Only one hour by train from London, Oxford is often visited as a day trip from the capital city. However, there is much to be explored in Oxford and you might even prefer to stay in Oxford while making a day trip or two to London to go easy on the pocketbook.

With less than 200,000 residents, it’s a very manageable city with good public transportation and home to the oldest university in the country. With our guide to the best places to stay in Oxford, you can find the best area for tourists and choose an Oxford hotel that meets your travel style and budget. 

We will cover off all types of Oxford accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Oxford hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Oxford 2023, the best Oxford hotels, best places in Oxford to visit, the best places to stay in Oxford, hotels near Oxford attractions, Oxford neighborhood guide and many more.

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City Centre – Where to stay in Oxford for tourists

Oxford City Centre is the best area for tourists on their first visit to Oxford, as all of the major attractions are in walking distance of the city centre. Many of the best things to do in Oxford, such as the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and Oxford University are less than a 20-minute walk from central Oxford.

The train station is conveniently located as well, should you decide to take any day trips from Oxford. When it comes to choosing Oxford accommodation, you’ll find the best hotels in Oxford in the city centre.

Best places to stay in Oxford City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Oxford City Centre
Central Backpackers Oxford
Oxford Backpackers Hostel
YHA Oxford

Budget Hotels in Oxford City Centre
Bath Place Hotel
WestGate Hotel
Oxford West House
Acorn Guest House

Mid range Hotels in Oxford City Centre
Malmaison Oxford
Victoria House Hotel
George Street Hotel
Museum Hotel Oxford

Family Friendly Hotels in Oxford City Centre
Royal Oxford Hotel
The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms
Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel
The Oxford Townhouse

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Oxford City Centre
Old Bank Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Old Parsonage Hotel

Summertown – Where to stay in Oxford with family

North of the city center is the area known as Summertown, an affluent suburb of stately Victorian and Georgian architecture. With several independent schools, this is a family-friendly neighborhood of Oxford. Port Meadow is a large green area between Summertown and the River Thames, offering endless recreational opportunities along the paths by the river.

If you hire a bicycle, you can ride up to the famous Trout Pub for a pint. Elsewhere in Summertown, there are many unique boutiques, artisan shops, and trendy restaurants. 

Best places to stay in Summertown

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Summertown
YHA Oxford
Oxford Backpackers Hostel
Central Backpackers Oxford

Budget Hotels in Summertown
Travelodge Oxford Peartree Hotel
Lonsdale Guest House
Noa Residence

Mid range Hotels in Summertown
Jury’s Inn
Diana’s Bed & Breakfast
Lina Guest House
Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Summertown
Holiday Inn Oxford
Parklands
Marlborough House Hotel
Remont Oxford Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Summertown
Burlington House Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Malmaison Oxford Castle

Abingdon – Where to stay near Oxford on a budget

Less than ten miles south of Oxford is the market town of Abingdon on the River Thames. You can easily reach Oxford by bus, train, bicycle or even by boat! Abingdon was founded as an Abbey in the 7th century and claims to be the oldest continually inhabited town in the United Kingdon.

Nothing remains of the original abbey, however, the site remains and can be visited. Elsewhere in town, many historic buildings remain to be explored. Travelers who choose to stay in Abingdon will find a nice assortment of accommodation options, including budget-friendly guests houses, hotels, and B&Bs.

Best places to stay in Abingdon

Budget Hotels in Abingdon
Premier Inn Abingdon Hotel
Premier Inn Oxford South (Didcot) Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Abingdon
The Cosener’s House
The Brewery Tap
Your Abingdon Stay
Abbey Guest House

Family Friendly Hotels in Abingdon
Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Dog House Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Abingdon
The Crown & Thistle

South Oxford – Where to stay in Oxford for relaxation

If you prefer green space over nightlife, then South Oxford is the perfect area to choose your Oxford accommodation. As the home of Christ Church and Magdalen College, Harry Potter fans are likely to recognize the grounds as parts of the film were shot here.

Oxford Botanic Garden is here, offering a restful retreat from the bustling city centre, or if you prefer art, you can pop over to the Modern Art Museum. What South Oxford lacks in pubs and restaurants is made up for with fresh air and open spaces. There are fewer hotels than the city center, but the High Street leads right downtown from South Oxford. 

Best places to stay in South Oxford

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in South Oxford
Oxford Backpackers Hostel
Central Backpackers Oxford
YHA Oxford

Budget Hotels in South Oxford
Travelodge Oxford Abingdon Road Hotel
Cherwell Guest House
Acorn Guest House
Iffley Town House

Mid range Hotels in South Oxford
Jurys Inn Oxford
Oxford Thames Hotel
Lakeside Guest House
The Oxford Townhouse

Family Friendly Hotels in South Oxford
The Oxford Townhouse
Remont Oxford Hotel
Red Mullions
The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms

Affordable Luxury Hotels in South Oxford
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Old Bank Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Malmaison Oxford Castle

Park Town – Where to stay in Oxford with kids

On the north side of downtown, between Oxford city center and Summertown, sits the neighborhood known as Park Town. Although it began as a suburb, it’s really just a 20-minute walk to the city center, so it’s a very convenient location. The residences here include two crescent buildings of townhomes, with many large villas nearby, many with English gardens, making this a very picturesque neighborhood.

The area is wedged between two large parks, University Parks and Port Meadow, allowing ample space for children to run and play. This is a very family-friendly neighborhood with the added benefit of proximity to everything you want to see and do in Oxford. 

Best places to stay in Park Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Park Town
YHA Oxford
Oxford Backpackers Hostel

Budget Hotels in Park Town
Travelodge Oxford Peartree Hotel
The Oxford House
WestGate Hotel
Cherwell Guest House

Mid range Hotels in Park Town
Diana’s Bed & Breakfast
Sandfield Guest House
Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Park Town
The Oxford Townhouse
Lakeside Guest House
Galaxie Hotel
Parklands

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Park Town
Old Parsonage Hotel
Old Bank Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Vanbrugh House Hotel

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