Published: 04 November 2025
Oxfordshire takes its name from “Oxenaforda”, a reference to the shallow crossing point where oxen once passed through the River Thames and Cherwell; the county has long been shaped by its waterways, market towns and agricultural landscape. That structure still defines how it is experienced today, with Oxford at its centre and a wider network of villages and Cotswolds countryside extending outwards.
The best hotels in Oxfordshire follow a similar pattern. In the city, properties are typically set within converted townhouses and historic buildings, positioned within walking distance of the university’s colleges, museums and main landmarks. Beyond Oxford, hotels shift in scale and setting, with country houses, coaching inns and estate stays offering more space and a slower pace to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
In this guide, we take a closer look at some of the best hotels in Oxfordshire.
Double Red Duke, Clanfield
Prices from £150 per night.
The Double Red Duke sits in Clanfield, around 30 minutes west of Oxford, within a 17th-century coaching inn that has been carefully reworked by the Country Creatures group and retains much of its original Cotswold stone structure. The ground floor is arranged around a bar with a series of adjoining dining spaces, which allows it to operate as a pub throughout the day, with spaces being used consistently from morning through to late evening.
There are 19 bedrooms, each individually arranged but consistent in approach, with neutral palettes, well-proportioned beds and practical detailing. Rooms range from doubles to more spacious family options, with many featuring roll-top baths and 100 Acres toiletries. A number are also dog-friendly, which adds to its appeal as a Cotswolds base.
In the garden, a shepherd’s hut has been converted into a treatment room and offers a small range of spa treatments. The hotel also houses several private spaces, including the Feasting Room and Garden Room and is used regularly for events and group bookings, while opposite the main building, The Duchess provides eight additional bedrooms that are available for exclusive hire. The restaurant is centred on open-fire cooking, with menus shaped by seasonal British produce sourced from local suppliers, and dishes change regularly in line with availability.
The Heyford, Oxfordshire
Prices from £90 per night.
Located in rural Oxfordshire, The Heyford takes a modern approach to the boutique hotel model, with an emphasis on shared spaces and an easy, sociable atmosphere. The hotel houses 18 rooms, including a handful with balconies and a larger master suite, with interiors pared back and finished with original artworks, sleek bathrooms and plush bedding.
Downstairs, the bar and lounge form the heart of the hotel, drawing both guests and locals throughout the day, while a two-lane bowling alley sits just off to the side — a relaxed addition that comes into its own in the evenings and at weekends.
The restaurant is set within a glass-fronted dining room overlooking the village green, beneath a ceiling of hanging plants that keeps the space light and connected to its surroundings. At Baton, the hotel’s restaurant, menus are built around locally sourced produce and served across breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a focus on well-presented dishes.There is a clear emphasis on supporting nearby producers, giving the menu a strong connection to the surrounding Oxfordshire landscape. For something more informal, the bar offers a separate atmosphere suited to drinks and casual dining.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton
Prices from £647 per night.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was established in 1984 by Raymond Blanc and has held two Michelin stars since opening. The hotel is currently closed for redevelopment and is scheduled to reopen in 2027.
Set within extensive grounds, the property includes a two-acre kitchen garden, orchards and formal landscaped areas that supply produce directly to the kitchen. The restaurant remains central to the estate and, alongside its two Michelin stars, holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Menus are shaped by seasonal produce that is grown on-site, with an emphasis on low-waste practices and a direct relationship between the gardens and the kitchen.
Accommodation comprises 32 individually designed rooms and suites, many with views over the gardens and some with private terraces. Interiors draw on both French and English influences, combining traditional detailing with marble bathrooms.
The estate also includes the Raymond Blanc Cookery School and Gardening School, which offer courses and experiences throughout the year, along with a number of private dining and event spaces within the main house.
Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford
Prices from £213 per night.
Located on St Giles in central Oxford, the Old Parsonage Hotel forms part of The Oxford Collection and is a five-star boutique property positioned at the northern end of the city centre. Set within a building dating back to 1660, the hotel sits directly opposite St Giles’ Church and within walking distance of Oxford’s primary cultural and academic landmarks. The Ashmolean Museum is a few minutes away, while University Parks and the Jericho neighbourhood are also close by, making most of the city accessible on foot.
The hotel has 35 rooms and suites, each individually designed. Interiors retain original architectural features, including stonework and sash windows, alongside more contemporary finishes. Rooms are equipped with handmade Epoc beds, Carrara marble bathrooms and natural fabrics, with a consistent approach that prioritises comfort and usability. In-room amenities include Egyptian cotton bedding, Wildsmith toiletries and Nespresso machines, with several rooms offering views over the garden terrace or St Giles.
Dining is centred on the Parsonage Grill, a well-established restaurant within Oxford that serves modern British dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The space also incorporates a bar and terrace, which are used throughout the day by both guests and non-residents. As part of The Oxford Collection, guests have access to additional restaurants including Gees, set within a Victorian glasshouse and Quod on the High Street.
The property also includes a library, small private garden and terrace spaces, along with private dining rooms that are used for events and smaller gatherings whilst limited on-site parking is available, which is relatively uncommon for central Oxford.
Hotel du Vin, Henley-on-Thames
Prices from £69 per night.
Hotel du Vin Henley is located a short walk from the River Thames within a former 18th-century brewery in the centre of Henley-on-Thames. The Grade II listed building retains a number of its original industrial features, including exposed brickwork, timber beams and structural ironwork, which have been incorporated into the interiors and give the property a more grounded feel than many contemporary riverside hotels.
There are 43 rooms, arranged across the main building and a courtyard to the rear. Each room is individually styled, with some retaining original architectural details, while others take a more pared-back approach. Standard amenities include Egyptian cotton bedding, deep roll-top baths or drench showers, Nespresso machines and well-stocked minibars. A number of rooms offer partial river views, while others include small terraces or balconies overlooking the courtyard.
Facilities centre around the hotel’s bar, restaurant and outdoor courtyard, which becomes more heavily used during the warmer months. The restaurant operates as a French-style bistro, with a menu built around established classics rather than more experimental dishes. A set menu runs alongside the à la carte offering, with dishes that are consistent and well-executed rather than overly complex. Private dining spaces are also available and are regularly used for small events and group bookings.
