10 stylish hotels in Oxford for the perfect UK city break

With its rich history, elegant buildings and cosy pubs, Oxford is the perfect place for a relaxing break with plenty to see and do. If you’re considering a getaway, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Oxford for the perfect UK staycation below.

OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN OXFORD

Once you've experience the best hotels in Bath, checked out the most stylish hotels in Surrey, Oxford should be high on your list for a wonderful city break.

Oxford is within easy reach of London, with some trains getting you there in under an hour from Paddington station. Once you arrive you’ll be greeted by a huge range of cultural attractions, restaurants and outdoor activities to try.

The city's wonderful fairytale buildings have inspired many literary classics, like Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia. They also give the city its nickname, The City of Dreaming Spires.

With over 1,000 years of history to explore, there's little chance of getting bored in this medieval city. Oxford is one of the most celebrated university cities in the world and you can easily spend a day exploring the many buildings of its iconic university.

On sunny days you can enjoy the outdoors, perhaps by punting down the river or rambling in the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside, with chocolate-box villages and vibrant green fields to explore.

Many of Oxford's hotels are perfectly located right in the centre of the city, so that you can stroll out of your hotel door after breakfast right into the heart of history. Of course, if you fancy a break in the delightful Oxfordshire countryside surrounding the city, you'll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay.

So if you're feeling inspired to book an escape to the city, read on for our pick of the best hotels in Oxford...

The Old Bank Hotel is set in a stately former bank building and overlooks some of Oxford University's prettiest buildings, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera. You'll be within easy walking distance of some of the city's best attractions here.

If you're after a lively buzz with a touch of tranquility you'll feel right at home at Old Bank. This is a hotel which manages to combine period detailing with refined modern décor resulting in contemporary cool in a traditional setting.

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Located right in the heart of Oxford, The Randolph Hotel is inspired by the University of Oxford’s history, and pays homage to its famous alumni. It's only moments away from many of the iconic colleges, like St. Johns and Trinity, so it's ideal for anyone looking to throw themselves into discovering this world-renowned university city.

When you've tired yourself out with a busy day of sightseeing you can kick back with a pampering treatment in the luxurious Wellness Centre, tuck into locally sourced, British dishes at The Alice, or have a drink in one of the hotel's two stylish bars, The Snug or The Morse Bar.

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The boutique Vanbrugh House Hotel is in a characterful Grade-II listed building, and no two of its bedrooms are the same. Every bedroom is named after a different historical character or location with a connection to Oxford’s intriguing past, with the story behind the name displayed on the bedroom walls.

One thing the rooms do have in common is comfort, with handcrafted English furniture, premier cotton bedding and light fluffy pillows. Breakfast is the only meal served at the hotel, so the Vanbrugh makes sure it's special. Start your day with mouth-watering local produce and a selection of breakfast beverages to please every guest.

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The Old Parsonage Hotel offers five-star luxury with eclectic country house charm. Like many of the best hotels in Oxford, it reflects the mix of ancient and modern that characterises the city.

The hotel is set in a 17th-century stone building on the edge of the old city, with the bells of the parish church of St Giles within earshot. You can stroll around the corner to Jericho for hip bars and cocktail lounges, live music and an arthouse cinema, while free-to-borrow, Dutch-style bikes will get you further afield.

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If you'd rather wake up to the sound of church bells and ducks than the buzz of the city then Voco Oxford Thames could be the escape for you. The hotel is built around remaining parts of a 15th-century manor house and barn, and there's a gym, pool and spa, as well as landscaped gardens, river trails and a pretty nearby village to explore.

This delightful hotel offers all the peace of a country retreat, while still being within easy reach of the city. You'll be treated to views of geese, swans and herons by the river, while knowing you're still just a short hop from Oxford and its many sights.

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One of the most distinctive places to stay in Oxford, the Malmaison is housed inside a former Victorian prison. The converted cells are now lavishly decked out with crushed velvets and designer style, creating an intimate atmosphere.

You'll be within easy reach of many of Oxford's main attractions, and you'll be right next to Oxford Castle, where you can learn all about the prison's history, adding an extra layer of understanding to your stay. There are great dining options at the Malmaison. The cosy brasserie is perfect in the winter, but in the summer you can head to the terrace in the old prison Exercise Yard to dine in the sun.

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At the end of a fragrant lavender-lined path, in a honey-stone Oxfordshire manor house, is the magical Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. This luxury hotel is located just 25 minutes from the city and is the creation of renowned chef Raymond Blanc. It's the only country house hotel in Britain to retain two Michelin stars for more than 35 years.

Centred around its intimate restaurant and a picturesque kitchen garden, this opulent hotel is all about fine-dining. The rooms are inspired by herbs and flowers and the menu is ever-changing, with artfully concocted dishes on offer. This property is a foodie's dream, and you'll be a short drive away from Oxford where you can dine in the city's many top-class restaurants.

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If you're looking for quirky character, hearty pub food, and a lively base for exploring the city, then The Head of the River could be the place for you. The sights, shops and attractions of Oxford are all within easy walking distance. You can stroll in Christ Church Meadow or walk along the towpath to a choice of other riverside pubs.

As the hotel is based right on the river, it's a great pick for anyone hoping to go punting, one of Oxford's most quintessential activities. Hire a punt and enjoy a lazy, meandering journey up to the university boathouses. The riverside courtyard garden is a great place to have a drink on a sunny afternoon after all your sightseeing is done.

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Built into Oxford's old city walls on a quiet street just a few moments from the action, Tower House could hardly be more central. This 17th-century former townhouse oozes character, with lopsided door frames and low ceilings adding some quirky charm to the tasteful contemporary interiors. It's about as far removed from a chain hotel as you can get.

There are just eight bedrooms, each with its own individual charm. There's even one spacious Deluxe Double built into the semi-circular bastion of the original city walls.

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If you're after a luxury hotel right in the heart of the action, The George Street Hotel is a great pick. It's very convenient if you're travelling by train, as it's just ten minutes from the station on foot. You can check in and throw yourself right into sightseeing, with the Ashmolean Museum just a stone's throw from the hotel.

There are a range of rooms to suit different kinds of traveller. But if you're really looking to savour the sights of Oxford, book one of the superior rooms which have terraces offering views of the university spires, the Oxford skyline and the distant hills.

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