Hotels in Oxford

Still wondering what to do in Oxford? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Oxford and book your hotel today!

Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires', is globally famous as the home of the prestigious University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The city is a magnificent collection of historic colleges, towering spires, and beautiful medieval architecture that inspires contemplation and learning. You can wander through the grand quadrangles of Christ Church and Magdalen College, or delve into history at the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries.

Beyond the university, Oxford offers the quaint covered market, the historic Ashmolean Museum, and the peaceful activity of punting on the River Cherwell. This is a compact, intellectual city that effortlessly blends centuries of tradition with a modern, cosmopolitan feel.

Choosing your hotel in Oxford is a choice between staying in the historic, bustling heart or opting for a calmer base with easy access to the colleges.

The City Centre, particularly the area immediately around Carfax Tower and the main colleges, is the best location for first-time visitors. Staying here puts you within easy walking distance of the major university sites, the Bodleian Library, and the best shops and restaurants. This area features many of the city's charming historic hotels and traditional inns.

For a slightly quieter, more residential, and family-friendly base, the area near Summertown, to the north of the city centre, is a great option. This district offers good quality accommodation, independent cafes, and local shops, while being well-connected to the centre by a frequent bus service.

The area around Oxford Train Station and the nearby Osney Island offers a practical choice for those prioritising transport links and easy access to the River Thames (locally known as the Isis). Accommodation here can often be more modern and is convenient for day trips outside the city.

Oxford is served by excellent train links to London and other major cities. The city centre is easily accessible via the Oxford Parkway station (for northern connections) or the main Oxford station. For airport arrivals, the Oxford Bus Company offers services to London airports. The city centre is very walkable, but local buses are efficient for reaching areas like Summertown and Headington.

To secure a good hotel price in Oxford, you must navigate around the city's academic calendar. The busiest times, when prices peak, are during the main tourist season (June to August) and specific university events.

For a significant saving, plan your visit for the main university vacations, particularly during the summer holiday period from late June to September, when most students are away. A unique and essential tip is to avoid the periods around university events such as graduation ceremonies and matriculation week (usually in October), which cause extreme surges in hotel demand across the city. By being aware of these key academic dates, you can secure a much more competitive mid-week rate.