The best budget hotels in Oxford, from city centre b&bs to suburban mansions

This is one of the quietest hotel locations in Oxford, ideal for those wanting to enjoy the buzz of city during the day but retreat from the noise of the centre for a restful night’s stay. At a quick glance, Hawkwell House, set within three acres of mature private grounds and lawns, looks as if it could be a rather ordinary, commercial residence, but the rambling white building seen by passers-by belies the detail inside: an attractive mosaic of tiles in reception; a cosy wood-panelled lounge with a trio of sofas, travel trunks for tables, and a working fireplace; giant birdcage chandeliers casting light over the central wooden-railed staircase and soft-toned paintwork to keep the mood relaxed.

The eccentric Tower House is a 17th-century town house, incorporating a tower of the 13th-century city wall. Décor is homely and simple, allowing history to speak for itself; steep winding staircases, uneven floors, narrow passages and low beamed ceilings boast oodles of character. The eight rooms vary enormously. ‘Bastion’ occupies the circular tower of the old wall. Those over six foot will struggle to stand but the large sleigh bed ensures a good night’s sleep, and the roll-top bath a comfortable soak for two. Also in the tower, ‘Foundry’ is higher and brighter. Other rooms feel more contemporary, some with views over Jesus College gardens, some with showers or baths, some quaint but sharing bathrooms.

This contemporary, purpose-built hotel sits within its own leafy grounds close to the River Thames and set back from one of the main routes into Oxford city centre. From the outside it appears like a large, rambling modern manor house built of local Cotswold stone. Internally, there’s a corporate touch that has the atmosphere of an upmarket chain hotel. The ground-floor reception, bar, lounge (an agreeable space with Chesterfield sofas lifted by green and blue scatter cushions) and restaurant all utilise one huge, bustling open space that’s broken up by the occasional pillar, screen or half-wall. Elsewhere, guests can make use of the on-site swimming pool and spa.

This classy guesthouse in a popular, leafy suburb of north Oxford has been in the same family since 1974. It doesn’t rest on its laurels however, with the cheerfully hands-on owner striving to improve the facilities year-on-year.
Modern boutique in style, the calm greys, creams and browns are set off with flashes of lime green and distinctly Scandinavian flourishes. The traditional, picture-lined hallway and welcoming staff serve to give this hotel an intimate and homely feel. There are seating areas with leather sofas, books, newspapers and laptop stations, there’s a pleasantly shaded garden, and given Oxford’s notorious traffic problems, the rear car park is boon.

The exterior of this family-owned b&b in north Oxford has a smart, almost Hamptons-style look about it, with broad eaves and lots of greenery. The interior design is functional but attractive, using white walls, natural light and occasional abstract artworks. Rooms are clean and light, with contemporary bathrooms and some simple but colourful design touches. Staff are young and unflustered, creating a friendly atmosphere and giving good advice on local restaurants and attractions. The well-tended garden at the rear of the property is a very pleasant spot in fine weather, with tables, chairs and parasols. There’s parking both in front of and behind the main building, as well as spaces for bicycles.

Set in a handsome, double-fronted Victorian townhouse, The Osney Arms still shows the vestiges of its days as a city boozer on the outside, but inside it’s all contemporary calm. Original details such as ornate cast-iron fireplaces and beautiful leaded windows have been retained and set against antique and replica furniture, crisp neutral colour schemes and a cosy but uncluttered style. The 10 rooms here are simple, bright and understated; beautifully restful with pale earthy tones accented by deep red, russet or blue throws. Most feature original fireplaces, some antique furniture and others reproductions of French-style classics.

This Victorian mansion, all bay windows, grand staircases, rich-hued wallpaper and plush, patterned upholstery, could be the little sister of that grande dame of Oxford hotels, the Randolph. Most rooms are in a modern wing at the back of the hotel, but the best – and most expensive – are the 10 ‘feature rooms’ in the original Victorian villa, all quaintly named after Oxford colleges and adorned with period architectural flourishes, taking you back to an era when dons sipped sherry during tutorials and vicars were entertained to tea. The restaurant, 66a, is classy and spacious, with attentive staff serving a mid-priced and attractively presented menu.

Ethos is set in a quiet residential area close to the city centre, and offers peace and tranquility within a short walk of all of Oxford’s attractions: the main shopping areas are a 10-minute walk and the most significant museums and colleges are less than 15 minutes away. The hotel’s main draw, however, is its rooms, which rank among the largest in the city. Even standard doubles feature a kitchenette with fridge, sink and microwave. The suites are expansive – in particular No. 12 – which feels more like a mini apartment. You’ll also get built-in wardrobes, enormous televisions and big, comfy beds. Guests can graze on a range of complimentary snacks in Caffè Ethos, the hotel’s small Italian-themed restaurant and bar, all day.