You can also enjoy riverfront dining on the terrace restaurant for lunch or dinner, the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing in Oxford.

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Cotswold Lodge Hotel

Cotswold Lodge Hotel is a charming place to stay in Oxford that is just north of the City Centre in the Park Town neighborhood. Located in a Victorian manor, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the City Centre.

If you’re looking for a more cozy and intimate place to stay, Cotswold Lodge Hotel is the perfect choice. Port Meadow, a sprawling country park, is also just a short walk away from this hotel. Although it’s in a more residential area, all that Oxford has to offer is just an easy and quick walk away.

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The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms

If you’re looking for a great mid-range hotel in Oxford, look no further than The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms. This quaint hotel is located in Osney, just a 2-minute walk from the Oxford train station.

It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the City Centre of Oxford, making this a great location to stay in. The hotel is located above The Porterhouse Grill restaurant, and free breakfast is included with your stay.

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Central Backpackers

Finally, for travelers who are on a budget, Central Backpackers is the best hostel in Oxford. This hostel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Oxford train station and 10 minutes to the City Centre.

The hostel offers plenty of communal spaces to hang out in, including a shared lounge, a bar, and a rooftop terrace. Beds in the dorm rooms here are available for as little as $35 a night — a bargain for the UK.

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