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River Hotel Oxford, Oxford

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From189US$ /night
Check-in
30Jan2025Select date
Check-out
31Jan2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

17 Botley Rd, Oxford, United Kingdom

River Hotel is an independently run hotel located on the banks of the River Thames in Oxford, known for its friendly service and convenient access to the city center. The establishment occupies a historic building built in the 1870s, maintaining many of its charming original features. Guests appreciate the quiet atmosphere despite being close to bustling Oxford attractions and excellent transport links. The hotel offers free parking, which is a significant advantage in Oxford, making it an appealing option for travelers.

Location

River Hotel is ideally situated just a five-minute walk from central Oxford, making it convenient for accessing the city's major tourist attractions. The hotel is also less than two minutes from Oxford Railway Station, facilitating easy travel to and from London and other cities. The hotel offers a unique chance to explore the scenic Towpath along the River Thames, as well as easy access to local bus services.

Rooms

The hotel features 20 individually decorated rooms, some with views of the River Thames. Each room is equipped with essential amenities including free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Most rooms are en-suite with baths and showers, though a few have bathrooms located across the corridor. The rooms maintain a homely feel, though guests note that decor may appear a bit dated.

Eat & Drink

Breakfast at River Hotel is noted for its quality, offering a variety of choices, including a fully cooked English breakfast, fruits, cereals, and pastries. Breakfast is served in a pleasant dining room overlooking the river, contributing to a relaxed dining experience. While lunch and dinner services are not available, diverse dining options are within walking distance in the city center.

Leisure & Business

The well-kept garden leads directly to the River Thames, providing a great spot for riverside walks. The hotel also has a lounge area where guests can unwind. Though not specifically designed for business use, small seminars can be held in the meeting room available, which accommodates various layouts. Free on-site parking is accessible for guests, and arrangements can be made for luggage transport.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Family Room
Max:
3 persons
15 m² 
Bed options:
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
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Standard Ensuite Double Room
Max:
2 persons
12 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Basic Private Bathroom Double Room
Max:
2 persons
12 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center
Oxford3300 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 44.7 mi
London Heathrow (LHR) 51.5 mi
Bus
Bus stop700 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Baggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Tennis court

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cribs
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

17 Botley Rd, Oxford, United Kingdom
Map view
17 Botley Rd, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
80%
liked the hotel and would stay again
great location
friendly staff
outdated decor
limited coffee options
8.0/10
Great
Rooms
7.3
Location
8.7
Service
9.3
Dining
7.3
Guest reviews
8.0/10
based on 6 reviews
8.1
8.1/10based on 791 reviews
Tom
United Kingdom, April  2024
8.4/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The location is superb, right by the beautiful river and next to a lovely pub recommended by the staff. The rooms were comfortable and had a bit of a retro 1970s decor that I found charming. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to make my stay memorable. The dining experience, although included in my rate, could use a bit of improvement, especially with the coffee. Overall, a great value for the money with some minor room for enhancement.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were comfortable with a nostalgic 1970s decor that I enjoyed. The shower over with a plastic curtain was convenient, and I appreciated the option to leave my bags after checking out.
Service
9.0
I couldn't have asked for a friendlier staff! They truly went the extra mile to make me feel welcome and even arranged for me to watch the rugby while having breakfast. Their understanding of hospitality was exceptional.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location next to the river was simply stunning. It was so convenient to have a charming pub recommended by the staff right there, and I loved being by the river. A perfect setting for a relaxing stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was mostly good with river views and the option of small or large portions. However, the coffee was a bit of a letdown. Salads were the highlight for me.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offered nice facilities, and everything was well-maintained. The welcome drink was a nice touch that added to the overall experience.
David
United Kingdom, February  2024
9.0/10

I couldn't have asked for a better stay! The hotel is centrally located, right by the river, which made exploring the city so convenient. The staff went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, even arranging for me to catch the rugby match during breakfast. However, the dining options were somewhat limited, and I wished the coffee was included in the breakfast spread. The value for money was excellent, considering the exceptional service and prime location.

Rooms
9.0
The room was cozy with a comfortable bed, and the bathroom had everything I needed. It was convenient to be able to leave my bags after checking out.
Service
10.0
The staff truly understands hospitality. They were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making my stay extra special.
Location
9.0
Being right next to the river and near the railway station was a major plus. I enjoyed taking leisurely walks to the botanic gardens along the river.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was delightful, especially with the option of choosing a small or large meal. The river views added to the overall ambience.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were top-notch, and the welcome drink was a nice touch. Everything was well-maintained and added to the overall comfort of the stay.
Matthew
United States of America, August  2023
8.6/10

I had a delightful stay at this hotel. The staff couldn't have been friendlier; they even set up a special arrangement so I could watch the rugby while enjoying my breakfast which was truly above and beyond. The location is perfect, near the shopping center, close to the train station, and with a picturesque view of the River Thames. However, the rooms, while comfortable, lacked en suite bathrooms where I could leave my bags after checking out, and the plastic shower curtain was a bit disappointing.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were comfortable with a nice bed, but the lack of en suite bathrooms for leaving bags after checking out was inconvenient. The shower over with a plastic curtain wasn't ideal.
Service
10.0
The staff went the extra mile to ensure a fantastic stay. Their hospitality was exceptional, making my experience truly memorable.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location is superb, close to the shopping center, the train station, and offering a lovely view of the River Thames. Watching life on the river from the grounds was a lovely experience.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was lovely with included options and a beautiful view of the river. However, the lack of coffee inclusion was a small downside.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were well-equipped and added to the overall comfort of the stay.
Paul
United Kingdom, August  2023
7.8/10

The hotel's location is super convenient, close to the train station and within walking distance of the Oxford city centre. The service exceeded my expectations, with staff going above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. However, the 1970s decor of the rooms without en suite bathrooms was a bit outdated. The included river view during dining was a nice touch, but the option of a small dining menu was limited.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were clean and had a comfortable bed. The 1970s decor may not be for everyone, but the availability of drinks was a nice touch.
Service
9.0
The staff couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating. They even arranged for me to watch the rugby during breakfast, which I really appreciated.
Location
8.0
The hotel is conveniently located near the hop on hop off buses and by the Riverside, perfect for exploring Oxford easily.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience with river views was lovely, but the menu options could be more diverse. However, the cottage cheese provided was a nice inclusion.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offers comfortable and clean facilities, but additional modern upgrades would enhance the overall guest experience.
Jeff
United States of America, July  2023
7.6/10

Staying at this hotel was a mixed bag for me. While the service was exceptional and went above and beyond, the outdated room decor and lack of en suite bathroom were major drawbacks. The convenient location near the river and city center was a big plus, but the dining experience left much to be desired due to limited coffee options. Overall, a decent stay with room for improvement.

Rooms
6.0
The room I stayed in had a 1970s decor and no en suite bathroom. The presence of a shower over with a plastic curtain was a bit inconvenient.
Service
9.0
The service was outstanding, with the staff being extremely friendly and even making special arrangements for me to watch the rugby during breakfast. They truly understand hospitality.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location was great, being right on the Thames and just a few minutes away from both the river and the city center. The availability of adequate parking at the rear was very convenient.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was average, with the exception of the coffee, which was not up to expectations. However, the home-made jams were a nice touch.
Facilities
The facilities were decent, but the lack of modern amenities and air conditioning was noticeable.
great location
outdated decor
Scott
United States of America, May  2023
7.8/10

The hotel is conveniently located near the train station and the city center, offering adequate parking and picturesque river views. While the rooms had a 1970s decor with a comfortable bed, the shower over bathtub setup with a plastic curtain was a bit dated. The service was exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, even arranging special requests like watching sports during breakfast.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms had a comfortable bed and a 1970s decor, but the shower over bathtub setup with a plastic curtain felt a bit outdated.
Service
9.0
The service was outstanding, they really understood hospitality and made special arrangements to make my stay more enjoyable.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location near the train station and the city center was very convenient with adequate parking available. Being close to the river and botanic gardens added to the appeal of the area.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good overall, with the option of small or large meals and beautiful river views. However, the coffee was not up to par.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were well-maintained, and the river views from the dining area were a nice touch.
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room